When it comes to taking care of our planet, small actions make a big difference! In celebration of Earth Day, discover 10 ways to be a sustainable traveler at Portland International Airport.
1. Bring Your Water Bottle
On average, PDX customers save over 5,000 plastic bottles a day by using water stations to refill personal containers.
2. Compost Your Leftovers
Look for composting stations in the Concourse D Food Court. In 2016, the entire airport generated 284.4 tons of compost. Instead of a landfill, this organic material goes to an anaerobic digestion facility where it is turned into biogas and fertilizer.
3. Take MAX Light Rail
Approximately 1.28 million people, including both travelers and PDX employees, used TriMet’s MAX Red Line to get to the airport in 2016.
4. Bike to the Airport
Commute to the airport by bike and take advantage of our free onsite parking. Nearly half (47 percent) of those bicycling to PDX say they ride between one and five times a week.
5. Flush Up for Water Conservation
Restroom flush valves use 1.1 gallons in the “up” position and 1.6 gallons in the “down” position. Just one in every five uses of “up” saves more than 2.9 million gallons of water per year.
6. Try the Hand Dryers in Concourse D
Reduce landfill waste from paper towels and try the new hand dryers being tested in the restrooms near Gate D2. Tell us your favorite at lesswaste@portofportland.com.
7. Use Revolving Doors
When traditional doors swing open, the average energy loss is equivalent to 1.3 hours of light from a desk lamp. Using revolving doors minimizes air exchange and maximizes energy efficiency.
8. Try the Green Plate Program
More than 20 percent of waste in the PDX Food Cart area is generated by single-use takeout containers. Participate in our green plate pilot program and reduce landfill waste.
9. Recycle Right
What goes in mixed recycling at PDX? Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, cartons (i.e. juice and milk), plastic drink bottles, and tin, steel or aluminum cans.
10. Empty Liquids in Pre-Security Collection Stations
PDX customers recycle over 60 gallons per day back to the water system instead of the landfill. Remember to empty your container before entering security checkpoints.
