Ring in the 2010 New Year to the glittering backdrop of Oregon’s beloved Mt. Hood in a city that is known for it’s happening twenty-something scene and dedication to environmental good. Portland, Oregon has been a showcase in sustainability since the early 1970′s. Having hung around these parts all last summer, I can safely say that in Portland, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. It’s an institutionalized, honored way of life. The Willamette River provides a natural 20-year urban growth boundary while the city has managed to expand in ways that fit the landscape using long-range land use plans, careful citizen involvement in urban-planning, and pro-active participation of the local government.
For example, since 2001, any new construction or remodeling of city buildings and other city-funded projects are required to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council standards. Transportation options include a reasonably priced, extensive bus, streetcar, and light rail and if that doesn’t peek your interest, Portland is touted as the most biker-friendly city in the United States. Even with a population of over 500,000, Portlanders love to stay local: local food, local venues, local restaurants – and they recycle approximately 54% of their total waste. They boast their own Office of Sustainable Development, trails, parks, and extensive green space. To put it simply, Portlanders have always had their minds in the right place.
Additionally, the locals have a reputation for being deliciously laid-back – a form of hospitality that I have experienced first hand – so I can only imagine what kind of New Year’s shenanigans will go down on its eve. If you would like suggestions on where to be, a quick run-down of musicians that have come out of Portland should convince you to check out the music scene. The Decemberists, The Dandy Warhols, Elliot Smith, M. Ward, The Shins, and Modest Mouse are just a few of the many talents that call this sustainable haven home. Take a peek at Aladdin Theater, Crystal Ballroom, Doug Fir, or Clark County Ampitheater (if you’re brave enough to face the weather) and see what’s on the marquee.
