A new suggestion box for the DAS Sustainability Program is now available in the Global e-mail directory. The box gives staff an opportunity to comment freely on the program, provide suggestions for One-Thing Thursday, or simply share thoughts about sustainability. The box is not anonymous, but suggestions will only go to Elin Shepard, DAS Sustainability Coordinator. She will treat the emails as confidential, if requested. Email to box: das.ssb@state.or.us.

The Department of Administrative Services' (DAS) buildings are resource conservation zones. That means DAS works hard to save energy and water in its buildings and ensures everyone recycles to the best of their ability. DAS' goal is to save taxpayer money and provide the best stewardship of the environment that we can.

DAS and other agencies have many training options for state employees, including short, segmented sessions that you can take at your desk.

Lunches and social events generate a lot of waste. While they serve an important role to create a sense of community among department staff, they should also model the culture of sustainability at DAS. We plan to ensure that our lunches, potlucks, parties, and public events create little to no waste.

DAS encourages employees to participate in field trips. The trips go to sustainable businesses and community resources in Salem and Portland.

Governor Kulongoski is focused on accelerating our economic recovery by transforming the way the state approaches economic development. "The Oregon Way" will create jobs by building on our track record of sustainability and innovation. In addition, "Go Oregon!" implements Senate Bill 338, an Economic Stimulus Package. On Feb. 5, 2009, Governor Ted Kulongoski signed Go Oregon! into law, authorizing sale of bonds to fund important capital projects at public facilities throughout Oregon.

The Interagency Sustainability Coordinators Network is comprised of representatives from the top 25 key agencies that impact sustainability. The Network meets six times a year and ensures state agencies are collaborating on sustainability programs and projects.