A group of engaged residents gathered last month for the first in a series of sustainability-focused community meetings hosted by Bellevue Forward. Led by sustainability educator and local resident Clare Clark, the meeting served as a platform to celebrate what’s working well in Bellevue while identifying opportunities to make the borough more resilient and environmentally conscious.
Participants highlighted a wide range of local efforts already making a difference—from food access initiatives like community meals and monthly produce markets to neighborhood-led reuse and recycling. Others praised Bellevue’s walkability, its clean parks and public spaces, and creative events like “Brickvue Birdwalk,” which placed LEGO bird sculptures in trees as part of a playful community scavenger hunt.
Despite the progress, attendees also identified key areas for growth. A recurring theme was the need for better communication: many residents noted they had not heard about several ongoing initiatives. Ideas like a centralized community calendar, expanded educational workshops, and increased volunteer opportunities were widely supported. Other suggestions included launching a tool and seed library, hosting sustainability-themed markets, and developing programs in gardening, composting, and food waste reduction. A future “wellness and sustainability market” was even proposed to showcase holistic living in Bellevue.
Underlying it all was a shared sense of pride and possibility. Residents expressed love for Bellevue’s clean parks, vibrant small business scene, and passionate neighbors. At the same time, they recognized the need for continued collaboration to address food waste, aging infrastructure, and access to sustainability resources. With the energy in the room and the commitment of local volunteers and organizations, one thing was clear: Bellevue is ready to grow greener, together.
More information about Clare Clark’s work in environmental education can be found at Clare’s Nature Classes or on her LinkedIn profile.