Recycle your old electronics responsibly instead of discarding them. These devices contain valuable materials, and recycling them is an easy way to reduce your environmental footprint and

Recycle your old electronics responsibly instead of discarding them. These devices contain valuable materials, and recycling them is an easy way to reduce your environmental footprint and potentially earn some cash.

This initiative, "Recycle Electronics Responsibly," was produced by Molly Wood and Rebekah Fergusson for The New York Times. Read the full story here.

"Billion Dollar Crop," a 1994 Australian documentary,

"Billion Dollar Crop," a 1994 Australian documentary, explores the history, diverse uses, and future of cannabis, focusing on the versatile and potentially revolutionary plant's potential.

The film highlights how recently developed, non-drug hemp varieties are being researched and cultivated globally for their versatile qualities and environmental benefits. It showcases hemp as an industrial fiber, offering alternatives to wood for paper, cotton for clothes, and plywood for construction, thereby benefiting forests and topsoil.

Produced with Michael Cordell and Jeffrey Bruer, and directed by Barbara Ann Chobocky, the DVD is available from Bull Frog Films.

On March 31, 2014, the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to establish a state licensing program for legal hemp cultivation. Sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison emphasized

On March 31, 2014, the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to establish a state licensing program for legal hemp cultivation. Sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison emphasized hemp's historical benefits and cited the recent U.S. Farm Bill, which permits states to regulate production and allows universities to conduct studies.

The legislation passed with an 88-5 vote. Following its approval, Faison distributed various hemp products, such as breakfast cereal, soap, cooking oil, and twine, to legislative leaders, showcasing the plant's diverse applications.

As Portland revitalizes its Old Town/Chinatown, a neighborhood home to two National Historic Districts, there is renewed interest in preserving its architecture and reusing historic buildings.

As Portland revitalizes its Old Town/Chinatown, a neighborhood home to two National Historic Districts, there is renewed interest in preserving its architecture and reusing historic buildings. This panel will address the challenges of redeveloping these structures, explore better financial tools and incentives, suggest in-fill considerations, and discuss streamlining processes to attract private investment and restore buildings to full service.

Speakers include Brian Emerick (Emerick Architects), Julie Garver (Innovative Housing), Jeff Joslin (City and County of San Francisco), Peggy Moretti (Restore Oregon), and Ethan Seltzer (Portland State University). Chet Orloff (Pamplin International Collection of Art) will moderate the discussion.

An upcoming forum will address what's working, what's not, and potential improvements for homelessness by next year. Panelists include Multnomah County Chair-Elect Deborah Kafoury, Portland City

An upcoming forum will address what's working, what's not, and potential improvements for homelessness by next year. Panelists include Multnomah County Chair-Elect Deborah Kafoury, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Suzanne Hayden (Citizens Crime Commission), Traci Manning (Portland Bureau of Housing), Matt Morton (Native American Youth and Family Center), and Leo Rhodes (Street Roots). KGW's Reggie Aqui will moderate.

This initiative builds on past efforts, such as Nan Roman's (National Alliance to End Homelessness) April 4th presentation on causes and solutions. A City Club research committee is also studying how Multnomah County's homeless population can benefit from healthcare reforms, with results due in January. The City Club of Portland has dedicated 2014 to finding practical solutions to end local homelessness through research, advocacy, and public forums.