Stories
Community Solar Works for Me – And Surprised Me, Too
By Jim Newcomer, LOSN I’m a subscriber to community solar power, so I warn you that I’m writing with a bias: I love it. But wait, there’s more: I’m part of an experiment that could increase our nation’s vegetable supply. What? First, here’s my experience with the...
ACT NOW for Residential Solar
The roll back for federal support of clean energy signed into law in July 2025 included the end of the 30% tax credit for residential solar and home battery storage systems. If you want to obtain this Residential Clean Energy Credit you will need to have your...
Help your trees survive the summer heat
June 2025 Help Your Trees Survive the Summer Heat Summer heat can be extremely hard on trees, especially landscape trees in our urban forest. If they are not well-watered, harsh temperatures make trees more susceptible to insects and disease. Extended periods of...
LOSN Materials Management Team Tours EFI Recycling Separation Facility
Written by Jim Newcomer, LOSN Materials Management Team On March 20, 2025, I was one of three members of our LOSN Materials Management Team that toured the EFI Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on Swan Island. The MRF is where Republic Services, our trash hauler in...
Updates on Lake Oswego School District’s Latest Sustainable School: Lake Oswego Middle School
May 2025 Lake Oswego Middle School (LOMS) is one of the flagship projects of the 2021 bond program. This project includes a full replacement of the existing Lake Oswego Junior High School with a highly sustainable, energy efficient building. The building will include...
Lake Oswego School District’s Latest Sustainable School: Lake Oswego Middle School
Lake Oswego Middle School is one of the flagship projects of the 2021 bond program. This project includes a full replacement of the existing Lake Oswego Junior High School with a highly sustainable, energy efficient building. The building will include modern learning...
LOSD School Board Candidates Responses to RtR/LOSN Questions
Respond to Racism (RtR) and the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network (LOSN) do not endorse individual candidates. However, we are committed to providing information about the candidates’ positions and thoughts on equity and sustainability. We reached out to the five...
How you can reduce your trash bill
March 2025 How you can reduce your trash bill By Susan Mead, LOSN The Lake Oswego garbage, recycling and yard debris with food waste rates have increased as of February 2025. The new rates are available to review at the city’s...