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EnviroHouse

About & Driving Directions

The EnviroHouse is funded by the five City of Tacoma Utilities and is governed by a Steering Committee serving as the legislative, policy and decision-making entity responsible for overall governance, budgets, and strategic direction of the EnviroHouse. Day-to-day operations and programs are managed by a full-time coordinator.

 

EnviroHouse Vision 
We envision Tacoma/Pierce County residents as environmental stewards and leaders in sustainable living practices, with equitable access to relevant information, resources, and activities to make responsible choices and inspire others to create a cleaner and healthier place where they live, work, and play.  

We are guided by a strategic plan providing an intentional look at activities, programs, and communications to advance our sustainability goals, identify priorities for current and future funding, expand educational opportunities and cultivate diversity, equity, and trust in our operations.  
 
Background 
The EnviroHouse is a repurposed facility originally operated by Pierce County Public Works. Known as the “Green House,” it served as an outreach green living demonstration in the 1990s. Acquired by the City of Tacoma Solid Waste Division in 2004, the structure was moved to the Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center and repurposed as a permanent onsite exhibit and opened to the public in 2006. 

 

Driving Directions

  • From I-5: Take Exit 132 and merge onto SR-16 (west to Bremerton). Take Exit 1C Fircrest/Center Street. The exit is a sharp curve that drops to Center Street with a traffic light; stay in the middle lane to go straight onto South Mullen Street. 
  • From Orchard Street: Turn onto South Center Street going east (2 blocks). Turn right onto South Mullen Street at the traffic light, between Starbucks and Harborstone Credit Union.  
  • From Stevens/Tyler Street (name change between S. 19th and Center St.): Turn onto Center Street going west; pass the entrance to Home Depot, turn left on So. Mullen at the traffic light between Starbucks and Harborstone Credit Union.  
  • On South Mullen Street: Proceed 2 blocks through the gate into the Recovery and Transfer Center. The entrance road is one-way. The EnviroHouse is the first turn on your left near the “EnviroHouse Only” sign.

 

Parking and Departure

Park on either side of the drive. An ADA-accessible space is by the curb cut near the house.

 

Exit through the Recycle Center to the two-way drive back to S. Mullen and Center Streets. 

 

There are 4 compact parking spaces off the cut-through exit as you pull into the EnviroHouse drive.

 

 

The City of Tacoma EnviroHouse 

The EnviroHouse is a green building and natural landscape exhibit showcasing environmentally friendly building materials, techniques, and furnishings, featuring low impact development, energy and water saving tips, and natural lawn care and garden practices to help create a healthy home environment.  
 

This sustainable resource center demonstrates how lifestyle choices can be adopted for healthy living and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re planning a new home, remodel, or want to redesign your landscape, the EnviroHouse has local resources that can help you create your own unique green space. 

 

The EnviroHouse is open to the public Thursday - Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM.
Located at the Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center:
3510 S. Mullen St. - Tacoma, WA 98409

Walk-in visitors always welcome, and group tours can be arranged with advance registration. 
Please contact us at (253) 573-2426 or email for more information. 

 

See it in ActionLooking for Inspiration?  

Register for upcoming workshops, view recordings of past workshops, and check out how-to videos for tips on composting, gardening, raising chickens, energy and water efficiency options, managing rainwater, and a host of other topics. Our free workshops are presented at the EnviroHouse and are taught by local professionals. Advance registration is required.

 

Learn more about these sustainable living topics at the EnviroHouse:

Green Building

 

Green Building

Planning to build or remodel? Find helpful tips, information and numerous resources on our Green Building page. Visit the EnviroHouse and outdoor kiosk to see displays of sustainable, energy efficient building materials, wall systems, insulation, windows and more.

 


 

Interior Furnishings and Products

Time for a refresh or a full-scale renovation? The EnviroHouse showcases numerous green products and ecofriendly resources demonstrating sustainability in action. Explore products made from ecofriendly natural, recycled, reclaimed, or repurposed materials such as wood, bamboo, cork, glass, and paper composite substances. The EnviroHouse is the place to see it all come together in a residential setting.

 

Efficient House 

 

Home and Utility Efficiency

Looking for ways to save on your utility bills? The EnviroHouse features examples of energy saving and water efficient features, fixtures, and appliances to reduce your costs. Find solid waste and recycling tips, learn about wastewater biosolid products, and discover numerous resources with useful information. 

 

Storm Drains 

 

Stormwater Management  

Explore features designed to manage surface water onsite, reduce flooding, protect structure foundations, and replenish ground water supplies. Displays include permeable pavers, rain barrels, a rain garden and a green roof. Look for topic related handouts, videos, and how-to segments among our local resources.

 

 Sustainable Gardens

 

Sustainable Landscape and Gardens

Discover resources, displays and workshops to create a more natural environment and reduce water use and maintenance. Learn about natural yard care, healthy soil, TAGRO, irrigation, landscape design, flower and food gardens, native and drought tolerant plants, nontoxic pest maintenance, composting, tree pruning and so much more.

 

 

 

Discover Upcoming and Recorded Workshops

 

Watch the EnviroShorts Video Series

 

 

Follow the Tacoma Sustainability Facebook and Instagram Pages for EnviroHouse updates, workshop information, and community sustainability resources: 
Facebook
Instagram 

 

 

  

Read Latest Community Report


Subscribe to Community Reports

Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability Facebook Image Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability Facebook Image 

 

Subscribe to Tacoma Environews Listserv



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