Sustainable Tri-Cities (STC) is a networking non-profit dedicated to upholding the principles of creating livable and sustainable communities. This means taking responsibility for our environmental impacts, e.g. our consumption of resources that produce waste and pollution in every aspect of our daily life. It “takes a village” to make change, but only becomes effective when we work on a set of common priorities.

STC would again like to highlight the excellent work by partner organizations and asked the community to rank several organizations that most deserve to be recognized for their work in the past year.  (See Actions page for the 2020 Sustainability Showcase results).  

The 2024 Showcase Survey was launched after Earth Day and made available until the end of September. Winners were announced during Riverfest on October 5th, and are as follows:

1st place: Climate Opportunity Action Team

The 2023 revision to the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) requires the more populated counties in the state (including Benton and Franklin) to update their comprehensive plans with actions to build resilience to at least one climate change hazard and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the 2050 target of net-zero emissions. The Benton – Franklin Climate Opportunities Action Team has been reaching out to potential partners to develop and implement a Benton – Franklin Climate Opportunity Action Plan that will serve as a template for the required update to the counties’ comprehensive plans. Read more at: https://www.tri-cityherald.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article290884384.html#storylink=cpy

2nd place: Benton Franklin Health District

Air quality, clean water, and the safety of our environment are necessary for good health. The health district provides important information and consultation on a variety of topics. This year they continued to study and respond to the toxic algae problem in our rivers and provide information on ways we can protect ourselves from poor air quality. They also inform the public of temporary heating and cooling centers, emergency preparedness, recalls, and safety alerts.

3rd place: B F Council of Governments

On March 15, 2024, BFCOG approved this resolution: “the Board of the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments agrees to support the Washington State Department of Transportation targets for GHG emissions performance measures on the national highway system, and to plan and program projects in the Tri-Cities region so that they contribute toward the accomplishment of statewide GHG emission performance targets. TPM Greenhouse Gas emissions rule changes (PDF 408KB) – January 2024 

Projects this year towards that goal:

1. Regional Air Quality Awareness Campaign. Included an educational video series on air quality and nonattainment that offers key insights and valuable air quality and nonattainment expertise.
2. Regional EV Infrastructure Analysis to examine current EV charging infrastructure in the Tri-Cities region and develop a regional charging network. A Survey is available for people to provide input on where they would like to see EV charging stations in Benton and Franklin Counties.

Honorable Mention:

•             Bike Tri-Cities

Bike Tri-Cities is the cycling advocate for our community leading the Community in promoting cycling as a safe, healthy, sustainable, and fun form of transportation and recreation. They hosted the Tri-Cities Bike Expo in May this year, and the Ride with a Ranger events in April and September. West Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland have adopted Complete Street Ordinances (CSO). Bike Tri-Cities works with and encourages the Community to adopt and develop their respective CSOs.

•             BF Transit

Ben Franklin Transit’s updated 2024-2030 Transit Development Plan (TDP) was adopted by the Board of Directors on August 8, 2024. It includes approval of 13 electric buses. pg. 45. BFT has provided free fare to youth, and on special events such as to the BF County Fair and on election day. They also promote use of the buses to keep warm or cool in extreme temperatures.

•             Mid Columbia Electric Vehicle Association

MCEVA is a non-profit organization for those interested in plug-in electric vehicles and promoting their adoption [including bikes]. This organization was revived with new leadership this year and has hosted two National Drive Electric events.

Others suggested:

•             BIG Recyclers – ” Based in the heart of Central and Eastern Washington, we’re dedicated to turning discarded glass into valuable resources, reducing waste, and conserving natural resources.”  BIG Recyclers offers eleven different membership tiers to accommodate households, neighborhood HOAs, and businesses. To follow progress of glass recycling in the Tri-Cities see the Face book page.

•             The Reach Museum

Hosts annual Earth Day events and does conservation education. “At the REACH Museum we inspire learning by sharing the stories of the Mid-Columbia River Region, its people, and its impact and contributions to the world…We provide learning programs, outreach, teacher training, and curricula that complement Washington States K–12 Learning Standards/Next Generation Science Standards with an emphasis on K–8 students and their families.”

•            Tri-Cities Chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Leading member of the COAP team (our first-place winner). In 2024 they worked for No on I-2117 to protect the WA state Climate Commitment Act. They continue to lobby for a national carbon fee and dividend. CCL also advocates for clean energy permitting reform, building electrification and efficiency, and healthy forests to mitigate climate change.

•    Kids for Urban Trees   

 “We are a youth club located in Eastern Washington. Our goal is to teach kids about the importance of trees by providing exciting, hands on experiences. We work in conjunction with the Mid-Columbia Community Forestry Council.” They have helped plant many trees and have recently branched out to get recycling happening in their school.   

Women of Wisdom of Tri-Cities

“Our vision is to empower individuals to thrive in an equitable and inclusive community by promoting holistic wellness including environmental, physical, mental, financial, and social, through access to education, mentorship and supportive environments.” 

WOW EV Carshare is a proud black-owned enterprise, “steering change right through the heart of Washington’s communities, bringing you the future of urban mobility. Our fleet of cutting-edge electric vehicles isn’t just eco-friendly; they’re your new community conduit, connecting you to the places and people that matter most. With WOW, you’re not just a passenger; you’re a partner in our green car share programs, powered by our state-of-the-art DC Fast Charge and smart Wi-Fi-enabled stations. Join us in driving change—one electric mile at a time.”