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Public Health News

2025 Green Awards honor business sustainability champions

Vancouver, Wash. –  The Clark County Green Business program is celebrating Earth Day by recognizing local leaders in environmental sustainability with Green Awards. The annual awards feature four new categories this year. The new categories demonstrate the ongoing journey businesses must embark on to consistently reduce their environmental impacts and engage with employees and community members to set and achieve new sustainability goals. 

Here are the 2025 Green Awards winners:  

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center – Seeds of… Read More

Clark County offers free workshops promoting composting and sustainable living

Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is offering a series of free in-person and online workshops about composting and sustainable living strategies. The series will teach participants how to reduce their impact on the planet through composting, green cleaning, recycling, food waste prevention and low waste living.  

Here are the workshops offered this spring: 

Clark County hosts events to celebrate Food Waste Prevention Week

Clark County is joining more than 700 organizations across the world to support Food Waste Prevention Week. On March 18, the Clark County Council proclaimed April 7-13 to be Food Waste Prevention Week, a global movement to inspire cultural changes that reduce food waste at home, work and in communities.  

Up to 38% of all food produced in the United States goes uneaten, causing significant economic, environmental, and social… Read More

County council seeks applicants for volunteer commission for recycling and waste system

The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for two volunteer positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. Applicants who are appointed by the council will serve three-year terms. 

Applications from Clark County residents are being accepted for the following positions:

  • North Clark County: Representative shall reside north of 179th Street or the extension thereof. Term begins June 1, 2025.
  • Southwest Clark County: Representative shall reside south of 179th Street and west of… Read More

Keep Clark County safe with proper battery disposal on National Battery Day

Clark County Public Health’s Solid Waste & Recycling team encourages residents to celebrate National Battery Day on Feb. 18 by recycling their used batteries at one of several safe, convenient drop-off locations across the county. 

Batteries power countless everyday devices that make lives easier and more efficient. However, improperly disposing of batteries can have serious consequences. Batteries that end up in household garbage or inside recycling carts can explode, posing significant fire risks during transportation and at transfer stations. These… Read More

Board of Health extends application deadline for education position on Public Health Advisory Council

The Clark County Board of Health is extending the deadline to submit applications for a Public Health Advisory Council position representing the educational community. The term for the volunteer position begins as soon as it’s filled and ends Sept. 30, 2027. 

The Public Health Advisory Council meets 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except the month of December. One meeting each quarter will be in-person at locations across the county. Members… Read More

Clark County accepting nominations for 2025 Green Business Awards recognizing excellence in sustainability

Clark County Public Health is accepting nominations for the 2025 Green Business Awards, an annual celebration and awards program honoring leaders in environmental sustainability.  

The awards recognize businesses and organizations that incorporate sustainability in their decision-making and practices. Nominations are being accepted in the following award categories: 

  • Sustainability Trailblazer: Business or organization demonstrating exceptional innovation and leadership in driving sustainable practices.  … Read More

Influenza activity, emergency department visits and hospitalizations increasing in Clark County

Influenza is circulating at increasing levels in Clark County, with the percentage of positive influenza tests increasing significantly in the last month. During the last week of December, 36% of influenza tests were positive, up from 8% one month earlier.

Emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to influenza have also increased significantly in the last month. During the most recent week of data (Dec. 22-28), more than 7% of visits to Clark County emergency departments and 5.5% of county hospitalizations were due to influenza. One month earlier,… Read More

Recycle natural Christmas trees to reduce holiday waste

Clark County residents who are among the millions of people buying natural Christmas trees this holiday season can utilize local recycling options to give their trees purpose long after the holidays are over.   

Recycled Christmas trees are chipped into mulch – a natural and low-cost product that can help conserve water and beautify garden beds and landscaping. When organic waste, like trees, is left to rot in landfills it creates methane, a toxic greenhouse gas.  

Before recycling a natural tree, all lights, tinsel, wire,… Read More

Take steps to save money and prevent food waste this holiday season

When preparing to gather for a holiday meal consider this: Clark County generates an average 35,000 tons of edible food waste each year. Tossing food in the garbage not only wastes money, but when food reaches landfills, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that intensify climate change.  

Small changes can have a big impact. By taking simple steps before and after holiday meals, residents can save money at the grocery store and reduce the consequences of wasted food. 

  • Simplify shopping: Food waste prevention… Read More