PEMCO in the Northwest > Blog > King County Earth Day Exhibition: Keeping the NW Green

JOIN US ON A ROADTRIP THAT'S SURE TO BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT.

This year, PEMCO Insurance is sending teams of genuine Northwest-loving people to community events and activities across the state. Some are in support of a good cause, some just sound like a good time - but either way, we hope you'll stop by and say hi. Look for us wherever you see the big green PEMCO van. And if we miss each other, drop us a note here and tell us what's on your mind.

Remember, there's no place quite like home, especially this time of year. So get out there and enjoy!

King County Earth Day Exhibition: Keeping the NW Green

April 23, 2010 2:16pm

posted by Steven Goodell in Washington

With so many Relentless Recyclers, Smug Hybrid Drivers and P-Patch People in the Northwest, it's no wonder the we boast one of the most pristine environments in the nation. In fact, it might be hard to imagine that just fifty years ago our beautiful Lake Washington was too polluted for swimming. In celebration of the Northwest and the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, Brad, Peter and I carpooled to Westlake Center for the King County Earth Day Exhibition, and picked up a few tips from the people who help make Lake Washington one of the cleanest urban lakes in the world.

Here are our top five tips to keeping King County green, from our friends at the Earth Day Expo:

Take a look at the list of ingredients in your household cleaners and always avoid using products with phthalates. Keep in mind that cleaners with the shortest list of ingredients are probably the most environmentally responsible choice.
High-grade vinegar or boiling water can be safe alternatives to harmful weed killers. You can test the grade of vinegar by putting it in the freezer. High-grade vinegar will not freeze.
Greasy pizza boxes and other soiled paper food containers can be placed in your King County yard waste bin for composting. They should not be recycled.
The public land between your sidewalk and street can be used to plant a vegetable garden under 3 feet tall without a permit.
Protect local fauna by not planting invasive species in your garden. Check out the Washington Native Plant Society for stunning, uniquely Northwest landscaping ideas.

Check out a few of our favorite moments from the Expo:

The addition of 94 electric-hybrid buses in King County will reduce emissions by 30% when they are deployed in 2012.

County Executive Dow Constantine proclaims April 22 as King County Environmental Action Day.

Baking soda can be used to eliminate odor in your food scrap container. Allison from Wastewater Treatment shows how it also makes a fun science experiment when combined with a handy weed killer, vinegar.