Fields of Green Internship Fair for College Students, May 7 at Bethesda Green

If you're a college student or a college-age person looking to get experience in a "green," environmentally friendly field, come to the Fields of Green Internship Fair, this Saturday, May 7 at Bethesda Green.

They've got 31 internships listed by 15 organizations, including corporations and non-profit groups. Browse the listings and stop by Saturday--it's free!

New Video: Bethesda Green Business Incubator Companies

Bethesda Green held an open house this week to celebrate the expansion of its Green Business Incubator space in downtown Bethesda. They also debuted a great new video showcasing the 11 incubator companies, which work in areas from energy and electronics to marketing, green product reviews and more. Meet these entrepreneurs and get inspired! Watch the video at bethesdagreen.org.

Attend the Bethesda Green Gala, Montgomery County's Grand Green Event

Wow, I haven't posted here in a long time! Been busy maintaining the Bethesda Green Blog, which reminds me...

You should plan to attend the Bethesda Green Gala, Thursday, October 7 at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. We'll be celebrating and recognizing local green champions--and we'll be presenting (along with Bethesda Magazine) the first-ever Bethesda Magazine Green Awards. There are 7 winners in categories ranging from individuals, to communities, non-profits and businesses.

We'll have entertainment, heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, a silent auction, the awards, then a dessert reception. Former Washington Post columnist Bob Levey will emcee and all the food and drink will be locally sourced. Auction proceeds benefit Bethesda Green and you can claim 40% of the Gala ticket price as a tax-deductible donation to Bethesda Green.

So register today!

Some More Green DC News and Events

The other day I posted a bunch of local green news and events links on the Bethesda Green blog.

I'd like to mention one article I saw today: D.C. Opens Pennsylvania Ave. Bike Lanes

Apparently they've put the bike lanes in the median, between the two sets of traffic. I'd have to see it before making a judgment on it, but it sounds good to me. I'm all for more bike lanes so folks don't have to cycle in traffic.

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A few green events:

• June 24, 4:00-5:30 p.m. — Bethesda Green 101 — This monthly session for newcomers, young and old, provides an introduction to Bethesda Green and ways to get involved as a volunteer or intern.
• June 30, 6:00-9:00 p.m. — Green Night at the Big Train Baseball Game – Join Bethesda Green and supporters for a fun summer night at the Bethesda Big Train baseball game at Shirley Povich field in Cabin John Regional Park. Other “green” folks participating include the Big Green Bus from Dartmouth College; Honest Tea; the Maryland Greenhawks basketball team and star player Byron Mouton; and Jeff Green, a former Georgetown University basketball star now with the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA.
• June 30, 6:00-11:00 p.m. – “Local Warming” Film Premiere, Wine Tasting and Solutions Fair. Join writer and director Tom Reilly for the DC premiere of ‘Local Warming,’ a humorous and realistic look at reversing one’s impact on global warming. $10 ticket includes one glass of wine. Proceeds benefit green solutions organizations. At the Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.

Green internship fair in Bethesda March 27

I just posted over at the Bethesda Green blog about the Fields of Green Internship Fair we're hosting, Saturday, March 27 from 11-3:30 in Bethesda.

If you're a young person age 17-24 and looking for a summer internship in a "green" field, come check it out! Companies and organizations such as Green America, Green Summer Job Corps, Clean Currents and Honest Tea will be there!

Visit the Fields of Green Internship Fair web site for all the info--and to register.

Green tips for small businesses at Bethesda Green event

I just posted a recap of an event we had yesterday at Bethesda Green. It was basically a panel discussion about how small businessess can go green and save money, featuring author Jennifer Kaplan, and two representatives--Nick Keller and Manuel Vera--from Pepco's Commercial & Industrial Energy Savings program.

Check out my post over at the Bethesda Green blog and learn Kaplan's top three tips for small businesses seeking to go green, as well as what Pepco's Energy Savings program has to offer.

Greening Your Small Business talk set for March 9

Due to the after effects of the snow, we moved author Jennifer Kaplan's talk at Bethesda Green from Feb. 16 to Tuesday, March 9.

Come hear Jennifer discuss her recently published book, 'Greening Your Small Business: How to Improve Your Bottom Line, Grow Your Brand, Satisfy Your Customers--and Save the Planet.' She is an adjunct faculty of marketing at Marymount University in Arlington, Va., and a founder of Greenhance LLC, a business consultancy dedicated to providing marketing and communication strategies to small businesses going green.

Her book is a thorough, detailed look at how businesses across the country have improved efficiency and their bottom line by "going green"--and attracted a new set of eco-conscious customers--and how you can do the same.

Join us for this event!

What: Lunchtime discussion with author Jennifer Kaplan about her book, 'Greening Your Small Business'

-- Also, Nick Keller from Pepco's Commercial Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs will also be there to explain how small businesses can qualify for energy incentives.

When: Tuesday, March 9 from 12-1:30 p.m.

Where: Bethesda Green, 4825 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md. 20814

Bring: A waste-free, brownbag (well, reusable container) lunch

Panel Discussion on Sustainable Investing - Tonight!

Here's a late pitch for an event happening tonight at Bethesda Green. It's a panel discussion about Sustainable Investments and the 'Green Economy,' featuring Paul Hilton from Calvert Investments; Art Stevens, from the Calvert Foundation (a separate entity); Chris Belchamber of CB Investment Management; and Tim Brown from Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union.

Time: 7-9 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 18 -- that's tonight!

Place: Bethesda Green, 2nd Floor, 4825 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md. 20814


I believe the format will allow each panelist to speak for a few minutes, followed by inter-panel discussion and audience participation. So if you want to learn more about sustainable investments, come check it out!

More November green events in the DC area

Okay, here's a few I missed earlier this month!

November 17: Healthy Foods for our Families
This waste-free brownbag lunchtime discussion will feature an overview about school lunches, with Aviva Goldfarb (author of The 6 O'Clock Scramble) and Carrie Witkop, involved PTA parent.
TIME: 12:00-1:00
LOCATION: Bethesda Green offices, 4825 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md.
RSVP to events@bethesdagreen.org.

November 18: Lotions n' Potions
Kristina Libby, owner of For the Love of..., a local luxury body product company, will teach a class on how to make organic skin care products in your home. The class will involve a short talk on organic skin care followed by the opportunity to make your own custom scented perfume and bath bomb. $12
TIME: 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington

November 20: Green Your Business Seminars
Third of an eight-part series of seminars that will teach your business how to go green.
TIME: 8 am - noon
LOCATION: Bethesda Green offices, 4825 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md.

November 21: Urban Composting

Break it down! Who knew composting in the city could be so easy? Cindy from Eco-Coach will teach you how to compost with no smell, no fuss, and no muss. Free.

TIME: 11 a.m.

LOCATION: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington

November 21: GreenerLiving Workshop
Heating and cooling systems, solar power.
TIME: 10-11:30 a.m.
LOCATION: Bethesda Green offices, 4825 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md.

Green events calendar for November in DC area

Here's what I've noticed is coming up this month. Want to add another event? Leave a comment!

Nov. 5 - "First Thursday" Happy Hour With Bethesda Green

Come to Redwood Restaurant for casual conversation and social networking at one of the new restaurants within Bethesda Lane.
TIME: 5-7 p.m.

Nov. 6 - 'Green Your Business' Seminar

This is the first of an eight-part series of seminars that will teach you how to take your business to the next level of green. $150 per session.
TIME: 8 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Bethesda Green Education Center, 4825 Cordell Avenue, Suite 200, Bethesda, Md.

Nov. 7 - GreenerLiving Bethesda - Home Energy Audits

Learn how to perform a do-it-yourself home energy audit, how to act on the results on your audit, and become familiar with the elements (including demonstration) of a professional audit. Free.
TIME: 10:00-11:30
LOCATION: Bethesda Green Education Center, 4825 Cordell Avenue, Suite 200, Bethesda, Md.



Nov. 14 - Book Talk - 'Greening Your Small Business'

Jennifer Kaplan will discuss her new book, 'Greening Your Small Business.' Her comprehensive guide is for companies too small to hire a consultant to help them go green. The book covers basics such as recycling, reducing waste and reducing the IT footprint, as well as considering wider concerns such as green marketing and communications, green business travel, and green employee benefits.

TIME: 1:00 PM

LOCATION: Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave.Washington, DC 20008

Nov. 15 - Shred and Recycle Event, Montgomery County

Fill up five boxes of old bank statements and other personal documents and get it all safely shredded Nov. 15, 1-5 pm at Walt Whitman High School parking lot. It's also an opportunity donate usable clothing and households items. Bethesda Green is organizing this special event in celebration of America Recycles Day with Montgomery County's Division of Solid Waste Services.
TIME: 1-5 p.m.
LOCATION: Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda, Md.



Nov. 17 - Giving Businesses a Green Makeover

Author Jennifer Kaplan gives a talk based on her new book, 'Greening Your Small Business.' Sponsored by DC EcoWomen.
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Teaism-Penn Quarter, 400 8th Street NW (8th & D Street) Washington, DC 20004





- More November events from Bethesda Green

- November courses from the Green Building Institute

- November events from DC's LiveGreen.net

Bethesda Green's Grand Opening Happens Oct. 1-3

A local non-profit that is helping launch new green businesses will open its newly renovated Education Center and Green Business Incubator this Thursday.

The organization is Bethesda Green and it's hosting an Open House from October 1-3 at its offices on the second floor of the Chevy Chase Bank on the corner of Cordell Ave. and Woodmont Ave. in downtown Bethesda, Md.

Come meet the innovative companies getting their start, see what Bethesda Green is all about, and listen to presentations about green business, sustainable living and community sustainability. View the program of Grand Opening events.

I have done volunteer work for Bethesda Green, mostly helping to shape and publish their new Web site at bethesdagreen.org. Check it out!

This is a great organization that is out there making things happen. They've procured 15 recycling bins for downtown Bethesda, sponsored two extremely successful E-Cycling Days, and launched a biodiesel fuel research project with the county. Bethesda Green acts as a catalyst to help businesses and people become more sustainable.

So, if you're in or near Bethesda later this week, stop by for the Open House. If you can't make it, check out the line-up of upcoming events, workshops and talks.

Shout out for OrganicMania, another local blog

Recently I discovered OrganicMania, a green blog for moms written by DC-area local Lynn Anne Miller. Her company, 4GreenPs/OrganicMania.com, was chosen this year as one of the first six to participate in the Bethesda Green Incubator, which supports the development of young growing businesses that have the potential to create jobs and bring new, innovative green products to market.

OrganicMania's tag line is "Your Guide To Making Sense of Healthy Green Living." The blog contains lots of posts about how to make schools greener, pack healthier, greener lunches for your kids, organic food, Community Supported Agriculture, and the BlogHer site and conference.

It looks like a great resource for moms who want to be greener -- or who just want to cut through all the green marketing out there and find out what's really best and why.

E-Cycle your electronic waste June 7 in Bethesda

Bethesda Green is promoting an E-Cycling Day in partnership with the Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services, Sunday, June 7 from 12-4 p.m. at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School parking lot, 4301 East-West Highway in Bethesda, Md.

They'll accept many items, from cell phones to small appliances to TVs and computers. Check out this PDF for a complete list of items(download the PDF to print and share with your friends, church, office, etc.).

Bethesda Green volunteers will hand out free Honest Tea. Plus they say you don't even have to get out of your car!

Bethesda residents have a chance to save on energy audits

I just learned that Bethesda Green, a community non-profit group, is teaming up with the Maryland Home Performance With ENERGY STAR program to offer discounted home energy audits to groups of five or more homes in Bethesda, Maryland.

Bethesda Green explains it on its Home Energy Audit Bundle Deals page. If your neighborhood gets 5-10 homes, you each would get a 15 percent discount on the cost of the audit. Home energy audits run from $300-$600, depending on the size of the house and type of heating and cooling equipment.

Even though I live just outside Bethesda, I'm going to try to get five homes in my community to do it.

If you live in or near Bethesda, check out this program.