Overview

The LOSN Interfaith Action Team was started to initially explore what sustainability efforts are currently ongoing within the Lake Oswego faith community.  It has evolved to support individual congregational sustainability efforts and to promote interfaith collaboration around sustainability.

Vision

The Interfaith community in Lake Oswego is aware, engaged and empowered to take action toward sustainability through partnership with the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, which in turn recognizes and acknowledges the needs of this community in the fulfillment of its mission.

Goals

1. Create a network of faith organizations in Lake Oswego and the surrounding communities.
2. Offer quarterly Interfaith coffees.
3. Provide support and sustainability opportunities for our Interfaith community.
4. Provide support for local religious groups to demonstrate and improve sustainability practices through the Clackamas County Leaders in Sustainability certification program.

Leaders

• Cheryll Simmerman, The Bahá’í Faith Member
• Dorothy Atwood, LOSN Board Member
• Lisa Adatto, LOSN Board Member and Beit Haverim Member
• Michelle McKinnon-Young, Pastor at Lake Oswego United Methodist Church
• Sydney Brewster, Christ Church Member
• Phil Bertrand, New Thought Center for Spiritual Living
• Rev. Masando Hiraoka, Associate Minister, New Thought Center for Spiritual Living

Beit Haverim

Christ Church Episcopal Parish

Lake Grove Presbyterian

Lake Oswego Bahá’í Center

Lake Oswego United Church of Christ

Lake Oswego United Methodist Church

Mountain Park Church

New Thought Center for Spiritual Living

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints

Beth Sholom Temple: Salem

Bridge City Friends

Overview

The Schools Action Team started as a way to connect parents in different schools that were working on sustainability with informal coffees. Once the Lake Oswego School District became a LOSN partner, we chose three primary focus areas: facilities, school gardens, and Green School Certification. Activities in all these areas continue. In addition the team is working on food, curriculum development and incorporating sustainability more broadly in the district.

Vision 

Lake Oswego School District becomes a regional leader through the integration of sustainability into school facilities, functions, and curriculum.

Goals

Incorporate sustainability into LO School District.  Specifically focus on the following areas:

1. Facilities: Incorporate sustainability in new construction and remodels of the schools.
2. Gardens: Development gardens in all LO schools.
3. Green School Certification: Support the development and maintenance of Oregon Green Schools certification.
4. Curriculum: Facilitate the incorporation of sustainability in Curriculum
5. Food: Support food service in increasing sustainable food options – organic, local, and plant-based

Partners

• Lake Oswego School District
• Clackamas County Sustainability

Projects

1. Help implement the LO School District Strategic Plan Sustainability Priority.
2. Support the LOSN  Sustainability Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
3. Host three to four networking coffees for school parents working on sustainability.
4. Support teachers and schools in developing sustainability components for curriculum
5. Provide support and facilitation for school garden coordinators
6. Work with the district Food Services Director to incorporate sustainability.

Overview

The economy is one of the three pillars of sustainability along with the environment and social equity. Our local businesses have an important role in moving forward to a sustainable future. LOSN is working with local businesses to show how sustainability practices can reduce cost, bring in new customers and open new markets with sustainability-oriented product and service offerings.

Vision 

All Lake Oswego businesses understand the value of sustainability and are working towards becoming more sustainable in their practices.

Goals

Assist Lake Oswego businesses to adopt sustainable practices.

 Partners

• Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce
• Clackamas County Sustainability
• LOSN business partners

Projects

1. Work with the Lake Oswego Chamber to educate members on sustainability.
2. Look for opportunities for businesses to take advantage of tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Collaborate with Clackamas County to promote the Leaders in Sustainability certification program.

Areas of Interest

1. Incorporate sustainability into the city’s economic development strategy
2. Engage with LOSN’s Business partners to determine:
   1. How LOSN can support their sustainability goals
   2. How they can support sustainability with LOSN

Resources 

• Clackamas County Leaders in Sustainability Program
• B-Corp certification
• Why buy an electric vehicle for your business
• A dozen best practices to make your business more sustainable