Environmental research is one of the primary missions of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a multipurpose national laboratory that has been a major center for environmental sciences research since the 1960s.

Environmentally sound waste treatment is the specialty of several local industries, and most major environmental consulting firms are represented by local offices.

Among the city's residents are many technical experts employed in Oak Ridge environmental cleanup efforts and environmental businesses, who demonstrate their personal confidence in the local environment by choosing to make their homes here.

Links for more information on Oak Ridge environmental research and businesses:

Individual Oak Ridge citizens have received national and state conservation awards for their effective efforts to establish and preserve parks and natural areas in the surrounding region.

The City's Environmental Quality Advisory Board has provided environmental leadership and advised city government on environmental matters since its establishment in the
early 1970s.

Each year Oak Ridge is designated as a Tree City USA in recognition of its programs to plant, maintain, and promote trees.

A sizeable majority of residents regularly participate in the city's curbside recycling program.

In 1993, Oak Ridge adopted a master plan to develop a system of greenways throughout the city.

Links to some Oak Ridge voluntary groups working toward environmental goals: