Sorting It Out: How we're learning about trash to combat pollution

Calling all K-12 science teachers!

You're invited to apply for a hands-on training series sponsored by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Join us to dive deep into the Next Generation Science Standards, providing the confidence to perform hands-on science beyond the walls of your classroom. Two tracks will be available during a 4-part series for K-5th grade and 6th-12th grade. Stipend, clock-hours and mileage reimbursement available to all participants who complete the series.

More information here, and a short sign-up form here. Please email Priscilla Brotherton, Sustainable Schools Program Manager, with any questions at priscillab@re-sources.org.

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Bellingham’s waterfront: New public spaces, new hope for orcas

Did you know there are many ways our little length of shoreline in Bellingham Bay can play a key role in restoring our orca population, even though orcas are rarely seen here? To start a conversation about it, Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures and our North Sound Baykeeper, Eleanor, took eight interested paddlers out on a kayak tour of Bellingham’s waterfront to celebrate Orca Month. They launched tandem kayaks from Zuanich Park for a close-up look at seven spots along the waterfront — including some sites the public hasn’t had access to for decades. 

Read the North Sound Baykeeper's story here on our Clean Water Blog.

What's next after I-1631?

We are disappointed that I-1631 did not pass in November, but RE Sources and the diverse, broad coalition backing the bill are not giving up on creating healthier communities and a stronger economy for all in Washington.

A message from the campaign team:

"What this campaign has shown is you can bring diverse voices, from every corner of our state together around a common solution. Despite the most money spent in our state's election history and an unprecedented mis-information campaign from out-of-state oil companies, Washingtonians took an other step forward towards solving this challenge. We were not successful in passing this initiative but this coalition of tribal nations, communities of color, health professionals, environmental and clean energy advocates, labor unions, businesses, and faith leaders stands ready to continue this fight.

 

The solution may change but our values and goals remain the same. We will continue to center the voices of those most impacted by pollution and work for a just transition for communities in our state so that everyone can share in a clean energy future.

The growing problem of climate change will only get worse the longer we delay solutions. This issue is not going away and neither are we. We stand ready to fight in next year's legislature and beyond, together."

Balancing Water Supply Demands

Whatcom County depends on a reliable water supply for farms, wild salmon, healthy communities, and the outdoor lifestyle that makes this a special place to live. But plentiful water is not forever guaranteed, so we must work together to ensure enough water certainty for all, now and into the future. There’s plenty of water in the Pacific Northwest during much of the year. But only 10% of our annual rainfall occurs during the summer, when water is in greatest demand by agriculture, homes, and spawning salmon. Whatcom County is at a critical juncture in how we manage our water supply. Your input is needed to help balance the needs of all water users — including salmon. Read more. 

Sustainable Agriculture

We are committed to protecting clean water in Whatcom County and the Salish Sea and have made meaningful progress, but fertilizer and manure running off factory farms is still a major problem. One of the core recommendations in the 2017 State of the Sound report is “Require best practices for agriculture to ensure abundant local food, a thriving economy and clean safe water while avoiding risks to native species such as pacific salmon and shellfish.” That is why we’ve joined food safety and environmental groups to fight for common-sense standards to limit agricultural pollution. Read more.

It takes a team effort to keep Whatcom County’s water clean

In Whatcom County, we have learned the hard way that we can’t take our good fortune for granted. From the efforts to restore Bellingham’s waterfront, you know that the cost of cleanup far exceeds the cost of prevention. You also know that declining water quality in Lake Whatcom, the drinking water source for 100,000 residents, gets more and more expensive to treat – a cost ultimately borne by you and me. 

Clean Water Act — 45th anniversary

Voted best nonprofit in Bellingham

RE Sources was named the best nonprofit in 2015 by Cascadia Weekly readers in the "Best of Bellingham." The paper said "Some organizations are born great, others achieve greatness in the way they approach their mission. RE Sources is a little of both."  Read more in the Cascadia Weekly's Best of Bellingham, page 14.

We think the reason for our greatness is YOU! Thank you so much for making our victories possible.

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Waterkeeper Alliance member

Our North Sound Baykeeper is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international nonprofit that strengthens and grows a global network of grassroots leaders protecting everyone’s right to clean water. The Waterkeeper Alliance is made up of over 300 organizations and affiliates protecting rivers, lakes and coastal waterways on 6 continents, with a goal of swimmable, drinkable, fishable water everywhere. Learn more.

If you see pollution, report it! Call the Pollution Hotline:  (360) 220-0556.  

Please take photos and be prepared to discuss location and details about the pollution.

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Special thanks to our business sponsors and partners who help make our work possible: 

Special thanks to our cornerstone sponsor, Recycling & Disposal Services Inc (RDS), local, privately owned transfer station in Ferndale with progressive waste management practices.