Low-impact living is the theme of this year's BRING Home and Garden Tour on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., featuring 10 homes and gardens that make the best possible use of space, energy, and resources. The tour includes green remodels, cutting-edge new construction, permaculture landscaping, and designs for downsizing and aging in place. Two of the sites are striving for net-zero energy use. Tour highlights include a solar shower, rainwater diverted for domestic use, reuse art, bees, chickens, shared gardens, and more. Experts will be on hand at all the sites.
New this year: Free midday workshops and displays will be offered at Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) on the latest energy efficient technologies, LED lighting, sustainable gardening, and electric vehicles. Workshops begin at 11:00 a.m. and noon. Displays (including the City of Eugene's Waste Prevention and Green Building Program) are open from10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bonus Site: Tour goers are invited to stop in at Wildcraft Cider Works in the old QSL building, 4th and Lincoln Street, from 3 – 6 p.m., for a look at a green commercial renovation and a chance to mingle with fellow tour goers over a glass of cider (discounted with tour ticket).
Sponsors: The Tour is co-hosted by the City of Eugene and EWEB, and co-sponsored by Eugene Weekly, Lane Forest Products, and Mountain Rose Herbs.
Tickets: The Tour is a community education and fundraising event. Tickets are $9 in advance or $12 on the day of tour, and may be purchased at BRING, Down to Earth, Lane Forest Products, or online at www.bringrecycling.org/tour.
Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to help greet tour goers, sell tickets, and help homeowners with tour day logistics. Two-hour shifts are available starting at 9:45 a.m. For each shift worked, volunteers receive a Tour ticket and everyone'sgreat appreciation! Sign up online at www.bringrecycling.org/tour by following the links for volunteering.For more information, contact Waste Prevention and Green Building Analyst Stephanie Scafa at 541-682-5652 or visit bringrecycling.org/tour.