This is the second annual ReUse Week but the organizations involved wanted to commit to something more permanent so they created ReUse PDX, a coalition to support "each other and the values of reuse, sustainability, and community-building here in Portland," says Sonia Schmanski, policy coordinator in Commissioner Nick Fish's office, which is helping to coordinate ReUse Week. Carrie Sturrock, Special to The Oregonian http://connect.oregonlive.com/user/carriesturrock/index.html

Green Drop Garage in Southeast Portland didn't loan him a car while it serviced his Toyota, but instead offered him a bike. Quach pedaled to the park, read a book and took a nap. When Green Drop called to say his car was ready, Quach pedaled back. Carrie Sturrock, Special to The Oregonian http://connect.oregonlive.com/user/carriesturrock/index.html

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry want to help better protect the public from harmful chemical exposures. Carrie Sturrock, Special to The Oregonian http://connect.oregonlive.com/user/carriesturrock/index.html

But our kids are out of the habit of playing outdoors. The average American child age 8-18 spends more than 7 hours daily in front of screens -- television, video games and cell phones, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study. Carrie Sturrock, Special to The Oregonian http://connect.oregonlive.com/user/carriesturrock/index.html

The Stories From Our Watershed is offering a total of $3,500 in prize money for two categories of filmmakers: 21-and-over and 20-and-under. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. July 19. Carrie Sturrock, Special to The Oregonian http://connect.oregonlive.com/user/carriesturrock/index.html

When you can, avoid canned foods because most cans lining contains the chemical bisphenol A. Carrie Sturrock, Special to The Oregonian http://connect.oregonlive.com/user/carriesturrock/index.html