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.

A Tree Grows in DC

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Trees help improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and can increase property value while lowering your utility bills. That’s why the District Department of the Environment is partnering with Casey Trees to help homeowners plant trees in their yards this coming spring for only $50.

A list of 10-12 tree species chosen for their environmental benefits will be available in January. Trees will range in size from small to large and include both deciduous and evergreen trees. If a homeowner decides to plant a tree that is not included on the RiverSmart Homes list of approved trees, they may choose to apply for the Casey Trees rebate.

In addition to shade trees, homeowners interested in reducing stormwater runoff from their properties can receive up to $1,200 in landscaping services for rain barrels, pervious pavers, rain gardens and BayScaping through the RiverSmart Homes program.

Ready to get started? Fill out this form and in the spring, a representative of Casey Trees will visit individual homeowners to determine the most appropriate trees and locations for planting in each yard.

Mayor’s Environmental Excellence Awards

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Is your business or non-profit kicking some green you-know-what? Then perhaps you should consider applying for the 2010 Mayor’s Environmental Excellence Awards.

Now in it’s second year, the award recognizes winners in the following categories:

-Construction/Development
-Partner (Association or Nonprofit)
-Restaurant/Food Service
-Innovation in Green Products or Services
-Hotel
-Small Business (100 or fewer employees)
-Large Business (More than 100 employees)

The awards recognize environmental stewardship, innovative best practices, pollution prevention, and resource conservation.

Applications and instructions can be found online along with case studies about last year’s award winners including Poste and  The Fairmont Hotel.

The application deadline is January 29, 2010, and awards will be distributed in the spring. For more information, contact Mary Lynn Wilhere at the DDOE, (202) 535-1939, marylynn.wilhere@dc.gov.

Disposable Bag Fee Awareness Campaign Launches

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

As reported by DCist yesterday, the city has finally launched an awareness campaign about the impending disposable bag fee.

Beginning January 1, 2010, District businesses that sell food or alcohol will be required by law to charge you 5 cents for each disposable paper or plastic carryout bag. The Skip the Bag, Save the River campaign from DDOE will give 3 or 4 cents to the new Anacostia River Protection Fund.

According to Alan Heymann, Director of Public Information at DDOE, The Office of Tax and Revenue estimates that the bag fee will generate $3.6 million for the new Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund in the first year.

DDOE will use the money to physically remove trash from the Anacostia and conduct stream restoration activities.

“We will also start a public awareness campaign about litter prevention, beginning in the schools,” says Heymann. “Finally, we will use the funds to continue handing out reusable shopping bags to residents – especially seniors and in low-income communities.”

DDOE is partnering with CVS and Safeway to hand out 122,000 reusable bags in the next few months. “These will be available at public events and distribution points throughout the District, so please watch our public calendar at for more information when it becomes available,” he adds.

The bag fee is the first of its kind in the nation, and will not apply to bags used for newspapers, produce, hardware, frozen foods, plants, bakery items or prescription drugs. Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward Six) introduced the bag legislation, which the DC Council passed unanimously in June.

DDOE has generously offered 10 free reusable bags to readers of GoingGreenDC.net. Simply send an email to sachacohen@comcast.net with your name, phone number, and address. Winners will be chosen at random and notified by December 1, 2009.

Green Your Home Expo

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

english gardenCurious about solar energy for your home? Want to learn about carbon offset programs? Interested in yard sharing? Then stop by the Green Your Home Expo on Saturday, September 12,  from 10 am – 2 pm at UDC’s outdoor plaza (4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW in front of building 38 and 39; Van Ness Metro stop).

Find out how to  ‘green’ your home and neighborhood, enjoy live music, a farmers’ market, and bicycle eco-tours. There will also be two hour-long panel discussions–“Act Locally” and “Think Globally”–with experts on sustainability, climate change, and residential greening. The panels begin at noon in the Windows Lounge on the 3rd floor of Building 38.

Exhibitors include CarbonFreeDC, Clean Currents, DC Greenworks, District Department of the Environment, Eco-Green Living, Green Living Consulting, Sharing Backyards, Standard Solar, Switch Renewable Energy, Zipcar, and more.