The Eco-Forum Comes to DC

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Tired of “Green Networking Events” that are more about socializing and job hunting than truly connecting with other eco leaders? So were the folks over at Go Green Expo, so they have started organizing regional networking groups that focus on bringing together executives from the sustainability world in a more intimate setting.

With a focus on building relationships and education, the eco-forum is an opportunity for innovative thought leaders, business entrepreneurs, and senior executives from all disciplines in the green space to mingle and learn from each other.

The first DC event takes place at Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar on Tuesday July 27th at 6 pm.

Keynote speakers include Christophe Tulou, Director of the District Department of the Environment and Jeff Blankman, Sustainable Manufacturing Manager for McCormick & Company.

Complimentary gourmet and organic passed hors d’oeuvres will be served for all three hours, along with organic signature cocktails courtesy of Philadelphia Distiller and Parducci organic wine.


Apply to attend today (please put “grassfed media” in the “how did you hear about us field”). Cost is $75 and admission is based on corporate affiliation and is only granted to director and C-Level executives, business owners, CSR executives, sustainability executives, and non-profit leaders.

Eco-Forum Regional Founding Members:

Keith Anderson, Head of the D.C. Energy Office
Christopher O’Brien, Director of the Office of Sustainability for George Washington University
Megan Chapple-Brown, Director of the Office of Sustainability for American University
Christophe Tulou, Director of the District Department of the Environment
Charles Dean Connor, President & CEO, American Lung Association
Sacha Cohen, Principal & Founder, grassfed media llc
Eli Hengst, Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar
Jeff Blankman, Sustainable Manufacturing Manager for McCormick & Company
Jared Rager, Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar

Green June Events

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

The heat is on for a few excellent green events in June. Here are our picks:

Eco Israel
A delegation of environmental activists and educators from Israel will conduct several interactive workshops to help make your life more green and inform you about environmental challenges facing Israel. Topics include: Israel’s carbon footprint, herb gardening, and green projects for disadvantaged populations. Free Israeli snacks will be provided by Israeli Harvest.

When: Sunday June 6th, 11:30 am
Where: Washington DCJCC, 1529 16th Street NW
RSVP

Green Drinks
This month GreenDrinksDC celebrates its first Go Green–Enroll Now! party. Clean Currents and GreenDrinksDC are teaming up to encourage you to convert to wind power for your home. Just bring your Pepco account number and they can sign you up on the spot.

When: Monday June 7th, 6:30-9:30
Where: 1905 Restaurant, 1905 9th Street NW

Solar Bethesda Expo
Bethesda Green, a local non-profit model for sustainable living practices, is launching its inaugural Solar Bethesda Expo, which will feature solar providers, cooperative purchasers, government and financing specialists, and more. Homeowners and others will have an opportunity to get the latest information about solar-powered technologies, purchasing and investment opportunities, and incentives for home installation.

When: Saturday, June 12, 2010, 10 am – 4 pm
Where: 4825 Cordell Avenue, Suite 200, Bethesda

Sustainability Hour
Organized by the Sustainable Business Network (SB NOW), this event is perfect for meeting and networking with individuals representing businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and entrepreneurs who are not only committed to promoting sustainable practices, but also to developing business opportunities and expanding their networks.

When: Monday, June 14, 2010, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Where: Sonoma, 222 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Cost: $10; RSVP and more information

Find out about even more green events from our friends over at GreenListDC.

Eco Women, Green Drinks, and More May Events

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Keeping up with all of the green happenings around DC is practically a full-time job. Luckily for you, dear reader, we’ve taken the legwork out of finding the most worthwhile eco-related events in May. Here are our picks:

Emerging Green Builders at Hands On DC’s Annual Work-a-Thon
When: Saturday May 15 9am-3pm
Emerging Green Builder’s May volunteer event is the Hands on DC’s annual Work-a-thon to help beautify DC Public Schools.  To join the EGB team, visit Hands On DC and choose the team name “Emerging Green Builders” when registering.

EcoHour: Balancing an Urban Lifestyle with Healthful Habits: Mind, Body & Spirit
When: May 18th, 6pm to 8 pm
Where: Teasim, 400 8th St., NW
If you are looking for some tips for how to balance your life in a healthful way, you won’t want to miss this EcoHour! Mary Kearns, owner of Herban Lifestyle, inspires others to live life in a healthful, balanced way. The mission of Mary’s company is to promote beauty and self-care while supporting the health and well-being of people and the planet through high-quality bath and body products handcrafted with natural, organic, and Fair Trade ingredients. RSVP by emailing: RSVP@Ecowomen.org.

Green Drinks DC
When:May 18th, 6:30-9:30
Where: Local 16, 1602 U Street NW
A monthly gathering of green-minded folks that features a 10-minute spotlight, networking galore, and happy hour drink specials. Local 16 is 100% Wind Powered and uses some ingredients from Whipple Farms, a 160-acre farm in Virginia offering heirloom vegetables using biodynamic principles. This year, GreenDrinksDC is raising $3,050 to cover solar lanterns for the Khengarpar community in India that is currently without electricity.

Bike to Work Day
When: May 21st, beginning at 6:30 am
Join the Bethesda Transportation Solutions staff and Maryland State Delegate Bill Bronrott at the Bethesda pit stop (Reed Street, at the corner of Bethesda Ave & Woodmont Ave).  Attendees will enjoy breakfast, prizes, DJ entertainment, bike tune-ups on site by REI and City Bikes, and more, all for FREE! Register in advance online.

Cocktails for Creatures
When: May 21st, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m
Where: FunXion, 1309 F St., NW
Organized by Nightlife to Nature, this fundraiser and silent auction will raise money for the Jaguar Sanctuary de Playa Chiquita and Global Volunteer Network. The event will feature comedian Tehran SoParvaz, magician David Breth, and Haitian percussionist Names Thompson. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres  and organic wine will be provided. Suggested donation is $10.

EcoTour: Green Buildings
When: Saturday May 22, 2010 – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
The U.S. Green Building Council’s EcoTour will highlight two to three sustainable, LEED-rated buildings and methods in DC. Participants will need to bring lunch as well as a bike since the tour covers 5 to 8 miles. Please RSVP: ncr-egb.cochair@gmail.com

Gristle Book Party and Climate Lab Turns One

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Wednesday April 7th

Book Party for Gristle

Moby and Miyun Park, the executive director of the Global Animal Partnership, have brought together 15 contributors in an informative collection that examines how industrial farming is affecting the way we live.

Contributors run the gamut from John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, to Lauren Bush, model and co-founder of FEED Projects. There are vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike and topics such as big government, parenting, occupational safety, and more.

Cost: Free
When: 6:30-8
Where: Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St., NW

Win a copy of Gristle!
Follow @GoingGreenDC and tweet “RT and follow for a chance to win a copy of Gristle–the new book from Moby from GoingGreenDC” for a chance to win one of five books.

Five winners will be selected using Random.org by 5pm EST on April 9th, 2010. One entry per person (duplicate entries will be deleted). Winners will be contacted via email after contest has ended.  Book ships via publisher to U.S. addresses only.

Climate Lab’s First Birthday Party

Climate Lab, a DC-based non-profit, has been running a climate change wiki site for one year, providing a platform for collaborating and sharing information on climate related issues. The party will feature a live band, food, drink specials, and birthday cake. Learn more on the group’s Facebook page.

Cost: $10 suggested donation.
When: 6:30-9:30pm
Where: Local 16, 1602 U St., NW

Green November Events

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

green drinkWhether you’re in the mood for a trunk show, book signing, or a big blowout party, November has it all.

First Thursday Happy Hour with Bethesda Green

When: November 5th, 5-7
Where: Redwood Restaurant

Join Bethesda Green for casual conversation and social networking at one of the new restaurants within Bethesda Lane.

Book Talk: Greening Your Small Business

When: November 14th, 1:00 pm
Where: Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave.

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.

Goodwill Travelin’ Trunk Show

When: November 14th, 11am-2pm
Where: Greater Goods, 1626 U St. NW

Calling all fashionistas, designers, and eco-friendly shoppers! Goodwill of Greater Washington’s Travelin’ Trunk Show will be returning to Greater Goods with racks and racks of contemporary and vintage fashions along with donated fabrics and buttons. The charity will also be accepting donations of items that have outgrown your home (or closet). All proceeds from this event will support Goodwill’s mission to educate, train, employ, and place people with disabilities and disadvantages throughout the greater DC area.

Live Green’s Big Green Bash

When: November 19th, 6-8:30
Where: The Reef, 2446 18th St. NW

Join Live Green for delicious food, drink specials, and prizes at the Big Green Bash. Everyone who recruits at least three new Live Green members automatically receives a $20 gift certificate to Java Green or Sticky Fingers and is entered into a raffle to win other fab prizes like a flight anywhere in the continental US from Green Earth Travel. Get your tickets today.