Use Green Living Guide to Map Out a More Sustainable Lifestyle

The City of Tacoma’s Office of Environmental Policy & Sustainability has launched the Green Living Guide, an online, interactive mapping tool designed to help Tacoma residents live more sustainable lifestyles.

Those who attended the recent South Sound Sustainability Expo got a sneak peak at the guide and how it works. The map spans seven topic areas featuring everything from where to see a rain garden in action to where to find businesses working to reduce their carbon emissions:

Transportation – car sharing, electric vehicle charging stations,kayak launches, light rail stations, park & rides, off-street paved bicycle trails, park walking trails, transit centers, and bicycle lanes
Sustainable Purchasing – businesses with Pierce County EnviroStars certification, businesses selling Earth Sure-certified products, and businesses Paw of Approval Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium-certified businesses
Sustainable Agriculture – community gardens and farmers markets
Open Space – parks and natural areas
Green Infrastructure – rain gardens, living roofs and green walls
Green Building, Energy and Recycling – LEED-certified buildings,solar panels and recycling locations
Education – schools and environmental education resources

Each topic area also comes with its own web page listing further resources.

“It’s about providing information about options in consolidated and innovative ways,” said Division Manager Kristin Lynett. “In addition to current residents, we think future home buyers, renters or possibly even business owners who care about these issues many use the tool to help choose where they want to live or locate.”

People may use the map from the City’s website at cityoftacoma.org/greenliving.

Tacoma’s Office of Environmental Policy &Sustainability develops, promotes and implements sustainable practices through education, community partnerships and performance management. Tacoma is a 4-STAR sustainable community.