A new investigation found crops use only about one-quarter of the water diverted from the Deschutes River by the Central Oregon Irrigation District. Much of the remaining water goes to irrigate hobby farms and large residential properties, while downstream commercial farmers face growing water shortages.
Millions of pounds of discarded clothing are staying out of Oregon landfills as Lane County grapples with the growing environmental impact of fast fashion. St. Vincent De Paul of Lane County sorts donated textiles for resale, recycling and upcycling, extending the life of millions of garments while creating jobs and generating revenue for its community programs…