Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) signed an executive order yesterday that calls on the state government to work toward environmental sustainability by making more efficient use of materials and emphasizing reuse and recycling. The order gives the Oregon Department of Administration six months to develop guidelines to help the state construct buildings and roads using recycled materials, nontoxic paints, and safer chemicals. Kitzhaber even instructed his cabinet not to show up for meetings with coffee in paper cups. “What we need to do is change the way people think,” he said. The governor said he plans to preach sustainability through public appearances and a planned website.
