BRING Rethink Business Program

06/04/2026

Every day, an estimated 2.2 million pounds of material generated in Oregon never makes it into the recycling system.

is changing that. By expanding recycling access and making it easier to understand, Oregon is stepping up together. ♻️💪

Follow and for information about local changes to access.

06/03/2026

⭐️Certification Highlight: Drop Bear Brewery

Drop Bear Brewery, a Eugene-based craft brewery, earned Innovator-level Rethink Business Certification by making smart, targeted upgrades across its brewing operations. They replaced worn gaskets on freezer drawers and their walk-in cooler to eliminate energy waste and upgraded LED lighting throughout the facility. Together, these improvements save approximately 1,793 kWh annually and reduce their carbon footprint by 0.66 metric tons of CO₂e.

Building on these upgrades, Drop Bear continues to prioritize efficiency at every level by optimizing cooling systems, improving insulation, and exploring future solar opportunities while also focusing on local sourcing and low-waste brewing practices. With support from the GBENN x Intuit Rebate, Drop Bear’s total investment was largely covered, leaving a net cost of just $165.33 and a return on investment in about 10 months. They now save approximately $203 per year going forward. Sustainability at Drop Bear is built into how they brew, operate, and serve their community.

06/01/2026

✅ Green Business Tip: An energy audit is one of the best ways to uncover hidden opportunities to save money and reduce waste in your workplace.

Many businesses are surprised to learn how much energy is being lost through outdated lighting, inefficient equipment, HVAC systems, or everyday operational habits. A professional energy assessment can help identify practical upgrades that lower utility costs and reduce environmental impact.

Contact your utility to schedule an energy audit for your business.

05/29/2026

⭐️Certification Highlight: Everyone Village

Everyone Village, a community-centered organization, has earned Steward-level Rethink Business Certification by taking steps to improve its sustainability practices. They’ve implemented key improvements, including energy conservation training for staff, sealing windows and doors to improve efficiency, and completing an energy audit to better understand and manage their energy use. They’re also reducing waste by composting food waste and providing accessible recycling throughout their space.

Together, these efforts create a more efficient, low-waste operation while supporting a healthier environment for both staff and the community. We’re excited to see Everyone Village continue building on this strong foundation!

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

Does your business collect food waste? 🍎🥕☕

If you’re located in Eugene, your food scraps are likely part of the City of Eugene's Love Food Not Waste program. After collection, the material is transported to Rexius, where it’s transformed into a nutrient-rich compost product that supports local soils and landscapes. Unfortunately, contamination still finds its way into many food waste bins.

Remember: only food scraps and BPI-certified compostable liners belong in the food waste cart. Plastic bags, utensils, packaging, gloves, and other non-compostable items can create costly challenges for processors and reduce the quality of the finished compost.

Need help improving your program? Our Rethink Business team can provide free signage, educational materials, and staff trainings to help keep your food waste stream clean and effective. A few simple changes can make a big difference. Reach out to learn more! ♻️

05/26/2026

Certification Highlight: Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad

Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad, a nonprofit community hub serving Latinx and immigrant families, earned Steward-level Rethink Business Certification by upgrading its HVAC system, one of the most impactful energy improvements a building can make. The upgrade saves 5,700 kWh per year and reduces their carbon footprint by 0.06 metric tons. This helps ensure their space remains welcoming, efficient, and sustainable for the community they serve.

With support from the GBENN x Intuit Rebate, Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad activated $1,000 in funding and is saving approximately $283 per year. Investing in sustainability is also an investment in community. “We are excited to be part of the Rethink Business Certification and to be able to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability. We hope to be an example for other nonprofits to follow, so we can have a greener future for all.” Project Specialist Timothy Herrera

05/22/2026

Recycling is getting even bigger in Oregon. In the next few years, more than 150,000 households will receive recycling at their home for the first time.

Nearly 100 new recycling trucks will hit the road, and 144 new drop-off centers will open — making recycling more convenient for everyone, especially in rural communities.

Find out more: recycleon.org/Oregon

05/20/2026

⭐️Certification Highlight: QSL Print Communications

QSL Print Communications is a commercial printing company that offers everything from traditional offset and digital printing to wide-format signage, mailing, warehousing, and fulfillment.

They earned Innovator-level Rethink Business Certification by making a huge energy upgrade. By switching to LED lighting throughout their facility, they are now saving an impressive 8,819 kWh per year and $437 annually in energy costs, while meaningfully reducing their carbon footprint by 0.09 metric tons of CO2e each year.

With support from the GBENN x Intuit Rebate, QSL activated $1,000 in Intuit Dollars and also received a Springfield Utility Board (SUB) rebate. Lane County’s printing just got a whole lot greener!

05/15/2026

Interested in where recycling, waste reduction, and sustainability are headed in Oregon? Association of Oregon Recyclers is bringing the 2026 Sustainable Oregon Conference to Eugene from June 22–24 at Graduate by Hilton Eugene.

The conference brings together local governments, nonprofits, recyclers, sustainability professionals, and industry leaders to explore practical solutions and emerging opportunities in recycling, composting, producer responsibility, and sustainable materials management.

This year’s event will feature keynote speakers, expert panels, networking opportunities, and facility tours designed to spark ideas and real-world action. If sustainability is becoming a bigger part of your business operations, customer expectations, or long-term planning, this is a great opportunity to connect with others doing the work across Oregon.

♻️ More information at: oregonrecyclers.org/conference