A Green Map of DC from the DDOE

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

To commemorate Earth Day 2010, Mayor Fenty and the District Department of the Environment have released the Green DC Map.

The map highlights DC’s environmental resources, such as green buildings, community gardens, farmers markets, bike share locations, scenic walks, river restoration projects, and boat launch sites.

The Green DC Map is available in two versions, a print map and an interactive online map.  The print version is available by request from DDOE and highlights high profile locations that are easy to visit.  It also features information about Anacostia restoration initiatives, the Green DC Agenda and the District’s Climate Action Initiative.

The online version of the Green DC Map includes many more sites than the print version and provides more detailed information about each location.  Online map users can customize the types of green venues and projects they would like to view and can create their own trails and tours by selecting specific locations.

Relax and Give Back for Earth Day

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Feeling stressed out about how to celebrate Earth Day? Nusta Spa has a relaxing solution. Between April 18-24, the country’s first LEED certified spa will donate 10% of all proceeds from spa services and retail sales to Rainforest Alliance, an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical forests throughout the world.

Founder Elizabeth Snowdon opened the spa in May, 2004 after a trip to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. It was in Peru where she found the inspiration to build a luxury “natural” day spa that would honor the principles of environmental responsibility while still catering to Washington’s downtown clientele.

“I was always under the impression that ‘going green’ meant sacrificing the luxuries that we expect at day spas, but after learning more about sustainable building practices, I realized that I could create a warm, healthy environment that still felt luxurious,” says Snowdon.

With the help of a DC architect and sustainable building experts, Snowdon realized her vision with an eco-spa that incorporates virtually all environmentally-friendly materials, including Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood flooring, Energy Star appliances, LED efficient lightening, and more. Nusta even carries its own organic skincare line that is free of allergens and unnatural chemicals.

Earth Day Events Galore

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

From dining on local food and organic wine to cleaning up the Anacostia to the Climate Rally on the Mall, there’s something for everyone this week to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day on Thursday.

Here are a few more excellent sources for all that’s green and happening this week.

The Natural Capital offers their top picks for celebrating Earth Day with a focus on outdoor activities.

Donna Childress over at We Love DC has pulled together a nearly exhaustive list of Earth Day activities from Green Drinks to the Sweetlife Festival to several green film screenings.

Did we miss something? Feel free to add in the “comments” section.

Eco-Chic Fashion at the Corcoran

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Who says fashion can’t be earth friendly? On Wednesday April 21 (the day before Earth Day, in case you forgot!), The Fashion Group International and the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Corcoran College of Art + Design will host “Eco Chic: Night of Stars and Rising Stars.”

The evening will recognize pioneers of the Eco Chic movement for their ecological and ethical design in fashion, art, beauty, architecture, and interior design.

Local rising star nominees include Nusta Spa, TranquiliT, Perfect Organics, and Skincando.

The cocktail reception will feature a fashion presentation that includes London Fashion Week “Eco Designer of the Year” winner, Jeff Garner of Prophetik , acclaimed designer Monique Péan, as well as rising star nominees Calamarie, Alberto Parada, and TranquiliT.

After the reception, guests will enjoy the Eco Chic awards ceremony emceed by NBC4 news anchor Wendy Rieger.

And what’s a swanky event without an equally swanky goody bag? The one at this event will be filled with eco-themed products supplied by the sponsors and members of The Fashion Group

Tickets: FGI and Corcoran Members $120. Non-members $150.

Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle Art Show

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Talk about turning trash to treasure. At Kimpton’s Morrison House local artists have repurposed the hotel’s trash to create whimsical works of art.

General Manager Robert Hannigan invited area artists to tour the hotel and look for inspiration in discarded objects ranging from faucets and heating filters to plumbing lines.

The result is a collection of sculptures that are exclusively composed of repurposed materials and pairings of unexpected objects – like hubcaps with plastic lids.

The artists enjoyed being challenged to create art from found objects at the hotel. “The fun in working with reclaimed items is trying out unusual combinations of forms and solving the mysteries of the links between them,” said artist Rosemary Luckett, who will have six pieces on display at the reception.

A reception for the “Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle” exhibit will be held on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22 from 6-8 p.m, at the Morrison House (116 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA) and features more than a dozen works created for the event by local environmental artists affiliated with the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town.

After the reception, guests can enjoy a 100-mile candlelight dinner in honor of Earth Day at The Grille at Morrison House . The four course dinner, with ingredients sourced from local farmers within a 100 mile radius is priced at $55 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). Eggs and poultry will be sourced from Path Valley Farms, while guests can enjoy local Virginia beef, pork sourced from Pennsylvania, and freshly caught fish from the Chesapeake and surrounding tributaries.