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

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?

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.