TIGARD, Ore.–Unitus Community Credit Union is reporting it joined with several community partners to celebrate collaborative sustainability efforts at the credit union’s first annual Earth Day Celebration.
The Wetlands Conservancy hosted a “hike and learn” volunteer event at Unitus’ five-acre wetlands, where participants learned about the importance of the ecosystem, the plants and animals that inhabit the wetlands, and how sustainability and advocacy efforts help protect the native environment, the credit union said.
Unitus CCU said its leaders presented information about future sustainability and wetlands plans, including an observation deck, trails, and stewardship. The event also celebrated Unitus’ overall sustainability initiative, which has already had “meaningful impact on the environment,” it added.
Nearly Two-Million Sheets of Paper
“Since 2019, our sustainability efforts have saved 1,850,000 sheets of paper, 9,100,000 miles driven, and a 55% reduction in mail, contributing to 13,500 pieces of waste avoided,” Megan Snyder, VP of strategic partnerships and portfolio management, said in a statement. “We are very proud of our environmental and sustainability plan and our goals for the future.”
Other community partners who were part of the event included Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm, Tigard Chamber of Commerce, Tualatin Together, Clean Water Services, Adopt One Block, Hoyt Arboretum, and Creekside Community High School.
Also on hand for the celebration was Momentum, Unitus’ design-build partner.
‘Thoughtful & Sustainable’
“Through thoughtful, sustainable planning, Unitus recently earned a Silver Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Certification for upgrades at Unitus Business Center-Tigard, thanks to the work of the Momentum team,” Unitus CU said. “The certification represents a significant achievement in sustainable building design and environmental stewardship. Earning Silver certification places UBC-Tigard among a select group of facilities that meet rigorous standards for sustainability, occupant health, and energy efficiency.”
A Full Day
The celebration also included lunch, an eco-friendly craft hour, and workshops from Creekside Community High School students. They offered tips and tricks on basic bike maintenance and how to make the transition to bicycling as transportation, and a demonstration showing attendees how to upcycle everyday items in our homes to keep them out of the landfill.
Unitus Community Credit Union said it plans to make the Earth Day Celebration an annual event.
