Protecting Puget Sound: Whose job is it?
Who must take care of Puget Sound, the watersheds that feed it, and other watersheds throughout our state? ALL OF US! There are countless opportunities to participate; some are quick and easy, while others involve more long-term commitment. Perhaps one or more of the following contacts can help you get started!
GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
Washington Department of Ecology
Washington Waters – Ours to Protect
“Puget Sound. The Columbia River. The Pacific Ocean. These waters and many more rivers, lakes and streams are part of Washington’s identity, character and daily life. Each of us can do small things to help clean up our waters—and that adds up to a pollution solution!”
Recycle Hotline: 1-800-RECYCLE (1-800-732-9253)
Besides the environmental benefits of recycling in general, recycling hazardous materials is especially important to protecting the health of our waterways. The statewide toll-free Recycle Hotline is a good first step to find out where and how to recycle specific materials in your area.
Seattle Public Utilities
700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4900, PO Box 34018, Seattle WA 98124-4018
Seattle Public Utilities offers a wealth of information on ways to protect our environment. Here are two links you may find especially useful:
Conservation and Environment
Hazardous Waste
King County Local Hazardous Waste Management Program
130 Nickerson Street, Suite 100, Seattle WA 98109
Hazards Line: 206-296-4692
The web site has lots of information about identifying hazardous materials, finding less hazardous alternatives, and safely disposing of hazardous waste. Answers to specific questions about hazardous materials can be obtained from the Hazards Line.
Puget Sound Partnership
PO Box 40900, Olympia WA 98504-0900
360-464-1232
“The Puget Sound Partnership is a community effort of citizens, governments, tribes, scientists and businesses working together to restore and protect Puget Sound. Our goal is to make Puget Sound healthy again, and create a roadmap for how to get it done.”
PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS
“Internet links of interest to people working on environmental issues in the Puget Sound region of Washington State.” With dozens of organizations listed, this site is a great place to start looking for opportunities for involvement. The site also has “Beyond the Sound” links to help find activities in other parts of the Pacific Northwest.
People for Puget Sound
911 Western Avenue, Suite 580, Seattle WA 98104
206-382-7007
“We’re a citizens’ group established in 1991…to protect and restore the health of our land and waters through education and action. Together, we can protect and restore the Sound to health for future generations. Working together to make this happen is what People For Puget Sound is all about.”
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
5309 Shilshole Ave NW, Suite 215, Seattle WA 98107
206-297-7002
“The mission of Puget Soundkeeper Alliance is to protect and preserve Puget Sound by tracking down and stopping the discharge of toxic pollutants into its waters. Puget Soundkeeper Alliance actively patrols and monitors the waters of Puget Sound, the only environmental group to do so.”
Adopt-A-Stream Foundation
Northwest Stream Center, 600 128th Street SE, Everett WA 98208-6353
425-316-8592
“Mission: to teach people how to become stewards of their watersheds. That mission is carried out by (1) conducting Streamkeeper Academy classes for all ages; (2) producing environmental education materials; and (3) providing local communities with stream and wetland restoration technical assistance.”
Friends of the Cedar River Watershed
6512 23rd Avenue NW #201, Seattle, WA 98117
206-297-8141
“Friends of the Cedar River Watershed (The Friends) is a private, non-profit organization…dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Cedar River Watershed, an ecological preserve that is the source of drinking water to more than a million greater Seattle area residents. Our primary goal is to educate the public about the source of our water and its ecological and cultural value, and to engage them in promoting the health of the Watershed.”
Washington Toxics Coalition
4649 Sunnyside Avenue N, Suite 540, Seattle WA 98103
206-632-1545
“Washington Toxics Coalition protects public health and the environment by eliminating toxic pollution. WTC promotes alternatives, advocates policies, empowers communities, and educates people to create a healthy environment.”
The NatureMapping Program
Karen M. Dvornich
University of Washington, School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, Box 355020, Seattle WA 98195
206-616-2031
“The NatureMapping Program’s vision is environmental stewardship of communities through school, community, agency, and business partnerships. Its mission is to protect biodiversity through data collection and dissemination.”
EarthCorps
6310 NE 74th St, Suite 201E, Seattle WA 98115
206-322-9296 x101
“EarthCorps’ mission is to build global community through local environmental service. EarthCorps’ programs bring together young people from the USA and around the world to work, learn and grow. Our efforts unite best practices in environmental restoration with a community-based approach to service, education and action.”
