For now, green energy cheaper than brown energy in Md.

One benefit of the economic slowdown, in Maryland at least, is that green energy (wind power) is now less expensive than the traditional, "brown" energy mix of coal and nuclear power.

Clean Currents, a Rockville-based clean energy broker/aggregator, offers a residential energy package called Chesapeake Green. It comes in two options: 50 percent wind power or 100 percent wind power. Right now, both cost less than Pepco and BGE's rates in Maryland.

I got an e-mail today from an environmental group noting that this is the first time ever that green power has been cheaper than brown power in Maryland. Even though I already have 50 percent wind power at my house, I was intrigued and decided to call Clean Currents to get the scoop.

I spoke to Brian Eglsaer, operations manager for Clean Currents. He said that Maryland Pepco customers are paying about 11.7-12 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity, and BG&E customers are paying about 11.8 cents per kwH. Clean Currents offers rates as low as 11.1 cents per kwH. Eglsaer estimates you can save 5 percent on your bill now by switching to Clean Currents, and in the summer when Pepco and BG&E rates go up, you can save 8-15 percent. He said this would probably come out to $5-10 per bill.

The benefit is that you're using clean energy and helping to reduce pollution, slow down climate change and be a part of the transition to a greener nation.

Eglsaer says his company can offer lower rates because the big utilities locked in prices before the economic downturn, but now energy prices are less expensive -- and as a small company, Clean Currents is a bit more nimble and was able to work out lower rates. He said they've been offering these rates for a few months and they might only last for a few months more, so check it out soon.

DC company will pay you to reduce your energy use

The Post's Small Change blog has an item today about Earth Aid Enterprises, a two-year-old DC company that will pay you if you reduce your household's energy use.

When you reduce your home energy use (electricity, natural gas), you're also lowering your carbon footprint. Earth Aid bundles these carbon reductions and sells them to companies that want to buy carbon offsets. Earth Aid then pays homeowners for their energy savings, minus a brokerage fee.

It sounds pretty cool. The service is free and if you don't reduce your energy use, you don't pay a penalty. No hidden costs, according to the Earth Aid site. What's not to like? (You'll have to register on the Earth Aid site, then they'll track your energy use through your utility company. They'll even send you tips on how to save energy -- and money.)

Happy Earth Day! Check out the new GreenListDC.org

Yes, happy Earth Day to all! I've been inside most of the day putting the last touches on a redesigned GreenListDC.org. Yes, I have to fix a problem in IE with the tiny table text, but overall it turned out okay. GreenListDC.org is all about information -- a place where you can find an organic or veggie restaurant, a link for green electricity and one for recycling -- whether you're in DC, Virginia or Maryland.

Let me know what you think!

"Go green" classes in DC and Silver Spring

Want to green your lifestyle and help create a more sustainable world, but don't know how? Are you seeking tips for making green renovations to your home, purchasing clean energy or conserving water? If so, a new series of classes being offered by the Green Building Institute may be right up your alley.

The classes begin tonight in Silver Spring and April 22 in DC. They include "Introduction to Going Green," "Buying or Renovating Your Home the Green Way," "Clean and Sustainable Energy for Your Home and Business," and "Catch the Rain and Be a Better Steward of the Chesapeake Bay." You can sign up for them individually and they do cost $55 each, but you can get price breaks if you take all four or join the Institute. (Link to Silver Spring classes and DC classes)

I've been to some free lectures and panel discussions at the Institute's offices in Jessup, Md., and must say that these folks know what they're talking about. They are professional architects and builders who focus on green design and issues. If you're curious about these topics, one of these classes would be a good choice.

Taking green to the extreme can cause friction in some homes

The Post has a story this morning about how some couples have disagreements over which steps to take to green their lives. Many are willing to green some of their habits, but folks have their limits -- and some don't want to go to what the Post calls "extremes."

Examples: One woman drives a hybrid car, but knows her husband will criticize her for "only" getting 42 mpg, so she resets the mpg counter after each drive. Another conflict arises over whether or not to clean and re-use plastic carryout food containers. Still another feud brews over whether or not to re-use shower water to do laundry.

I applaud everyone who takes even a small step to green up their lives, because all of the little things will add up and help homeowners save resources such as energy, water, food -- and save a bit of money in the process. But I think we need to keep things in perspective: In terms of climate change (and other environmental issues), industry contributes the lion's share of emissions and impacts. The way America is going to help reduce climate impacts is to encourage the development of clean energy sources and delivery, make our buildings more energy efficient, and to green other industries so they produce fewer emissions and less waste.

Individuals can take steps in two main areas to reduce their environmental and carbon footprints: Home energy use and transportation. Make your home more energy efficient in any small way that you can afford. Then try to drive less, use public transit more, and when you buy a car, choose the one with the best mpg for your needs. If you don't need an SUV, van or pickup truck every day, consider renting one when you do need it, rather than buying one.

As NRDC scientist Allen Hershkowitz told me in an interview last year for a story I wrote for the National Geographic Channel web site, addressing environmental challenges will take millions of small steps by millions of people, organizations, companies and goverments. Any little thing you can do helps. I say if you're getting 42 mpg in your hybrid, that's great. The U.S. fleet average is like 27, so you're doing 50 percent better than average. Don't sweat it -- but maybe get your neighbor or cousing to buy a hybrid, too.

Hershkowitz also told me that we should all do everthing we can, in terms of buying greener products, reducing waste and energy use, etc. But he also noted that it's a process of small refinements. I agree with this: Take a small step now and next month see what else you can do. I also think we don't all have to be environmental champions and max out right away, but if we can take small steps every month or every year, we'll all be better off.

The Flaming Lips to Headline Earth Day Event on National Mall

I just got this news via e-mail newsletter from the Earth Day Network, although it looks like a press release went out yesterday.

The big Earth Day event on the National Mall this Sunday, April 19 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. will feature performers The Flaming Lips, Los Lobos, DJ Spooky and others. Actor Chevy Chase will emcee the event. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will be one of the speakers, along with Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network, actor Matthew Modine, Philippe Pierre Jacques-Yves Arnault Cousteau Jr., and Rep. Edward Markey, U.S. House of Representatives.

This year's event will also mark the launch of a new Green Generation Campaign and the kickoff of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010.

Plus, there will be an Eco-Roadshow on the Mall, with exhibits from non-profits, companies striving to go green, government agencies and foreign embassies.

If you can't make it, check out the live stream of the event from www.MySpace.com/GreenAppleFestival; http://www.earthday.net/www.GreenAppleFestival.com; and http://www.earthdaytv.net/.

Will you go down to the Mall for this? Have you gone in the past?

More events: Clean-Energy Open House and the Earth Day 5K

If you're looking for some green stuff to do this weekend, here are some more options in Montgomery County, Md.

• Clean-Energy Open House and Native Plant Garden Tour: Saturday, April 18 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in Takoma Park. Free. Tour a house which is 95 percent powered by renewable energy (if it's sunny you might see the electric meter run backwards!). See hybrid, electric and biodiesel cars. Learn how to landscape your yard with native plants. The event is sponsored by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) and the Chesapeake Native Nursery. [I'm a CCAN member and used to show off my Prius there in 2003 when hybrids were kind of new.]
• Earth Day 5K Run: This takes place Sunday, April 19 at 8:00 a.m. in Silver Spring, Md., and is being presented by Pacers Running Stores to benefit The Nature Conservancy. It's Metro-accessible and racers will get an organic t-shirt, complimentary bamboo socks and a reusable tote bag. The water stops will feature compostable paper products. By doing this run, you can stay in shape and help the planet!

Earth Day events in the Washington, DC, region

Earth Day is April 22, less than two weeks from now. Earth Day events will take place throughout the month, often on the weekends. I did some quick Web surfing and found these local events:

• Earth Day on the National Mall: Yes, there will be a big event and a concert downtown. It will happen Sunday, April 19. The Earth Day Network and Green Apple Festival are teaming up to produce it. No exact schedule is available yet, nor is a list of bands. I'll try to get the info ASAP. Meanwhile, check out Earth Day on the National Mall and from Planet Green, the Volunteer Central page, where you can find Earth Day volunteer opportunities in conjunction with the festival and concert.
• Anacostia River Cleanup and Celebration: Takes place April 18 at 30 sites in D.C., Prince George's County and Montgomery County. Organized by the Anacostia Watershed Society.
• Volunteer Projects in Montgomery County, Md.: These are happening all month long. The county has an info page for Earth Day 2009 here.
• Alexandria Earth Day 2009: This event will take place Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Ben Brenman Park. The theme is "Alternative Transport."
• Earth Day at Loudoun 2009: There seem to be two events happening on two different days in Loudoun County, Va.: An Earth Day Family Dinner at American Flatbread, Wednesday, April 22 at 4:30 p.m.; and an Earth Day Festival at Willow Creek Farm by Clyde's, Sunday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring live music and animal shows.
• EPA's eCycling Day 2009: Bring your unwanted computer or computer-related equipment for free recycling. Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Plateau at National Harbor in P.G. County, Md.
• A Benefit Concert for All Creation: Music by Robin and Linda Williams, Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville, Md. The concert benefits Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light Organization.

The Earth Day Network's site has an event locator where you can find more events near you.

Want to mention another event? Leave a comment and post the info (and a link). Or e-mail it to mail at greenlistdc.org.

94.7 The Globe radio is history, along with its green message

This past Monday, 94.7 The Globe became 94.7 Fresh FM. In addition to changing its name, the station switched its music format from classic rock to contemporary pop. For the last two or three years, The Globe was a station with a mission to spread "green" news and tips, in addition to rock music. According to this Washington Post article, 94.7 was the only classic rock outlet in the DC area.

It was also the only one promoting itself as a "green" station. A quick check of the new 94.7 Web site revealed no green tips, features or event listings. Some of the ads, however, were for green events and products. I guess that's better than nothing. In mass media, themes like "green living" last as long as the audience and ad revenue remain large enough. CBS Radio, 94.7's owner, is focused on the bottom line, and the green theme was expendable, along with the classic rock format. I hope green living is not just a fad in our area, but a long-term trend.

I'll miss The Globe and popular DC DJ Don Cerphe Colwell. How 'bout you?

A hike to celebrate the preservation and creation of the C&O Canal National Park

An item in today's Montgomery Gazette mentioned a big hiking event: A two-week tromp along the entire length of the C&O Canal, from Cumberland, Md., to Georgetown in D.C.

The C&O Canal Association organizes the full 185-mile hike every five years to commemorate an identical hike made by Justice William O. Douglas in 1954. He walked with Washington Post reporters and editors to show them the beauty and historic significance of the canal, which was created between 1828 and 1850. Douglas' hike led to a movement to protect the canal instead of turning it into a parkway; the C&O National Historic Park was created in 1971.

According to the Canal Association's Web site, there is still room for people to join the thru-hike, which begins April 19. Alternatively, you can day-hike a section of the canal with the thru-hikers (see this page for contact info and a calendar of daily starts and stops).

I've walked and bicycled parts of the C&O, but not the whole thing. This would be a great way to celebrate Earth Day and the park. What do you think? Do you enjoy the C&O?

Are high-efficiency washing machines worth it?

Yesterday the Washington Post had a good guide to buying high-efficiency washing machines ("Time to Say Bye to Washers of Old?"). These washers are usually front-loading and use less energy and water than older models -- and can save you $50-$100 a year in utilitybills.

Denise DiFulco points out a few negatives in her story: These machines can shake violently and often have issues with mold buildup.

I don't own a front-loader, but my friends have given them mixed reviews. The energy and water savings sound worthwhile, though. Do you have one? How do you like it?

p.s. -- learn more about Energy Star qualified clothes washers here, http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=clotheswash.pr_clothes_washers

GreenListDC Blog launches!

Hello! It's been a long time coming, but today I finally launched this blog as part of the GreenListDC.org web site. My blog will provide information and commentary about "green" living in the Washington, DC, area.

I created the GreenListDC.org site to be a simple, easy-to-use place to find links to green resources in the DC metro region.

The blog will be the place where I post green news stories, event info and maybe a few opinions. ; )

I am a freelance writer based in Potomac, Md. I mostly cover science and environmental topics -- in fact, I write an environmental science blog for EarthSky.org here, http://blogs.earthsky.org/dankulpinski/

I hope you enjoy and participate in the GreenListDC Blog.