350 Salem OR is a grassroots organization taking local action for a stable climate and sustainable planet.
Marion County has become a national dumping ground.
Marion County has become the dumping group for toxic wastes from as far as Canada. The Covanta Marion Incinerator is importing medical waste from other states and Canada, burning this toxic material here, and polluting our community. The Clean Air Now Coalition, of which 350 Salem OR is a partner, wants to change that. Here’s how you can help!
Find your passion! Join or lead a 350 Salem Work Team.
Do you have a particular passion as far as climate action? Now you can join or even lead a 350 Salem OR Work Team to focus on what you most care about. Work teams will hold in-depth discussions, develop strategies, carry out activities, and report back to the larger group. Learn more.
The CITY FOCUS Work Team will carry out analysis and advocacy around the ongoing Salem Climate Action Plan, the Salem Transportation System Plan, and other climate-related city initiatives. This team meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Email Coordinators@350salemor.org.
New laws promote walkable, climate-friendly neighborhoods.
Transportation is Salem’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Across many local initiatives, we need to apply a climate lens to reduce vehicle traffic. Neighborhood design is a major factor in reducing emissions from transportation. City of Salem staff are studying new rules from the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development for Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities. The more things we can do in our own neighborhood, the less we need to drive. Here’s a brief introduction.
Oregon’s Elliott research forest will be North America’s largest.
Old growth forests in the Pacific Northwest are one of the Earth’s most powerful climate solutions. In fact, our temperate rainforests store more carbon per acre than tropical rainforests.
The Elliot Forest is home to mature and old growth trees, but Oregon political leaders and forest defenders have struggled for decades to determine the fate of the Elliot. The forest has been legally obligated to generate revenue for public schools through timber sales. A new decision offers protections to this invaluable forest.
Good news for biking in Salem!
The city’s $300 million Salem Community Infrastructure Bond was officially approved by nearly 65% of voters! This package includes more than $20 million toward projects with safe bike infrastructure over the next decade, and will include notable improvements like parking-protected bike lanes on Union Street, a key piece to crosstown connections. LEARN MORE
Climate Science Basics: just the facts …
Fifty years from now people will likely look back on this era through the lens of having seen catastrophic climate changes that we cannot even imagine. Our legacy will depend on the level of moral courage we display in this difficult challenge.
350 Salem OR Co-coordinator Phil Carver