Summer 2011 may be over, but Portland residents were out in full force, attending a variety of events and sharing their stories of resourcefulness.

The Wilson Family, Irvington

"We have made the commitment to walk, bike or commute by mass transit. Three of our recently acquired bikes were previously loved and ready for a new home. We have become more physically active, more aware of who and what is in our neighborhood and use fewer fossil fuels in the process. "

Stephanie, NE Portland

"I work at a school and am trying to be sustainable. I have eliminated paper towels by using rags instead, which has saved money. I do not use chemicals, but have switched to making my own green cleaners. I want to open up conversations and teach children to think about the world differently."

Gloria, NE Portland

"We have planted a garden in our backyard and are now spending less money on food."

Joy, North Portland

"I crocheted a purse out of plastic shopping bags and hope to share my creations with others. "

Brenda, Mississippi

"I got the Be Resourceful menu planner at a fair and love it! I use it all the time and it helps me plan meals for my picky eaters."

Susan, Richmond

"I save bathtub water by putting a bucket under the faucet to catch cold water while I am waiting for hot water. This helps keep my water bill down and I use the water for my house plants and garden."

Amanda, NE Portland

"I save veggie scraps for veggie stock which gives me more flavors in cooking!"

Tavis, North Portland

"I buy in bulk and shop at farmer’s markets. I like the connection to my food and feeling less wasteful, which includes less plastic in my trash!"

Virginia and Larry, Beaverton

"We use a ceramic pot for our compost and include our vegetable scraps in it every day. It makes us feel like we are part of the cycle of life and is less wasteful."

Carla, Cully

"I was given a reusable sandwich bag and use it four times a week, dramatically cutting down my use of plastic bags. Now I have a Be Resourceful reusable lunch bag to go with it! These items help me with my goal of cutting back and ending single-use plastic products."

Mark, NE Portland

"I eat all organic/raw/vegan local and sustainable whole foods and produce. I only use eco-friendly green packaging and cleaners. I feel I am contributing to the solution to keep the planet green, clean and eco-friendly. "

Jaylen, NE Portland

"I reuse plastic bread bags for bulk foods and choose to make cookies for goodies rather than buying packaging. I feel less stress about ingredients and feel good that I’m not supporting industries like oil, plastics and chemicals."

Resident of SE Portland

"I use recycled plastic bags for produce instead of new ones. I cook for the week and weigh and measure all my food so I have containers to grab each morning (my own fast food). I am spending less money on food, it has brought awareness of the food I am eating and creates less trash because I am not eating processed foods."

Edith, Beaverton

"I make my own yogurt and parfaits with local, fresh ingredients. This saves me loads of money, provides great nutrition and I am more mindful of the fresh fruit available in our area."

Maribeth, Milwaukie

"I always store oatmeal in a glass jar - and take the jar to the store! This creates less spillage, spoilage and less plastic and waste."

Krystal, Vancouver, WA

"I am starting a small vegetable garden and am learning as I go along and hope to expand the types of food I grow next year."

Matt, Hollywood

"We use reusable bags for our groceries. We are raising chickens in backyard, which allows us to spend more time enjoying nature and our family."

Emily, SE Portland

"I have a garden plot in my yard that I couldn’t use this year so I lent it to others through Craigslist and they made a fabulous garden in my yard. This experience has provided me with new friends, fun and awesome produce!"

Doug, Laurelhurst

"I reuse grocery store salad tubs as mini greenhouses for over snap peas in our garden and have peas two to four weeks early. It is good to reuse rather than throw things away and the kids get fresh vegetables."

Kammy, Rose City Park

"I feed my chickens food scraps and egg shells and then I compost their bedding and waste. The finished compost is then applied to my garden. I feel good about closing the loop on my waste and creating a small eco-system in my 50 x 100’ lot."

Kronda, Kenton

"I use the Grocery Gadget iPhone app to share grocery lists with my wife. I like creating an on-hand list to keep track of what we have and avoid buying too much. Less grocery trips means more time for other things."

Shaneeka, NE Portland

"When I shop I use reusable bags, I buy eco-friendly products and I conserve water. I love knowing I’ve helped the planet with these actions."

Kai, NE Portland

"I grow my own food and like being a vegan. It’s made me healthy!"

Lawrence, Beaverton

"I grow organic produce in my garden. I believe in organic produce because of its health benefits and sustainability and I am able to take control of my wellbeing."

Naomi, NE Portland

"I am eating more fresh foods. And I feel so much better!"

S. King, SE Portland

"I ride my bike to go food shopping and to go to work. One tank of gas lasts about a month because I am biking more. I eat healthier because I can’t carry as much on my bike."

Aaron, NW Portland

"I moved closer to work so I can take public transportation instead of driving. This helps with my peace of mind."

Shannah, NE Portland

"I scan the local newspapers for free events that I can attend. This provides me with incredible amounts of information, activities and different experiences."

A. Martin, North Portland

"Since the birth of my child, we have begun to eat more vegetables and fruit to balance our diet. We are changing habits and becoming healthier."

Greg, Grant Park

"We built a chicken coop using recycled fence material. We get fresh eggs and can use the manure and straw for compost."

Jenny, NE Portland

"We made three raised beds and planted a variety of fruits and vegetables. It is very satisfying to eat produce we grew and exciting to see things sprout."

Barbara, NE Portland

"I tell my grandkids to keep and reuse their water bottles. This practice creates less waste and keeps them out of landfill."

Sherri, NE Portland

"I took my kids to a recycling center to see what they do with materials like paper and bottles. It has helped my children understand what happens to the materials when they are placed at the curb for pickup."

Rodica, Rockwood

"I am buying more food and products from farmers markets. I am also using an old car to save gas and driving slower. These actions allow me eat healthier and save money."