​Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries, or FVRL, is embracing sustainability as we ring in the New Year! The Cascade Park Community Library is partnering with Clark County Public Health, the City of Vancouver, Columbia Springs Repair Clark County, SNAP-ED and the WSU Extension to develop an educational series that focuses on highlighting environmentally friendly lifestyles.

The Conscious Consumption Series hosted at the Cascade Park Community Library includes workshops, events and educational opportunities for residents of all ages to learn about sustainability topics including food waste reduction, worm bin composting, sustainable fashion, crafting with recycled materials and more!

"With growing concerns about climate change and plastic pollution, we wanted to empower our patrons to take action and create change. Our hope is that people of all ages come away from these programs with an increased appreciation for the earth and confidence in their ability to impact it positively."

- Libs Martin, Senior Public Services Librarian

Upcoming sustainable living workshops and activities ​

The Conscious Consumption workshop series includes family friendly activities, workshops and events for people of all ages to learn about sustainability from local experts! Check out all of the events in the series or join us for one of our featured sessions with our county and city partners!

• Conscious Consumption Board Game for Teens - 2-3 pm Saturday, Feb. 25
  Teens 12-19 years old are invited to join us and our partners at Clark County Green Schools, to play a fun board game that will educate about the consequences of consumption!

• Recycle 101 – 2-3 pm Saturday, Mar. 4
  Unsure if you can recycle a certain item? Here's your chance to ask! Join us and our partners at the City of Vancouver to learn tips about what to recycle in your curbside bin and what happens to the items after they're picked up.

• Worm Bin Composting – 2-3 pm Saturday, Mar. 25
  Learn how to compost using red worms to turn food scraps into all-natural fertilizer for your garden from the experts with the Clark County Composter Recycler program. This is a great alternative to backyard composting, especially if you are tight on space. Participants will receive supplies for their own worm bin.
  

• Worm Bin Exploration and Decomposer Bingo – 2-3 pm Saturday, Apr. 15
  Meet the decomposers with experts from the Clark County Green Schools program! This interactive bingo game provides children with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the invertebrates that help break down waste including red worms, spiders and centipedes! Learn about how these insects help drive essential functions of the decomposition cycle and are vital to composting food waste.
  

Trashion Show event 

Are you passionate about upcyling materials and reducing waste? Showcase your skills by entering our first ever Trashion Show! The event will be held at the Cascade Park Community Library 2-3 pm Saturday, May 13. This event is presented in partnership with Clark County Green Neighbors and Columbia Springs. In addition to the opportunity to show off your creation, prizes will be awarded. All ages are welcome to attend the show, but entrants must be 12 or older. Registration is required for participants only. Please register online!

Participants can create a wearable garment or accessory for the runway or submit artwork for a gallery show. All entries must be made from reused or recycled materials.

Join Columbia Springs Repair Clark County and FVRL staff to learn how to use a sewing machine, hand sew, mend items and craft with recycled materials! Guided workshop sessions are conducted several times a month leading up to the Trashion Show event in May!

• Clothing Swap - 3-5 pm Saturday, Mar. 11
  Interested in fashion but not sure how to start creating a one-of-a-kind clothing item? Join us to gather some inspiration and materials!

Check out the FVRL calendar for more information!