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 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.

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!

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

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

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

Green events calendar for September in DC area

Better late than never! Here are some enviro-friendly events and classes happening this month.

Classes from the Green Building Institute
Sept. 13-30
The Institute is offering a 10-class series in Washington, DC, Arlington, Loudoun County, Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Silver Spring. Topics range from Environmental Landscaping to Green Interior Design to Home Energy Audits and more. Taught by professionals working in each topic's field. Sign up for any that catch your fancy! $40 for GBI members, $55 for non-members; $20 for student GBI members, $28 for student non-members. Buy three classes and get one free!
Arlington Classes | Bethesda-Chevy Chase Classes | Loudoun County Classes | Silver Spring Classes | Washington Classes

Sept. 16: Net Impact/Live Green Happy Hour
6-8:30 p.m., Local 16, 1602 U Street, NW, Washington, DC

Sept. 17: Intro to Going Green class
7 p.m., Gaithersburg, MD
What does it mean to be green? What is the green economy and how do we build a sustainable future? $40 for GBI members, $55 for non-members; $20 for student GBI members, $28 for student non-members.

Sept. 18: Organic Wine Tasting with Sonoma's Sommelier
6 p.m., Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, 223 Pennsylvania Ave, SE
$25 per person
What does it mean when wine is labeled organic? Sonoma's sommelier, Brian Cook, will unvravel the mystery and take us on a virtual tour of organic wine production, starting in the vineyard and ending with a tasteful palate experience.

Sept. 19: Capitol Hill Tree Tour
10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-3 p.m. Begins at Capitol South Metro
Washington is sometimes known as the "City of Trees," and Casey Trees offers monthly tree tours of Capitol Hill. As featured in the Washington Post Weekend section.
$10 a person

Sept. 20: Capitol Hill Tree Tour
$10 a person

Sept. 22: Car-Free Day Metro DC
Participate in this international event and ake the pledge to reduce or eliminate the use of your car on Sept. 22.

Sept. 26: Principles of Permaculture class
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Howard County, Md.
This workshop will focus on fundamental permaculture ethics, principles and strategies to live more sustainably in your home, neighborhood or community. Taught by Christine Gyovai, principal of Dialogue and Design Associates. Offered by the Green Building Institute. $40 for GBI members, $55 for non-members.

Sept. 29: ReBuild, GreenDrinks and Local Artists
6:30-8:30 p.m., Springfield, VA
Celebrate the opening of the ReBuild Warehouse, the tremendous growth of the GreenDrinks program in the DC area, and highlight the accomplishments of six local, environmentally conscious artists. ReBuild is a non-profit, used building materials warehouse in Springfield, VA.

Sept. 30: Climate Ride reaches Washington, DC

Green events calendar for July in the DC area

Here's a rundown of some green events in the Washington, DC, region in July.

July 4 - Independence Day Bike Valet
Forget fighting for parking, traffic jams, and crowded metros at the 2009 Independence Day Celebration! RIDE YOUR BIKE and park it safely at WABA's FREE bike valet! Sponsored by the Washington Area Bicycling Association.
2 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

July 11 - Locavores Unite: Eating Locally
Come hear about opportunities, ideas, and resources to grow and source your food from the Chesapeake Region. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Amicus Green Building Center in Kensington, Md.

July 11 - Dinner Under the Stars at Butler's Orchard
Mosaic Cuisine and Cafe is hosting an outdoor dinner at long tables. According to the Mosaic Web site, "The idea behind this event is to minimize as much as possible our carbon foot print, eat healthy and happy in the best company of friends and cricket’s courting songs."
6-9 p.m.; space is limited. See Mosaic Web site for contact info.

July 16 - Bike-In Movie at the Riverfront
WABA is teaming up with the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District to bring you two bike-in Movies. WABA will be providing a FREE Bike Valet at each movie. The July 16 film will be "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial."
Bike Valet begins at 8 p.m., movie starts at 8:45.

July 18 - Elizabeth Furnace Clean-Up
This event is part of the Environmental Stewardship Adventure Days in Virginia. Help clean up Elizabeth’s Furnace! Volunteers will be removing debris from the bottom of the rock and surrounding trails, then rewarding themselves with an afternoon of rock climbing.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

July 23 - Green Drinks Bethesda
5:30 p.m at Redwood, 7121 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, Md.

July 25 - Red Wiggler Community Farm Tour
Come out and join us for a day of music, hay rides, and educational activities! This free event is a great way to learn more about life on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm and how green farming can be when we work with an eye to environmental stewardship and utilize sustainable farming practices.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

July 25 - Bugs...Friends or Foes?
How do you know if an insect in your garden is good or bad? Kids and families can come on a bug hunt and learn how to identify insects, and make some bug-inspired art! The Girard Garden Workshop Series programs are held in the Girard Children's Community Garden, 1480 Girard St. NW, Washington, DC.
10-11 a.m. Free.

Green events calendar for late May in DC, Md and Va

May 18: Northern Virginia Green Drinks - 'Green is Beautiful' Networking and Sustainable Artwork
6-8 p.m. at The Soundry, 316 Dominion Road, Vienna, VA

May 18: "Healing Spaces: The Science of Place and Well-Being"
The talk will be given by Dr. Esther Sternberg, Physician and Author, as part of the EPA's Smart Growth Speaker Series. She will discuss how our place in nature is of critical importance both to the health of the environment, as well as to our own personal health. Dr. Sternberg will be available to sign copies of her book, “Healing Spaces” following the talk.
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW. 12:30 - 1:30. Free.

May 18: EPA Public Hearing in Arlington, Va, on Global Warming:
The event is to hear public comments about the EPA's finding that greenhouse gases in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations, and that motor vehicle engines contribute to the buildup of those gases.

May 19: “Buying or Renovating Your Home the Green Way"
Class sponsored by the Green Building Institute. 7-9 p.m., River Road Unitarian Universalist Church. $55 per adult, $28 per student or senior

May 20: Bethesda Green Drinks
Meet at Redwood, 7121 Bethesda Lane, 5:30 p.m.

May 20: "Beyond the Obituaries: Success Stories in Ocean Conservation"
National Museum of Natural History. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 21: Silver Spring Green Drinks
6-8 p.m., McGinty's Public House, 911 Ellsworth Avenue, Silver Spring, Md.

May 26: “Clean and Sustainable Energy for Your Home and Business”
Class sponsored by the Green Building Institute. 7-9 p.m., River Road Unitarian Universalist Church. $55 per adult, $28 per student or senior


Find more events on the LiveGreen.net calendar.