Affordable 'green homes' being built in Frederick

I saw this article in the WaPost a few weeks ago, about Frederick's new North Pointe community, which features new homes from the mid-$200,000s with green qualities such as solar panels, geothermal heating, and a computer system to manage energy usage.

Each house will have about 20 solar panels, which will generate more electricity than the house uses during the day. The excess electricity will go to the grid and be credited to the home; the residents can essentially cash in that credit at night when they use more power. The homes should have net-zero energy usage.

This is a great new development (in more ways than one) and I hope we see more of them in the DC region!

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.

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.

How to Save Water and Keep Plants Happy During Water Restrictions

Here in Montgomery County and throughout the WSSC service area, most of us are trying to comply with the mandatory water restrictions as WSSC replaces part of a water main. They want us to cut water use by 30 percent; so far, customers used 5 percent less water on July 2 and 8 percent less water July 3. So there's a long way to go.

I'm not watering my garden, but today when I saw my dehumidifier needed to be emptied, I said, 'A-ha, I can use that water on my tomatoes and basil!' So I did. I also thought about putting a bucket in the shower to collect "gray water" to use on non-food plants.

I was feeling clever until I saw that WSSC has a huge list of "Tips on Keeping Your Plants Happy During Mandatory Restrictions." The advice includes collecting shower water as you're waiting for it to heat up, dumping cooking water in the garden (from pasta or veggies), using dehumidifier water, and even mulching your plants.

Plus, they have a reminder that native plants need less water, so in the future plant them and you won't have to worry.

WSSC also has this list of year-round Water Conservation Tips; just remember WSSC has banned outdoor water use until they lift the restrictions.

*Note*: For the latest water restriction updates, visit wsscwater.com.

- - - - - -

Do you have more water-saving tips? Share them here!

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.

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.

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,

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!

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

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.

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!

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 October in the DC area

Okay, sorry for being a little late again with the calendar. Here are some upcoming events and classes.

October, various dates: Classes From the Green Building Institute
Take classes in greening your home, green building and energy efficiency and more. Schedules vary by location.
Bethesda, Loudoun County, Montgomery College, Silver Spring, Washington, DC
Costs: From $20-$55, depending on whether you are a student and/or a Green Building Institute member.

October 8: Our Sustainable Future: Making Change Happen
This special event hosted by National Geographic Live provides an insightful look at changes being made in communities across the nation that are moving us toward a sustainable future. The evening will feature an illustrated talk by National Geographic executive editor, Tim Appenzeller, followed by a panel discussion with environmental and business leaders.
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: National Geographic, 1600 M Street NW
Cost: $10

October 9-13 and 15-18: Solar Decathlon on the National Mall
Twenty college teams compete to design, build and operate the most attractive, energy efficient and effective solar house. They've built a small solar village on the Mall. The Solar Decathlon houses will be open for public tours 11 a.m.­–3 p.m. Monday–Friday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Free!

October 10-11: Green Festival Washington, DC
This big green expo features more than 125 renowned speakers and 350 green businesses, how-to workshops, green films, a Fair Trade pavilion, yoga classes, organic beer, delicious organic cuisine and live music.
Cost: $15 per person, $10 for college students (with i.d.), seniors, bike riders with a ticket from Green Festival bike valet, and transit riders with a fare card or pass.

October 10-30: CharityWorks GreenHouse Opens to the Public
Visit the first carbon neutral house on the East Coast, transformed by 19 premier designers into an eco-spectacular designers' showhouse.
Where: 1320 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Virginia 22102
Cost: $25 per ticket online, $30 at the door

October 15: Happy Hour Sponsored by Planting Empowerment
Planting Empowerment works with rainforest peoples in Panama to make conservation profitable. Since 2007 they have planted 22,000 trees on their partners' deforested land. A $5 donation gets you a free drink; $10 gets you a drink and enters you to win a $50 Forest Savings Bond. Your donations will help us fund forestry projects and environmental education in our partner communities.
When: 5-8 p.m.
Where: ChiCha Lounge, 1624 U Street NW #100
Cost: $5 donation gets you a free drink

October 23: 'Green Your Business' Seminar Series Begins
Bethesda Green has partnered with Eco-Coach to offer an eight-part series of seminars that will teach your business how to go green. See link for seminar topics. Complimentary overview session on Friday, October 16 from 8 to 9 AM.
Where: Bethesda Green Education Center, 4825 Cordell Avenue, Suite 200, Bethesda
When: Starting Friday, October 23, 8 AM to Noon and continuing for the following 7 Fridays (except November 27)
Cost: $150 per session, $995 for all eight.

October 24 & 28: GreenerLiving Bethesda Orientation and Workshop
Learn concrete, practical steps you can take to impact the environment by saving energy in your home and on the road. Offered by Bethesda Green. Free spaces limited to first 100 homeowners.
Where: Bethesda Green, 4825 Cordell AvenueSuite 200, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
When: October 24 10-11:30 a.m. and October 28 7-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to first 100 homeowners.
RSVP


--> Check out more events listed by Bethesda Green, Going Green DC and 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.

Local co-ops help DC-area folks go solar

Three solar-power co-ops in the DC region are helping homeowners navigate the paperwork and complexities of adding solar electricity to a home.

An excellent article ("Going Solar") in Saturday's Washington Post profiled the Common Cents co-op in Chevy Chase, the Mount Pleasant Solar Cooperative and the Capitol Hill Energy Co-Op.

All three try to get discounts for their members by harnessing the buying power of the group. Solar panels are usually pricey, but a current glut of panels has reduced hardware costs. Some folks have installed Sunslates, which look like slate shingles but function like solar panels, according to the story. Others have used thin-film solar technology that adheres to flat roofs.

I added up the estimates in the story and it seems by spring that 70 or 80 more homes in the area will have solar-electric technology installed. Great news!

p.s. - I've updated the Green Power / Solar Incentives links for Md., DC and Va. on GreenListDC.org.

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