2024 Conscious Consumption Sustainability Education Series

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries is ringing in the New Year by embracing sustainability! Through a partnership with Clark County Public Health, the City of Vancouver and WSU Clark County Extension SNAP-ED, an educational series that focuses on highlighting environmentally friendly lifestyles has been created.

The Conscious Consumption Series, hosted at the Cascade Park Community Library, includes workshops, events and educational opportunities for residents of all ages. 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 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 Saturday Family Fun – 3-4:30 pm Saturday, March 9

In this session, children will have the opportunity to participate in a decomposer bingo game and recycling relay stations. They will get up close and personal with invertebrates like red worms, spiders, and centipedes, learning about their role in breaking down organic material and composting food waste.

• Recycling 101 & Organics 101 – 10:30 am-12 pm Saturday, March 16

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.

• Recycling 201 & Organics 101 – 2-2:30 pm Saturday, March 23

Join us and the City of Vancouver to explore the world of recycling beyond the curbside bin! In this session, you'll learn how to identify and safely dispose of hazardous household waste. Discover a wide range of recycling and reuse options available for items such as plastic bags, appliances, and bulky items.

Have questions about recycling specific items? Don't miss this opportunity to get your answers!

• Cooking with Leftovers – 6-7:30 pm Wednesday, April 3

Join us for the Cooking with Leftovers event, where special guest presenter Stacey Tigner-Loy from WSU Clark County Extension SNAP-Ed, will lead an interactive demonstration that inspires attendees to embrace their culinary creativity. Learn how to make a positive impact on the environment through mindful purchasing, storing, and cooking.

• Trashion Show – 2-3 pm Saturday, May 18

Are you passionate about upcycling materials and reducing waste? Showcase your skills by entering our Trashion Show!

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. Prizes will be awarded to participants, and all ages are welcome to attend the show. Registration is required for participants only.

• Composting with Red Worms – 2-3:30 pm Saturday, June 1

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. Upon completion, Clark County residents will have the chance to receive their own worm bin, free of charge! 

Trashion Show event

NEW!
Now open to teens and adults, 12 and up.

Are you passionate about upcycling materials and reducing waste? Showcase your skills by entering our first ever Trashion Show! Using only reused or recycled materials, participants can create a wearable garment or accessory for the runway or submit artwork for a gallery show.

The event will be held at the Cascade Park Community Library 2-3 pm Saturday, May 18. In addition to the opportunity to show off your creation, prizes will be awarded. Registration is required for participants only. Please register online!

Guided workshop sessions are conducted leading up to the Trashion Show event in May. Read on to learn more!

• T-Shirt Modification– 2-3:30 pm Saturday, April 6
  Learn how to upcycle your old t-shirts into new fashion and household goods. Bring your t-shirt or shirts from home or borrow one! If desired, participants can enter their creations from this workshop into the Trashion Show.

• Hand Sewing 101 – 10:30 am-12:30 pm Saturday, April 20
  Interested in fashion but not sure how to start creating a one-of-a-kind clothing item? Learn the basics of hand sewing in this hands-on workshop! Practice a straight stitch, backstitch, overlock stitch, and button sewing to help you learn how to repair and make your own clothes.

Check out the FVRL calendar for more information.