Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts

Climate Action Shoreline: Water Use Wednesdays (Freshwater)

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

By Diane Lobaugh

When our small group of Shoreline neighbors developed a brochure of daily actions to address the climate crisis, we included a day to think about how we use water.

Freshwater is vital for all life and ecosystems. We use freshwater in many aspects of daily life including health, food production, power generation, manufacturing, and sanitation. The source of freshwater is precipitation from the atmosphere.

Although the earth's surface is two thirds water, less than 3% is freshwater, and much of that is ice, glaciers, permafrost, and polar ice caps. Most of accessible fresh water is used for agriculture (70%), then industrial (19%) and domestic uses (11%), including for drinking.

We are very lucky in our area to have access to an abundance of clean water, and an infrastructure that brings it into our homes, ready to use. Billions of people (29%) around the world lack this access to clean water, either due to ecological conditions, worsening because of climate change, or inadequate water infrastructure. Even more lack access to safely managed sanitation services, which causes illness and death.

Water pollution can happen on our streets and of course globally. It occurs when harmful chemicals or microorganisms contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, making it toxic to humans, wildlife, and the environment.

Agriculture is one of the biggest polluters from fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste, washed into bodies of water as it rains. Water is polluted by sewage and wastewater, oil from roads and from oil spills in or near bodies of water, and industrial waste. Another polluter that can stay in our water for thousands of years is radioactive waste generated by uranium mining, nuclear power plants, the production and testing of military weapons, and from research and medicine.

Most of us in this corner of the world can turn on the faucet in our homes and there is clean, fresh water that comes out. It runs and runs if we let it.

Washington’s drinking water comes from three sources: groundwater (wells and springs), surface water (lakes and rivers) and snowpack/snowmelt (supply for rivers, lakes and aquifers). Managed and protected by Seattle Public Utilities, drinking water in Shoreline usually comes from the protected watershed of the South Fork Tolt River in the Cascade Mountains.

Rain not absorbed into the earth flows into storm drains. Since it is not filtered or treated, everything on the street that washes into the storm drains goes directly to streams, lakes, and the Puget Sound. From my Echo Lake neighborhood the stormwater goes to Ballinger Lake, then to Lake Washington via McAleer Creek, then to Puget Sound.

Wastewater from flushing the toilet and drains in the house are piped to a wastewater treatment plant before going into Puget Sound. Only human waste and toilet paper go into toilets, and no grease, oil or food, medicines or chemicals should go into the drains.

Great blue heron on Lake Washington
What we can do locally about water seems pretty simple: don't pollute it and don't waste it. But many of our actions, although unintentional, do pollute, and most of us use more than we need.

I love to tell a story about carving a pumpkin with my then two-year-old daughter. I was using a little pumpkin carving knife which my daughter clearly wanted to try her hand at it. I hesitated, and she firmly said: "Mama, SHARE!"

Every morning I want to keep hearing her voice, reminding me to share. Water is a precious resource. The water we have access to must be shared, with all of life, with neighbors, between cities, and countries.

What can we do daily?

Talk to friends, neighbors, family about water. Where does it come from? How can you keep it clean? There is always something new to learn about conservation and pollution.

  • Take time to read the wonderful brochures from our utilities, cities, and water districts. Learn about what happens to the water on your street. And how neighbors can and must protect this resource.
  • Do notice how much water you use and need. In the Shoreline Climate Action plan residents are being asked in Shoreline to decrease our consumption by 27%. Do turn off the faucet, wash full loads of dishes/clothes, take short showers. Find and repair leaks.
  • Don’t use pesticides, or let oil, chemicals, or soap wash into the storm drains. Anything but rain that goes into the storm drains pollutes and hurts fish and wildlife. In Shoreline there is an adopt a storm drain program, where neighbors help drains stay clear of vegetation and everything except rainwater.

Do you buy cases of bottled water? Why? It is expensive, and comes in single use plastic bottles, covered with plastic. Marketing suggests it is better than our local tap water, failing to mention chemicals from the plastic possibly getting into the water, or how much fossil fuel was used to make the plastic, produce, fill, and transport the bottles to stores. Most plastic is not recycled, and ends up in landfills, in the ocean or transported then dumped in other countries.

Rain gardens and native landscaping help water soak into the earth. There is lots to learn about using plants, trees, and permeable surfaces in our yards. There are many ways to collect and use rainwater for watering. My mom’s family used old whiskey barrels back in the 30’s!

Many clothes are made with plastic, and when washed these fibers get into the water system and eventually the bodies of the fish, other birds, animals, and us. Microplastic pollution and ingestion in our water is a huge health and environmental problem.

Tell a neighbor you love their brown grass… and not encourage more watering and fertilizing! And never pesticides.

What would it mean to decrease freshwater use in agriculture and industry? And pollution? Where can you have impact or influence?

Ducks on Lake Washington
admiring their reflections
There is so much to learn about water, and many issues to further explore. We can listen and learn from each other. 

Thank you to the many workers in our communities that think about surface water, wastewater and of course our drinking water. And keep us educated about preserving this incredible resource.

Thanks to folks from City of Shoreline Surface and Wastewater, North City Water District, Seattle Public Utilities, Julie (environmental educator) and my husband, Sid (civil engineer) for sharing what they know and answering many questions.

Next month’s climate article will focus on saltwater and life in and near the ocean.

I hope to see you in the neighborhood… and don’t forget, “Share!”

--Diane Lobaugh

Past Shoreline Area News articles based on the pamphlet from Climate Action Shoreline: 

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LFP, Kenmore, and Shoreline to offer GO ELECTRIC! workshop series starting today (Tuesday)

Tuesday, July 18, 2023


The cities of Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Shoreline have partnered together to host a GO ELECTRIC! workshop series!

Each presentation in the series will help homeowners and renters find out about rebates available from the federal government. The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax rebates and tax credits for making climate friendly home improvements.

The first workshop will be July 18, 2023 at 7:00pm at Third Place Commons 17171 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park. 

Learn how you can have cleaner air and cook faster by switching from gas to an induction stovetop. 

Dr. Mark Vossler from Physicians for Social Responsibility will be presenting information on the health benefits of electrifying your home, especially in the kitchen, for adults and children. 

Gary Hawkey, a Lake Forest Park resident, will provide a demonstration of cooking on an induction stove.

Watch for the next in the series hosted by the City of Kenmore on solar installations and then Shoreline on heat pumps. Save the dates!


Take part in the series and learn ways to get ready and take on climate friendly actions!



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Marissa Aho named as King County Climate Director

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Marissa Aho appointed as 
King County Climate Director
King County Executive Dow Constantine has appointed Marissa Aho – a highly experienced leader in climate action and resilience planning – to serve as Climate Director, overseeing King County’s work to address climate change and advance its Strategic Climate Action Plan.

“Marissa has an exceptional background to lead King County’s Executive Climate Office, bringing with her nearly a decade of expertise in strategy and policy planning around climate action, environmental justice, resilience, and sustainability,” said Executive Constantine. 
“We look forward to her leadership as King County continues investing in solutions and taking bold action against the looming climate crisis.”

Aho (pronounced AH-ho) grew up in Washington state and joins King County after two years as the Policy Director and Chief Resilience Officer for the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

In that role, she developed and implemented agency plans and policies focused on climate action, equity and environmental justice, and tribal relations and partnerships.



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The Sammamish River is not doing well

Friday, June 23, 2023

The Sammamish River is sick
Photo courtesy City of Kenmore

King County has embarked on an effort to create a new plan for the Sammamish River, all the way from Lake Sammamish in Redmond through Bothell and Kenmore to Lake Washington. We need your help.

Ecologically, the Sammamish River is not doing well. 

The good news is that the Sammamish River is not lost, and we can all work together to save it and bring it back to good ecological health. 

You can make a difference in this effort. Participate in King County’s online Open House and Survey. The deadline for participating is July 10, 2023.


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More than $300 million awarded across the state to support clean water projects

Thursday, June 22, 2023

The City of Pasco is receiving a $52 million loan from the state to support their process water reuse plant, which will reduce pressure on the city's wastewater treatment plant (seen here) and help protect the Columbia River.  Photo courtesy Dept of Ecology

OLYMPIA – More than 125 clean water projects across Washington are on the list to receive $313 million in grants and loans from the Department of Ecology.

Ecology’s Water Quality Combined Funding program supports communities by helping them upgrade wastewater treatment and sewer systems, manage polluted stormwater, and complete other projects to prevent and clean up diffuse sources of pollution, also known as nonpoint pollution.

Nearly 90% of the funding Ecology’s water quality program receives is passed through to local communities to support environmental and infrastructure projects. 

Washington’s clean-water funding is a mix of state and federal funds dedicated toward improving and protecting water quality.

In 2021, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and reauthorized the Capitalization Grant, which contributes funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. 

In Washington state, this funding included $36 million focused on assisting small, financially disadvantaged communities, and $3 million in forgivable loans to address emerging contaminants such as 6PPD – a chemical used in vehicle tires that has been linked to salmon mortality.

For more information, including access to an interactive map of funded projects and the final offer list, please visit the Water Quality Combined Funding program funding cycles webpage.

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Secure your load - prevent litter and traffic accidents

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Vehicle in Shoreline
Photo by Jim Talbot

This week marked the second anniversary of the We Keep Washington Litter Free campaign. Roadside litter is an expensive and unrelenting problem in Washington. 

Ecology and the Department of Transportation spend a combined $12 million a year on efforts to clean the state’s roads and highways. Last year alone, Ecology-funded pickup programs spent more than 150,000 hours collecting 5.4 million pounds of litter and cleaning more than 21,000 miles of road.

“Debris from unsecured loads causes more than 15 million pounds of litter on Washington’s roads every year,” said Amber Smith-Jones, Ecology’s statewide litter prevention coordinator. 
“Securing your load and keeping your truck bed clean and free of loose debris saves lives and ensures nothing will blow out. It also saves taxpayer dollars by eliminating the need to clean it up.”

Highway debris causes more than 300 crashes every year, and more than 40% of roadside litter is attributable to unsecured loads. 

The state Department of Ecology encourages travelers to keep straps and tarps handy to secure loads, and to completely seal and secure loads so they aren’t jostled loose while traveling. 

The department also encourages drivers to call 911 to report unsecured loads, which can endanger others. 

Fines may reach up to $5,000 and some local jurisdictions have even stricter laws.

Tarps, straps and cargo nets are easy and effective solutions for securing many types of vehicle loads and preventing road hazards, and are available at any hardware store or online. Ecology is working with retail hardware stores across Washington to share best practices and products to safely secure loads.

To learn more about this campaign and how you can help keep Washington roads safe and litter free, visit SecureLoadsWA.org or SujetaTuCargaWA.org.


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Washington wetlands remain protected despite Supreme Court ruling

A wetland in Anacortes’ Fidalgo Bay on the site of a former plywood mill. A new Supreme Court decision affects the regulation of wetlands nationwide. Photo courtesy of the state Department of Ecology

A recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court limited the ability of the federal Environmental Protection Agency to steward wetlands across the country. But state officials are confident that it will do no harm to Washington wetlands. State laws protecting wetlands have always been stronger than federal regulations, and they will continue to be.

“Wetlands are critical for protecting water quality, reducing the impacts of flooding, and providing safe havens for endangered and threatened species,” said Laura Watson, director of the state Department of Ecology. 
“It’s important for people in Washington to know that state laws continue to provide the review and oversight needed to evaluate the impacts of proposed development.”

Wetlands, seasonal streams, and other waters in Washington remain protected. Ecology cautions that developers still must earn state approval before to beginning work that could affect these waters.

“We understand that development is necessary,” said Ecology expert Joenne McGerr. “But if that work will affect ecologically important areas, we need to understand the potential impacts and what the mitigation options are before giving the go ahead.”

In response to this regulatory change, Ecology will conduct independent assessments for wetlands and other waters no longer within federal protection. The department expects a significant workload increase, and will soon begin to hire additional staff and expand resources to review development proposals.



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Salmon Friendly Lakes program

Are you a waterfront property owner on Lake Washington interested in learning more about how to make your waterfront property salmon-friendly?

King Conservation District (KCD) and Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group invite you to explore our new Salmon Friendly Lakes Program which promotes stewardship activities among private landowners to improve lakeshore habitat and water quality for fish and wildlife.

Topics addressed include:
  • Shoreline armor and soft-shore alternatives to wave protection and erosion control
  • Enhancement of riparian buffer zones and converting lawns and ornamental landscaping to beneficial native trees
  • Shrubs and emergent plant communities and reduction of chemicals and fertilizers for improved water quality
  • New information on the negative impact of artificial light on salmon and steps you can take be more salmon friendly
Learn more about the Salmon Friendly Lakes program and register for our inaugural workshop at Lake Sammamish State Park on June 24, 2023.

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Large trees at entrance to RB Saltwater Park cut down

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Madrone, Doug fir at entrance to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

By Jonelle Kemmerling
Save Shoreline Trees Advisory Board

There has been shock and disappointment in the Richmond Beach neighborhood and larger Shoreline community. The afternoon of June 1, 2023, at 20th Ave NW and NW 190th, the tall trees on the corner across from the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park entrance were cut down.

After: stumps and debris. Photo by Marla Tulio

The beautiful old madrone measured 92" in circumference. It was 29.6" diameter at breast height (dbh). The Douglas fir was 100 years old.

Save Shoreline Trees contacted the City Public Works Department, as we had been informed these were right-of-way (ROW) trees. We worked for a year to save them from being removed due to the sidewalk project along 20th Ave NW.

On Friday, June 2, 2023 the Director of Public Works responded that these were not ROW trees as specified in the arborist report, but were privately owned and, per code, the owner could remove them without a permit. 

The property owner sought an exemption for tree removal under SMC 20.50.310(B). The information provided by the property owner's representative indicated that they met the criteria for the exemption. However, after receiving further information, the City is investigating whether the information relied on for the exemption was accurate.

However, the initial 2021 conceptual design by KPFF Consulting Engineers places the trees in the ROW. The Director of Public Works referred us to Rachael Markle, Director of Planning and Community Development.

After a day of emails with the City, it has been determined there is a discrepancy in the tree measurements. There are the measurements in the City-contracted arborist report, and the measurements provided to the Planning Department by the owner.


Remains of the madrone
Save Shoreline Trees has received emails, there were many comments at the Save Shoreline Trees booth at the Farmers Market on Saturday, June 3, and there have been postings on Nextdoor of concern about the loss of the trees.

Residents who enjoyed the beauty and benefits of these trees are dismayed by this outcome. 

We will see more trees come down in our neighborhoods due to the increasing need for housing and the impending middle housing regulations now required by state law. 

However, we will pay a price. Science is telling us now that trees are the cheapest and best defense against climate change.


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Land Commissioner Hilary Franz: Where there is heat - there is death

Summer is almost upon us! While June 27th marks the official start, we are already starting to feel the burn. Seattle experienced the second warmest May on record, with high temperatures almost reaching 90 degrees on multiple days. 

It was likely even warmer in neighborhoods that lack adequate tree cover. 

A study of the heat dome in 2021 found a 13-degree difference between tree-lined neighborhoods like Magnolia in Seattle, and more industrial neighborhoods like Georgetown.

I was fortunate to live in a neighborhood where the streets were lined with the towering horse-chestnut tree when I was growing up. This tree is every child’s dream, with its large trunks to scale and big branches to sit on. We would play for hours at the horse chestnut wars – launching these fist sized seeds at each other. This is something every child deserves – a tree to play on. 

Every child deserves a tree that can provide shade from the sun and a place to cool off from the heat. Every child deserves the benefits of a healthy neighborhood that trees can provide. This is something we must achieve – and something we can achieve.

Because where there is heat, there is death. At the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), we talk a lot about wildfire and drought, but we know for a fact that heat kills more people in the United States than any other kind of extreme weather.

Throughout our state, lower-income communities and communities of color predominantly live in neighborhoods with a higher share of concrete surfaces, which increase the heat. These include roads, buildings, and parking lots with very limited numbers of trees and parks.

That’s why we have set an ambitious goal to ensure tree equity on every street and in every neighborhood across the state – the first state to set such a bold goal. To achieve this, we’re going to partner with communities, non-profits, and local governments.

All told, nearly 4 million people in Washington live in neighborhoods lacking adequate tree cover, according to an analysis by our partners at American Forests. I am proud to lead a team that is pro-actively solving this issue — among many others — that directly impact and improve our abilities to live happy, healthy lives in the great state of Washington

--Hilary S. Franz


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Biodegradable soap needs soil to break down - don't wash your vehicles on pavement

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Graphic courtesy City of Shoreline
Biodegradable soap sounds safe, but it needs soil in order to break down. 

When biodegradable car wash soap flows into the street and storm drains, it harms fish and other aquatic life in our streams. 

Use a commercial car wash such as Brown Bear to keep soap, grease, and dirt out of our streams. 

There is a full service Brown Bear in Shoreline at 16032 Aurora Ave N, with a tunnel wash and a self-service car wash. 

All the water is recycled and none of the soap goes in the drain.

Brown Bear is a local company that gives back to the community.

Other Brown Bear locations:
At the very least, park your car on the lawn to wash it so the soapy water is filtered through the soil.


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State increases patrols and outreach in an effort to reduce litter and traffic fatalities

Tuesday, June 6, 2023


OLYMPIA – Every year in Washington, debris from unsecured loads causes more than 300 traffic crashes and 30 injuries. In 2022, that toll included five deaths attributed to debris in the roadway. 

Not only is litter unsightly and diminishes the beauty of our state, it’s dangerous to travelers, roadside workers and people who walk, bike and roll. 

Additionally, 40% of roadside litter comes from unsecured items falling or blowing from trucks and cars, according to the 2022 statewide litter study.

So how can we prevent this? It all starts with simply strapping down and securing all items in your car, truck or trailer on every trip – even if it’s just across town.

“We are calling on everyone in Washington to help save lives by securing their cargo every time they drive,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. 
“Two out of three Washingtonians do the right thing and properly secure their loads, but the truth is that five of our fellow residents lost their lives last year due to unsecured cargo, and that is unacceptable. We all need to do our part to protect each other, and to protect our state’s environment.”

On June 6, the Washington State Patrol, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington Department of Ecology are banding together to mark National Secure Your Load Day

Along with raising public awareness about the importance of properly securing cargo, the event commemorates people whose lives were taken or impacted by unsecured loads. 

“Our troopers and commercial enforcement officers contact more than 1,000 motorists each year for failing to properly secure their vehicle’s loads,” said Washington State Patrol (WSP) Chief John Batiste. 
“Collisions caused by unsecured loads are entirely preventable. Ensuring all items are properly secured enables us all to have safe roadways.”

As a part of the annual campaign, state troopers are conducting emphasis patrols across Washington for three consecutive weekends between June 9 and June 25. Emphasis patrols during that time will have Troopers looking for unsecured loads, stopping drivers and handing out tickets to those whose loads are not properly secured in accordance with state law

Fines for littering and unsecured loads range from $50 to $5,000. If an item falls out and causes bodily harm or property damage, the driver could also face jail time. The largest fines are for “lit debris” — primarily cigarettes — and items that can cause vehicle crashes.


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King County files federal lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers for damage caused by toxic ‘forever chemicals’

Monday, June 5, 2023

Courtesy Washington Dept of Ecology

Executive Dow Constantine today announced that King County filed a federal lawsuit against past and current PFAS manufacturers and companies that use the toxic chemicals in a wide range of products, with a focus on the use of PFAS in firefighting foam.

King County’s lawsuit seeks to hold manufacturers accountable for the costs, expenses, and impacts caused by contamination. The County’s complaint maintains that manufacturers – not the public – should pay for investigating, sampling, testing, and assessing the contamination, as well as the costs to install and maintain treatment systems and the cleanup of PFAS contamination in King County.

"Manufacturers that knowingly put toxic chemicals in products that threaten the health of our people and environment are responsible for the harm they have caused,” said Executive Constantine. 
“This is the latest chapter in a long history of chemical companies profiting from dangerous products while local communities pay for the harmful impacts. We’ve successfully held manufacturers responsible before, and we’ll do so again.”

PFAS – short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a class of toxic chemicals used in consumer goods that include food packaging, cosmetics, cookware, upholstery cleaners, rain-resistant clothing, and more. 

They have been used extensively in firefighting foam that has gotten into streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater – threatening drinking water and wildlife. 

They are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are intentionally designed to not break down naturally for hundreds, possibly thousands of years.

A few actions residents can take to reduce the amount of PFAS in homes and communities:
  • Avoid products marketed as stain- and water-resistant
  • Avoid nonstick cookware, even if it says “PFOA free” because it can still contain other PFAS chemicals that can cause harmful fumes when cooking at high temperatures
  • Bring your own food containers – glass is best – for takeout and leftovers
  • If you fish locally, avoid consuming northern pikeminnow, bass, and carp
  • Vacuum and dust your home frequently to prevent PFAS from gathering in dust and soft materials such as carpet
  • Purchase PFAS-free products


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Op-Ed: Compostable plastic is a step in the right direction

Friday, June 2, 2023

Compostable cup
By Corey Ip

I’m sure you know that plastic is bad for the environment. It takes forever to break down (and doesn’t even break down fully), ruins natural habitats, chokes innocent animals to death, and releases dangerous chemicals. 

It seems impossible to get rid of it, though. Trying not to use plastic in today’s world is an insurmountable task. 

However, compostable plastic can solve all of these problems! 

While it’s true compostable plastic is quite expensive, it’s way, way better for the environment. We’ll explore how in the following paragraphs.

In the right conditions, compostable plastic can fully break down into organic materials in a very short amount of time. 

According to worldcentric.com, ”Compostable plastics are non-toxic and decompose back into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass when composted.” 

Although they do need to be composted in a commercial facility or in a home compost pile, this means they won’t end up in landfills or the ocean. Compostable plastic works best with food, because both materials can compost together. Plastic that fully breaks down means plastic that doesn’t end up ruining the environment!

Compostable plastic is also made up of sustainable materials! 
According to the World Wildlife Fund, “compostable plastic is often made from biobased sources — like seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants — instead of fossil fuels. In this case, and if sourced responsibly, these materials can offer environmental benefits.” 

One common type of plastic, polyethylene, is made out of refined oil. Meanwhile, a common type of compostable plastic, PHA, is made by manipulating bacteria using nutrients. Bacteria is much, much more sustainable than oil, as I’m sure you all know.

I hope that this proves that compostable plastic is worth the extra cost!

It fully composts into organic materials in a short amount of time as long as it’s in the right conditions, and is made out of sustainable materials. If you can, use compostable plastic as much as possible! 

Usually compostable utensils can be $10 more than regular plastic utensils, but if you can take the cost, it’s totally worth it. Although it may not entirely solve the plastic pollution problem, it’s definitely a step in the right direction!

--Corey Ip is in the sixth grade at Einstein Middle School in the Shoreline School District.


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Rep. Davina Duerr celebrates signing of HB 1181

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Signing HB 1181 sponsored by Rep Davina Duerr

Legislative District 1 Rep Davina Duerr celebrated the signing of HB 1181 which she sponsored in the House in the recent session.

It is designed to improve the state's response to climate change by updating the state's planning framework.

Rep. Duerr says "HB 1181 was signed into law! This bill is about planning. It’s about our planet. But most of all, it’s about our kids. 
"Suburban sprawl has done nothing but give us longer, more expensive commutes; more pollution; and neighborhoods in areas most at risk of flooding and wildfires. HB 1181 puts us on a path to lower costs, less pollution, and a better future for all our children.

"Thank you to all of you who have shown your support every step of the way!"
The 1st Legislative District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, Woodinville, Briar, Alderwood Manor, Cottage Lake.


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Recology Stores answer questions, provide a recycling class, and offer products that promote a zero-waste lifestyle

The products sold at the Recology Stores are curated to reflect their Waste Zero mission and meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Made from recycled and/or upcycled materials
  • Part of a circular economy, considering their environmental impact from the beginning of their life cycle to the end
  • Designed to replace single-use items with long-lasting alternatives
  • Educational, teaching tips on how to lessen your footprint
  • Made locally to our stores in Washington State
Come to a "Where Does It Go?" workshop at a Recology retail storefronts. You'll learn everything you need to know about recycling, composting, and trash!
  • Shoreline: June 28, 2023 at 4pm
  • Canyon Park: June 7, 2023 at 4pm
Locations also accept hard-to-recycle items for collection, and each store is staffed by a team of recycling experts who can answer questions, offer advice about reducing waste, and provide in-person support on your Recology Customer Service needs.

The Recology Store Shoreline
15235 Aurora Ave N
Shoreline WA 98133
206-417-3877

The Recology Store Bothell
Canyon Park
22833 Bothell-Everett Hwy #111
Bothell WA 98021
425-398-8612


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State is amping up installations of EV charger stations

Friday, May 19, 2023

Both private and publicly-funded construction of new
chargers is accelerating, improving convenience for EV drivers.
Electric vehicle registration statewide and nationwide has quintupled in five years. 

EVs now account for one in ten vehicles sold in the United States. 

A proposed federal rule would compel manufacturers to make more EVs, and a new state law requires all new vehicles sold beyond 2035 to have zero tailpipe emissions.

The laws are written. The climate crisis is urgent. 

The EV wave is coming, but there remains a critical question:

Are we ready to charge all these electric cars?

Construction of new chargers has zoomed since 2013 from fewer than 20 to more than 400 per year. New federal and state investments will further accelerate new installations, with special emphasis on serving residents of multifamily housing and rural areas.

Right now, EV drivers encounter some common inconveniences. The state is rolling out record investments and smart new policy to address these issues and pave the way for increasing EV adoption.

More information here



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Legislature passes new suite of climate laws continuing the path to 100% clean energy future

Friday, May 5, 2023

Bill signing ceremony at Horn Rapids Solar Farm in Richland,
a solar energy production and storage facility 

Building on landmark climate laws like the emissions-slashing Climate Commitment Act and the requirements of the Clean Energy Transformation Act to get to 100% clean energy by 2045, Washington state legislators passed more than half a dozen bills this session that put the state closer to achieving its energy needs and create more jobs while ebbing the tide of climate change.

With laws on the books requiring the state drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, policymakers are now implementing the strategies to get there. 

During the next two years they will be aided by more than $2 billion for state investments in clean energy, transportation, and natural habitat management and restoration, thanks to revenue generated by the state’s new cap-and-invest program.

“This funding will be used to make homes more energy efficient, electrify transportation, invest in renewable energy, aid farmers in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality in communities overburdened by pollution, and more,” said Gov. Jay Inslee.

The governor signed seven climate-related bills passed this session at an event Wednesday at Horn Rapids Solar Farm in Richland, a solar energy production and storage facility established in 2020 with financial help from the state’s Clean Energy Fund. 

The facility provides energy to the city of Richland and offers workforce training for solar and battery storage technicians.

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2023 Summer Gardening: free, in-person workshop series for environmentally friendly gardens


Join the City of Shoreline and King County Master Gardeners for a FREE summer gardening workshop series!

Master Gardeners will present on a variety of topics, from growing juicy tomatoes and plump berries to creating pollinator-friendly habitats and low-maintenance lawns. 

All classes will include tips and tricks to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other hazardous materials to help you create a beautiful landscape that is easier to care for and healthier for your family, pets, the Shoreline community, and Puget Sound. 

Classes are geared toward beginners, but all experience levels are welcome!

All classes are free and will be in person on Saturdays from 10-11am. The location will vary from class to class. Registration is required. Space is limited. 

  • May 20: Growing Vegetables
  • May 27: Growing tomatoes
  • June 3: Container Gardening
  • June 17: Pollinator-friendly Gardening
  • July 8: Growing Berries
  • July 22: Planting & Maintaining Lawns
  • August 5: Waterwise Gardening
  • August 26: Native Plant Gardening
The series is a collaboration between the City of Shoreline and King County Master Gardeners. Funded in part by the Hazardous Waste Management Program. 

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Meridian Park students release tiny Coho salmon into Lake Ballinger

Monday, May 1, 2023

Two Meridian Park students with cups of tiny salmon to release into Lake Ballinger

Story and photos by Jim Siscel

On Sunday afternoon, April 30, 2023 Abby Lane invited Meridian Park Elementary School students to Lake Ballinger to release the Coho salmon that she has been responsible for raising at the school.

An orange bucket full of tiny salmon

Ms. Lane received the salmon eggs in early January. The eggs hatched in early February. She has been feeding them until now when they are big enough to survive in Lake Ballinger.

Netting the little salmon to put in plastic cup

Approximately fifty students, with their parents, came to the lake to assist in releasing the salmon.

Abby Lane (center with sunglasses)

It was an exciting activity for all who attended.

Many questions by attendees were answered about what would now happen in the next stage of the salmon life cycle for the little fish.

Releasing the salmon at the lake edge

The students took their cups of salmon and released them right at the edge of the lake.

An older student walked into the lake (with parent’s permission) to release her Coho salmon.

Lake Ballinger is directly north of Shoreline, in Snohomish county. Waters from the lake flow through a series of creeks on their way to Lake Washington.
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Jim Siscel is a retired Shoreline teacher (Echo Lake Elementary) who fosters fish programs in multiple Shoreline elementary schools.


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