Green Lents, a longtime presence in outer southeast Portland, works to build an environmentally and socially resilient community through resource sharing and strong local relationships. Since 2009, the group has led environmental justice efforts in neighborhoods facing economic and environmental hardships where higher pollution, hotter temperatures, and limited green space disproportionately impact low-income, BIPOC, and immigrant residents.
Its cornerstone initiative, the Green Lents Community Tool Library, offers cost-saving resources and support. Other efforts include installing native pollinator gardens, promoting urban forestry, hosting repair and skill-sharing workshops, and engaging the community on air pollution issues. Through community-based projects like drought-resistant gardens and curbside rain gardens, Green Lents demonstrates the powerful impact of small urban habitats.