Two Free Films at 'Celebration of the Seas,' May 20

Enjoy an evening of ocean-themed art at the “Celebration of the Seas,” at the Carnegie Institution for Science, Friday evening, May 20. It’s free and part of the four-day Blue Vision Summit 3, a gathering of the international marine community to work towards the enactment and enforcement of national ocean policy, addressing climate change impacts and Gulf restoration.

The Friday night free events include an 8:00 p.m. screening of “This Is Your Ocean: Sharks,” directed by a former colleague of mine from AOL, George C. Schellenger. Back then, he would use his vacation time to swim with sharks and film them. I'm glad to see it has paid off with an acclaimed documentary (the film won the MacGillivray Freeman Films Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking)!

According to the film’s website:

“This is Your Ocean: Sharks” looks at the global plight of sharks and introduces the audience to a massive 14-foot tiger shark named Emma. (Shark expert) Jim Abernethy’s connection and love for this animal plays a key role in the film with never before seen footage that will have some revaluating their perception of sharks. “We can no longer look at sharks as monsters. My relationship with Emma hopefully dispels that misconception and reveals the truth about these awesome animals. It’s time to share this message with the world.”

You can view the trailer here.

The May 20 event will also feature Jon Bowermaster's film, "SoLa: Louisiana Water Stories," as well as art, dance, live music, authors and book signings, and a silent auction, all ocean-themed. If you're interested in ocean and shark conversation--or learning more about these efforts--go to Celebration of the Seas and check out George's film!

Happy Earth Day! See events in Washington, DC, area

Happy Earth Day, everyone! Do your part by picking up trash in your community, planting a garden or tree, or foregoing that extra car trip!

Although many events took place last weekend, here's a bit of what's happening in the Washington, DC, area for Earth Day, plus links to find more info:

- April 22, Earth Day Clean Up at the National Zoo

- April 22: Green Programs at the U.S. Botanical Gardens

- EPA Earth Day Event Finder

- More Listings for DC, MD and VA from About.com

Some Local Green News and Events for July in DC Area

Well, I've slipped a lot in posting a calendar of events at the beginning of the month--although I am writing a weekly local green news and events roundup over at the Bethesda Green Blog. Here's today's installment at BG: Local green news and events for July 12.

A few things to note:

• July 13 -- Green Night Out With Van Jones: This is a big fundraiser event for Green DMV. Good info about it from the GoingGreenDC blog.

• July 16 -- Last Day to Submit Nominations for Bethesda Magazine's Green Awards! Generate some recognition for the green champion in your school, neighborhood or business. You can nominate organizations and people in 5 categories. Businesses, non-profits, communities, and people of all ages are eligible. Winners will be profiled in the November/December issue of Bethesda Magazine and recognized at the Bethesda Green Gala on Oct. 7, 2010. Get more info from the Bethesda Magazine site.

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.

June Green Events and Classes in the DC Area

Earlier today I posted on the Bethesda Green blog a list of local green news and events. Here's a supplement for my GreenListDC readers:

June 2 - Home Energy Audits Class
Offered by the Green Building Institute. Maryland residents $55.
Where: Montgomery College-Gaithersburg
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

June 5 - Go Green Night at the Washington Mystics Game
Local companies will be on hand to showcase ways you can impact the global community. Apparently LiveGreen.net members can get discount tickets.
Where: Verizon Center
When: 7:00 p.m.

June 7 - Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels Class
Offered by the Green Building Institute. Maryland residents $55.
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 10309 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring
When: 7 p.m.

June 7 - Solar Hot Water and Electric Class
Offered by the Green Building Institute. Non-members $55.
Where: Keller Williams Realty, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va.
When: Not stated.

June 14 - Solar Energy for Your Home or Office Class
Offered by the Green Building Institute. Maryland residents $55.
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 10309 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring
When: 7 p.m.

June 18 - A Class at Nationals Stadium! 'Energy Audits Can Save You Money'
This new class series from the Green Building Institute pairs green learning with Nationals baseball! (And they're good this year!) Each $70 ticket (plus processing fee) gets you one game admission, one class admission and Slugger Menu ballpark food to enjoy during the class. June 18th the Nats play the Chicago White Sox, by the way.
Where: Nationals Stadium, mezzanine level
When: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

June 21 - Green Interior Design Class
Offered by the Green Building Institute. Non-members $55.
Where: Keller Williams Realty, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va.
When: Not stated.

June 28 - Geothermal Energy Class
Offered by the Green Building Institute. Non-members $55.
Where: Keller Williams Realty, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va.
When: Not stated.

How You Can Help the EPA Clean Up the Bay

The big news today was that the Environmental Protection Agency agreed to enforce tough new standards for pollution reduction in the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. It seems voluntary reductions by states in the watershed did not work over the last four decades.

The difference now, as explained by Ashley Halsey III in this Washington Post article, is "the EPA is legally obligated to achieve the goals established in the settlement. The agency has agreed to force states to do what has not been done voluntarily in the past."

So while the EPA gets its act together and starts coming up with enforcement plans, what can you do to help the Bay's health? Here are a few suggestions:

• Simple Ways You Can Help the Bay (a list from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay)
• Help the Bay in Your Backyard (from the Chesapeake Bay Program)
• How Can I Help Save the Bay? (from Laura Seltzer's 'Last Boat Out' site)
• RainScapes program -- This Montgomery County initiative makes rebates available to homeowners and organizations that use any of a range of techniques to reduce stormwater runoff on their property. The techniques or projects eligible for rebates include rain gardens, conservation landscaping, permeable pavers and more.
• What You Can Do (from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

We should be glad the EPA is going to make states clean up the Bay, but we can also take some actions on our own. A healthy watershed and health Bay is best for everyone.

April Green Events Calendar for the DC Region

Apologies for posting this late. I did get the Earth Day events done by April 1! Here are some more green events coming up this month. Thanks to all who submitted them!

April 10: 4th Annual Arlington Home Show & Expo
This is a a FREE one-stop home improvement expo sponsored by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) and Arlington County’s Housing Division. It will feature eco-oriented courses such as “Green Your Home From Soup to Nuts,” “How to Catch a Squirrel: Solutions to Common Garden Problems” and “No Cost & Low Cost Ways to Reduce your Energy Use.”

Where: Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16th St. S., Arlington, 22204
When: 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

April 13-14: Flowers for Phones Cell-Phone Recycling Event in DC
Help make the Golden Triangle Clean, Green & Golden this spring by participating in our Flowers for Phones event. Drop off a used cell phone to be recycled at one of the above locations on April 13 and 14 and you get a free potted flower to take home and a chance to win one of many cool prizes from Golden Triangle businesses. It’s part of the Golden Triangle’s Clean, Green & Golden week to make the District's central business district look better than ever.

Where: Farragut Square Park (Connecticut Avenue/K Street) + Triangle Park (21st Street/M Street/New Hampshire Ave)
When: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. both days

April 15: Green Your Home class at Greater Goods
You've heard there are many steps you should be taking to make your house eco-friendly, but where should you start? If you're suffering from green information overload, this class is for you. FREE.

Where: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
When: 8:00 p.m.

April 17: ECycling at WholeFoods Rockville
Recycle your old electronics! The store will take your stuff and pass it on to Esquire Environmental Services for recycling. They will accept laptops, computers, small kitchen appliances, stereo equipment, vacuums and more. Check their site for full list. They will NOT accept televisions, batteries, lamp bulbs, paint or hazardous waste.

Where: Whole Foods, 1649 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 (other local WF stores are hosting similar events; times may vary)
When: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

April 19: Green Building Institute Class--Geothermal and Tankless Water Heaters
Come and hear the experts answer all your questions about geothermal and tankless waters heaters for your home or office. Cost: $25 for students, $40 for GBI members, $55 for non-members.

Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 10309 New Hampshire Avenue ,Silver Spring MD 20903
When: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

April 21: Green Building Institute Class--Home Energy Audits
Scheduling a home energy audit can be the first step to making your home more energy efficient. Learn what questions to ask to effectively select an auditor and to get the most out of their services. Cost $40.

Where: Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA 22180
When: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

April 24: Arlington Green Home Class Series: Envelope Strategies
What is a green home? How much does it cost to go green? The Green Building Institute in partnership with Studio27 Architecture and Everyday Green are bringing you a Green Home Series that will answer these questions and many more. Classes take place in a green home that is under construction. Cost: GBI members $40, non-members $55.

Where: 5077 27th Street North (near the intersection of 27th and Edison Street) Arlington, VA 22207
When: Contact GBI for time.

>> Plus, find Earth Day events in the DC region here!

Earth Day Events in the DC Area in April

Hey, I just published a whole page of Earth Day events taking place in the DC region this month. My list contains things happening in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Check it out and share it with your friends!

This will probably take the place of my usual calendar post for the month.

March green events calendar for the DC area

Here's some of what's going on this month. Have an event that's not listed? Add it in the comments section!

March 4 - First Thursday Happy Hour With Bethesda Green
Grab a pre-St. Paddy's Day pint and do some in-person social networking with other green folks.

When: 5-8 p.m.
Where: Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle, 4844 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md. 20814

March 7 - Creating Sustainable Landscapes
Holly Shimizu, Executive Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden, speaks about how gardeners can enhance the health of their landscapes through decisions relating to water, plants, soil and materials, as well as human health and well being. Free. RSVP to the Montgomery Sierra Club.

When: 2-3:30 p.m.
Where: Rockville Libary, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville, Md. 20850

March 9 - 'Greening Your Small Business' Author Speaks
Join Bethesda Green for this lunchtime event with Jennifer Kaplan, author of 'Greening Your Small Business: How to Improve Your Bottom Line, Grow Your Brand, Satisfy Your Customers--and Save the Planet.'
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: 12-1:30 p.m.
Where: Bethesda Green, 2nd Floor, 4825 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md. 20814

March 10 - Great Energy Efficiency Day
An in-depth discussion on funding, technology and policy measures required to realize energy efficiency's full potential. Sponsored by the Alliance to Save Energy.

When: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Capitol Hill

March 13 - Goodwill's Travelin' Trunk Show at Greater Goods
This event is part of "Spring Cleaning Month" at the store. Stop by to check out their awesome collection of vintage fashions and donated fabrics and buttons. If you want to do a bit of spring cleaning yourself, Goodwill will be accepting donations of items that have outgrown your home or closet.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

March 16-28 - Environmental Film Festival
It's the 18th annual festival; this year, it explores the vital connections between food and the environment. See the Web site for the list of 155 films that celebrate the wonder of the natural world and illuminate the growing challenges to life on Earth.

March 16 - Stormwater Solutions Panel Discussion
Learn about stormwater issues and what you can do to improve conditions in your watershed by taking action on your property. Panelists will include: Steve Dryden, co-chair of Stormwaterpartners.org; Ann English of Montgomery County's Rainscapes program; Donna Evans, a Landscape Designer with American Plant and a LEED Green Associate; Peter Ensign, LEED AP, Executive Director with DC Greenworks; and yours truly, Dan Kulpinski, author of the article "To Revive Urban Streams, Think Small," which was the cover story of the Audubon Naturalist News' Winter issue.

When: 7-9 p.m.
Where: Bethesda Green, 2nd Floor, 4825 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md. 20814

March 16 - Green Drinks NoVa
Join folks for some green networking.

When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Vienna Inn, 120 Maple Ave. East, Vienna, Va.

You can find more March events at the following sites:
BethesdaGreen.org, LiveGreen.net, Green Building Institute,

February green events calendar for the DC area

Here's what I've noticed is happening. If you have additional events, post them in a comment here or e-mail them to me at mail at greenlistdc.org.


Feb. 4 - Bethesda Green First Thursday Happy Hour
Join staff and volunteers from Bethesda Green for casual green conversation and social networking.

When: 5-8 p.m.
Where: Blacks Bar & Kitchen, 7750 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814


Feb. 9 - Coal-Free Future theatre performance
Join us for a rockin' evening with award-winning journalist/author Jeff Biggers, filmmaker Ben Evans, and orrganizer/actress Stephanie Pistello as we unveil the Coal Free Future Project in Washington D.C.
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Busboys & Poets


Feb. 11 - Home Ecology class
Create a healthy home for your children & family. Understand the dangers of residential pollution and learn how recycling and reducing the use of toxic chemicals makes your home a safe haven.

When: 8 p.m.
Where: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009


* Feb. 16 - Greening Your Small Business - POSTPONED *
This is a lunchtime Discussion with Jennifer Kaplan, author of "Greening Your Small Business," which was just published in November '09. Jennifer is an adjunct faculty of marketing at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.; she also founded Greenhance LLC, a business consultancy dedicated to providing marketing and communication strategies to small businesses going green.

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: 12-1:30 p.m. -- POSTPONED, DATE TBD
Where: Bethesda Green, 2nd floor, 4825 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md. 20814


Feb. 16 - NOVA Green Drinks
Green Drinks meets every 3rd Tuesday. For more information: pam at vsbn.org.

When: 6-8 PM
Where: Vienna Inn, 120 Maple Avenue E., Vienna, VA.


Feb. 18 - Sustainable Investments panel discussion
Learn about sustainable investments and the "green economy." Join Bethesda Green for a rousing discussion as four local investment experts answer questions and offer their take on the important economic issues -- and opportunities -- that impact our wallets and our communities.

When: 7-9 p.m.
Where: Bethesda Green, 2nd floor, 4825 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md. 20814


Feb. 18 - Solar Panels: How, why and how much?
Everything you ever wanted to know about installing solar panels in your home!

When: 8 p.m.
Where: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009


Feb. 25 - Discussion: A Green Building Is a Healthier One
Can working in a green building make you healthier? And if you can prove this, would reduce a company’s health care insurance? Find out if this is a game changer when considering how and when to build sustainably. (Note: This event costs money!)

When: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW Washington, DC 20001


Feb. 27 - Energy Efficiency!
Want to conserve energy but don’t know where to start? There are simple steps that you can take to make your home more energy efficient and save money, whether you own or rent your place. In this workshop, we will walk you through the basics, to help you get started right away.

When: 11 a.m.
where: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Eco-Fashion in Bamboo

I stumbled upon a local eco-fashion site after following a link from one of my Google alerts to this Express story about DC-area entrepreneur Kimberly Wilson. She runs three yoga studios and has an “eco-luxe” organic, bamboo clothing line called TranquiliT. Her fashion site also has a corresponding blog.

The site says the clothes are “for yoga and beyond,” and that “green is the new black.” Check it out – and leave a comment if you’ve tried these organic bamboo clothes. My experience is that organic clothes can be more expensive, but also more comfortable.

WaPost Profiles Troubled Anacostia River

The Washington Post’s David Fahrenthold wrote a great piece (“Troubled waters” with accompanying photo gallery) yesterday tracking clean-up efforts in the Anacostia River and its watershed. He finds it’s a mixed bag: There’s less raw sewage going into the river now compared to 10 years ago, and as a result less algae. But he writes, “more than half of its brown bullhead catfish have tumors on their livers, from a life rooting in the chemical-laden sediment.”

Fahrenthold raises some good points, such as how stormwater runoff – that’s rainfall in common speak – is one major problem, because it washes all kinds of trash, pet waste and road chemicals into the river. He discusses how the bag tax in D.C. will help pay to clean up the river – to a point. It might not be enough to totally clean it up – so at what point should the city be content, when the river is mostly clean or not so dirty?

Even if you don’t live near the Anacostia River, cleaning it up is still important, because it flows into the Potomac, which empties into the Chesapeake Bay. These waterways provide natural and economic benefits to us, and shouldn’t a river be swimmable and fishable anyhow?

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Note: This story is the first in a Post series called "Unfinished Business: The Environment 40 Years After Earth Day"

Time to sign up with a CSA for seasonal local food

The first day of spring might be seven weeks away, but if you want to support local farmers and enjoy a weekly share of their produce during the warmer seasons, you should sign up now for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

As the Washington Post's Leigh Lambert notes in "Where to Sign Up for a CSA," these programs can be pick-up or delivery and work like so: You pay an annual or seasonal membership fee and then each week you receive a box of produce -- a share of the harvest -- for a certain number of weeks. Usually you have to go pick up the share.

Farms and farmer's markets run these programs. I can highly recommend the CSA provided by Norman's Farm Market. We started it last fall and enjoyed all of the produce, especially the things that were knew to us, such as tiny eggplants of all different colors; orange and purple cauliflowers; and baby bok choy, which we had never cooked before.

If you've never done a CSA, try it out -- you'll be amazed at the bounty of our local farms! Click the Post article link above for a list of local CSAs. To find more farms and farmer's markets near you, try the Local Harvest site.

Echoing the call: Help Haiti any way you can

I was somewhat surprised to get an e-mail last week from the International Medical Corps (IMC), asking me if I'd mention their Haiti earthquake relief efforts in this blog and let people know how to help.

This blog doesn't get a ton of traffic, which is why I was surprised to be noticed. Happily surprised, though!

Since I had never heard of IMC, I did some quick research and found that yes, they are for real -- CNN lists them on its Impact Your World/How to Help Haiti page. IMC is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization, founded by volunteer doctors and nurses and dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through relief and development programs. Its emergency relief team is in Haiti. Thousands of injured quake victims need medical assistance. To donate $10 to IMC, text the word "Haiti" to 85944. You can also visit their Web site to donate larger amounts.

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Get more info about helping Haiti from these sites:

- CNN has a huge list of aid organizations, what they are providing, and how to text donations to some of them
- The Greater Washington Haiti Relief Committee. This site lists many ways you can help by donating or volunteering.

GWHRC site has a mention of how GreenTHINK, a network of environmental stewards located in the DC Metro Region, would like to sponsor a doctor or nurse who wishes to volunteer their services in Haiti but need financial assistance with travel, food, etc. Kudos to GreenTHINK! It shows how non-profits and NGOs of all types are responding to help.

- CitySports. In the spirit of helping and of reuse, CitySports is supporting Soles4Souls' effort to collect 1 million pairs of shoes for Haiti. Starting Monday, January 25th, through February 7th customers can drop off gently worn men’s, women’s and children’s footwear to any City Sports location. Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. They distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world.

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I'm a one-man operation here. I've made a donation to the Red Cross for Haiti relief. Please do what you can to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

In winter, some farmer's markets keep going

I've been a bit slow to post this, so my apologies. A few weeks ago the WaPost had a story about winter farmer's markets ("Hot stuff, out in the cold") -- and they mentioned maybe 10 or 12 of them. I was surprised there are so many.

The farm market I did a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) half-share with last fall, Norman's Farm Market, is providing a winter CSA of meat, eggs and cheese, but I don't think they have a stand open in winter.

The Post has a great interactive map of year-round farmer's markets. Also, NBC4's Wendy Rieger did a Quick Bites video spot, in which the Post's food editor, Joe Yonan, explains what kinds of items you can find at farmer's markets in winter.

Have you gone to a market this winter? What did you think? Post a comment here!

Green events calendar for January in the DC area

Jan. 7 - First Thursday Happy Hour with Bethesda Green
Where: Redwood restaurant, in the Bethesda Lane pedestrian mall, 7121 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
When: 5-8 p.m.

Jan. 9 - Urban Composting
Break it down! Who knew composting in the city could be so easy? Cindy Olson from Eco-Coach will teach you how to compost with no smell, no fuss, and no muss.
Where: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington, DC
When: 11 a.m., Free (but please RSVP to classes@greatergoods.com)

Jan. 9 - ECycling at Whole Foods in Bethesda
They will NOT accept televisions at this event.
Where: 5269 River Road, Bethesda, Md. 20816
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free

Jan. 10 - RainScapes, Rain Gardens and Conservation
Ann English is a Rainscapes Program Planning Specialist with the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. Rainscapes help to solve problems caused by too much stormwater runoff. Her talk will highlight examples of creative and beautiful Rainscapes and present information on how to design and plant these types of landscapes on residential properties.
Where: Rockville Library, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville, Md.
When: 2-3:30 p.m. Free

Jan. 12 - Green Business Certification Courses begin at Montgomery College

Jan. 14 - Green Incentives
Join us to learn how greening your home can save you money. Cindy Olson from Eco-Coach will cover alternative green energy sources in your area, tax credits and rebates, and other financial incentives.
Where: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington, DC
When: 7 p.m., Free (but please RSVP to classes@greatergoods.com)

Jan. 16 - Moving Toward Native
Sandra Clinton is the founder and president of Clinton & Associates, PC, award winning, nationally recognized landscape architects. Clinton & Associates utilizes sustainable practices integrating renewable materials and native plants in their projects. Increasing the diversity of plant and animal habitats in our gardents encourages the return of bees, birds, and butterflies. She will speak about incorporating native plants into designed landscapes using examples from landscape architects on the forefront of this movement including Roberto Burle Marx; Oehme, van Sweden & Associates; Jeff Charlesworth; and Clinton & Associates.
Where: Rockville Library, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville, Md.
When: 2-3:30 p.m. Free

Jan. 16 - Seal the Deal - Weatherproofing Your Home
That space heater just isn't cutting it! If your house or apartment is uncomfortably cold in the winter, then this class is for you. You will learn cost effective ways to make your space more comfortable during cold weather. Caulking, window films, weatherstripping, and insulation will be covered.
Where: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington, DC
When: 11 a.m., Free (but please RSVP to classes@greatergoods.com)

Jan. 18 - Gardening for Wildlife
Sheila Emond, proprietor of the Wild Bird Center in Wheaton, will give a presentation on natural methods of improving the habitat in suburban back yards in order to attract desirable wildlife. Topics will include using native plants to attract birds, butterflies and beneficial insects, supplemental feeding, and features in addition to food such as water, shelter and nesting sites. Preferences of local summer and winter birds will be presented, as well as ways to assist migrating birds. A few bird-feeding myths will be busted!
Where: Brookside Gardens Visitor Center, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
When: 8-9 pm Free

Jan. 19 - Discussion on the Copenhagen Conference
Rabbi Warren Stone from Temple Emanuel in Kensington will discuss his experience as an official delegate at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
Where: Bethesda Green, 2nd floor, 4825 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, Md.
When: 12-1:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 - Healthy Homes
Create a healthy home for your children & family. Learn how to improve your indoor air quality, and reduce your children's risk of asthma & allergies.
Where: Greater Goods, 1626 U Street NW, Washington, DC
When: 11 a.m., Free (but please RSVP to classes@greatergoods.com)

Jan. 30 - Fourth Annual Washington Gardener Seed Exchange
Sponsored by Washington Gardener Magazine.
Where: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
When: 12pm – 4pm

Bag tax is the least we can do

As of New Year's Day, when you buy items at stores in the District that sell food and/or alchohol, you'll pay 5 cents per shopping bag the store provides to carry your goods home.

The bag fees will fund the clean up of the Anacostia River. A Washington Post article about the new fee quotes some DC shoppers complaining about the cost -- but the cost is truly minimal. At 5 cents per bag, if you required five bags per week, that would be a mere $13 per year. Ten bags a week, $26 per year -- truly a pittance to pay to clean up the river.

Of course, you can avoid the fee by bringing your own reusable bag, which is the whole point. Fewer bags in the community mean fewer end up in the river.

DC lawmakers estimate the fee will generate $3.6 million for the river in its first year. How about Montgomery and P.G. Counties pass a similar fee to generate funds to chip in for the clean up? After all, the river's tributaries begin in those locations.

Do you agree? Post your comment here!

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.

Get your energy-related tax credits for '09!

Last week I published a guide on the BethesdaGreen.org site to energy-related tax credits in Montgomery County and Maryland.

The federal incentives apply throughout the DC region (30% of the cost, up to $1,500, for home energy improvements such as windows, insulation and HVAC equipment in '09 and '10; plus 30% of the cost -- no limit -- through 2016 for big ticket items such as solar panels and small wind turbines).

Here's info about specific Virginia tax incentives and specific DC tax incentives.

Personally, I'm looking to do more insulating and air sealing in my basement -- and possibly my attic -- before the end of the year. How 'bout you?

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