Category Archives: We Green DC

Dupont Circle, Special Events, The Daily Feed, The District, The Great Outdoors, We Green DC
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Clean-up Rock Creek Park

Photo courtesy of
‘Artistic Trash – Unheeded Words – 03-27-10’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

Looking for a trashy way to spend your weekend? We’ve got a suggestion.

WeLoveDC is partnering with Trail Voice in two weeks (April 10th) to host a cleanup site in conjunction with the annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup event hosted by the Alice Ferguson Foundation. Our cleanup site is at the P Street bridge over Rock Creek – about 4 blocks west of Dupont Circle. 

Register on Trail Voice’s site to volunteer your time.  We encourage you to participate in this event to help spruce up a well-used portion of our inner-city landscape.

The trash clean-up should last from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, but we’re teaming up with a few local vendors who have offered everything from morning yoga stretching to baked goods to help make this environmental sweep a little more fun.

Clean-up site is just west of Dupont Circle in Rock Creek Park from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon on Saturday, April 10. There is no cost for you to participate. It is recommended that you bring your own work gloves, although some will be available on-site.

Business and Money, Life in the Capital, News, The Daily Feed, The District, We Green DC
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DC Bag Tax Nets $150,000 For Anacostia River Clean Up

Photo courtesy of
‘Reusable Giant Bags’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

The District’s 5-cent bag tax, which started in January 2010,  netted approximately $150,000 during its first month of enactment. According to the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue, only 3 million bags were issued in the month of January compared to 2009’s 22.5 million bags per month average, and it appears that the new law DC shoppers has been successful in altering  shopping bag habits faster than was expected.

Prior to enactment, the new tax was estimated to generate $10 million in revenue over the next four years and would fund the Anacostia River Cleanup Fund. Given January’s results it appears that consumer behavior has changed so rapidly that this revenue may fall short of its original projection.

We Green DC
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Cheers to the Planet: 5 Green Happy Hours

Photo courtesy of
‘Black Thai’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’

Spring has sprung, and with it a plethora of green-focused events — all involving drinks. So check out this list, and plan to attend a happy hour, or two or three. And make a toast to spring, and Mother Earth!

Have a Good, Clean Drink
Bartending For Change – World Water Day

Wednesday, March 24
6 – 9 p.m.
Downtown/U Street
Ulah Bistro, 1214 U St., NW

To celebrate World Water Day, Salim Bhabhrawala, an experienced bartender and one of the founders of Bartending4Change, will serve as guest bartender. Sam’s tips, as well as 10 percent of Ulah Bistro’s proceeds, will be donated to Water For People, which supports sustainable drinking water, sanitation and hygiene projects for impoverished people worldwide. Drink up!

Beer for the Common Good
Drink Beer and Save the World

Thursday, March 25
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Downtown
District Chophouse, The Vault Room, 509 7th St., NW

Brewer Barrett Lauer presents seven hand-crafted ales with appetizers as beer activist Chris O’Brien discusses how drinking slow beer builds community and a more sustainable world. O’Brien, co-owner of the Seven Bridges Organic Brewing Supply Cooperative and Director of Sustainability at American University, will sign copies of his award-winning book Fermenting Revolution: How to Drink Beer and Save the World and answer all your questions about beer. This sounds so selfless, doesn’t it?
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Food and Drink, The Daily Feed, We Green DC, We Love Drinks
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Friday Happy Hour: Guinness

Photo courtesy of
‘christmas eve’
courtesy of ‘volcanojw’

I know that St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until next week, but let’s be honest, it’s on your mind.  So, why drink anything other than Ireland’s finest: Guinness Stout. I don’t feel like I need to expound upon the flavor and richness of Guinness as I’m sure that everyone has tried it.  But, lest anyone fear that the upcoming holiday may contribute to growing waistlines, let me assure you that Guinness will not be the culprit.  It is a wonder beer, of sorts.  Despite it’s thick texture and powerful flavor, Guinness stout is actually very light.  It actually has fewer calories that Coca Cola.  In fact, there is evidence to suggest that may be healthy, if drunk in moderation.

Another fun fact: the great-great-great-grandson of Arthur Guinness is a local.  Os Guinness, who is a prolific author/critic/theologian lives in McClean.  So, this weekend drink for your health, drink for our local Guinness family member, and most of all, drink for St. Paddy’s Day.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Now, Get There by Bike with Google Maps

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Today at the National Bike Summit going on at the Reagan Building, Google Maps announced it is now giving directions by bike.

The new feature includes step-by-step bicycling directions; bike trails outlined directly on the map; and a new “Bicycling” layer that indicates bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads.

Time estimates for routes are based on an algorithm that takes into account variables such as the length of the route, the number of hills, and fatigue over time…maybe doughnuts eaten over the winter, too?

You can find it at http://maps.google.com/biking, or from the “get directions” drop-down menu.

News, The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Has Spring Sprung?

Photo courtesy of
‘coming soon…’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

We’re one week away from springing forward, three weeks away from cherry blossoms, the temperature is above 50 and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen some flowers poking up from the ground.  I think that it’s almost safe to call it: spring has arrived.  What’s more is that mild temperatures will prevail for the rest of the week.  It looks like the sun will give way to rain in the coming days, but hopefully that will melt the brown snow in my yard.  Even if winter rears its ugly head once more (God forbid) I’m still going to enjoy what we’ve got going.  So, I’m off to lunch outside, suckas.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Warm Fuzzies and a Party for New Orleans

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On Saturday, a fun fundraising event combines a film and a New Orleans-style party, all to help rebuild a neighborhood damaged by Hurricane Katrina as the nation’s first zero carbon community.

The film is MINE, a powerful story of the essential bond between human and beast set against the backdrop of Katrina. An award winner at the SXSW film festival, it’s at AFI Silver Theatre at 5:45 p.m. A short talk from the producer and a first-responder animal rescuer follows.

At 8 p.m., the party moves to Jackie’s Restaurant, also in Silver Spring, with music, a silent auction, and an optional $10 buffet. A $5 donation is requested at the door.

All proceeds go directly to Historic Green. For two weeks this March in New Orleans, Historic Green will gather hundreds of students and young professionals, who’ll bring energy and ideas to help the people of the Lower Ninth Ward revitalize their community. They’ll meld preservation with sustainability, creating healthier, safer, more livable communities.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Environmental Film Fest on the Way

Dirt! The Movie - © Gene Rosow

Dirt! The Movie - © Gene Rosow

Break out the organic popcorn — the Environmental Film Festival is coming. From March 16-28, you can see up to 155 films from 31 countries. This year’s theme is the connection between food and the environment.

Going Green DC has a good wrapup of the festival’s global and local highlights. A Road Not Taken, which talks about the solar panels that once graced the White House roof, is another of the 13 local films.

So are Not a Distant Beast and “River of Hope”: Welcome to our City, Mr. President, which share the story of locals’ relationship with the Anacostia River.

Nora! features the founder of Restaurant Nora, the nation’s first certified organic restaurant. In Coal Country, Appalachian miners and activists tell the story of mountaintop removal coal mining, which helps to power the DC area.

This year, the festival received funds to offer additional free screenings to young and underserved audiences at libraries, museums, and theatres throughout the DC area. A launch party takes place March 10 at the Warner Theatre.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Guns at Great Falls and Other National Parks

Photo courtesy of
‘Limberger’s Victory (cinema 1915)’
courtesy of ‘New York Public Library’

Today, a new law goes into effect that allows firearms in many national parks.

Previously, guns were generally prohibited in national parks, except for some in Alaska and in parks that allow hunting.

Now, the national parks — there are nearly 60 in this area — follow local gun laws. Anyone who can legally possess firearms under federal and state law can now possess those firearms in the national parks in that state, except in federal facilities such as visitor centers and ranger stations.

In fact, some folks suggested driving their guns out to Great Falls this afternoon, just because they can.

So what does this mean for, say, the Jefferson Memorial? Or the Mall?
Continue reading →

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Nowhere to Run…or Bike

Good day for a ski

Good day for a ski

Heading out to the towpath this weekend, I didn’t expect to see it plowed. But I was surprised to see it wasn’t packed down. In some areas, like near Fletcher’s Boathouse, there is plenty of loose snow not suitable for running or biking, and not all that easy for walking, either. (Hint: Snowshoes ROCK.)

The Capital Crescent Trail there doesn’t look much better. Nearer Georgetown, so many large trees are across it that people have blazed a winding path. (See recent reports.) Sure, it’s pretty for a weekend hike, but what about training for that upcoming 10K — or more importantly, biking on it to work? Especially when the roads are a mess?

The WashCycle has plenty to say about the matter. Saturday’s The Ice Storm post talks about why the trails aren’t plowed, then requests that people contact trail managers and ask The Post‘s Dr. Gridlock to address the issue in his chat today at noon.

Paul McCray of Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority says in the comments the W&OD trail staff will start clearing snow this week. The upcoming rains also may wash away a lot of it.

Did you hit the trails this weekend? If so, what did you find?

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Green Office Challenge Coming to Arlington

Photo courtesy of
‘Plenty of Plants!’
courtesy of ‘mscaprikell’

Those Arlington greenies are at it again. They spent New Year’s dreaming up a community energy plan, and now they’ve been chosen as one of four local governments nationwide to receive assistance for a Green Office Challenge program.

This friendly competition will encourage property managers and office tenants to save money, energy and water in their buildings and to reduce waste.

The ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, which developed the challenge with Chicago last year, will give the county guidance and technical support. Charleston, Nashville and San Diego also will take the challenge.

Luckily, there will be no competition from Dunder Mifflin’s “As Green As We Have To Be” initiative and “one cup per day” water cooler plan.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Mason Neck May Close to Public

Photo courtesy of
‘surprise eagle’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

Mason Neck State Park, known as a good place to see bald eagles, is one of five state parks that may close this summer due to budget cuts. Set along the Potomac in Fairfax County, Mason Neck is also a heron rookery and home to ducks and tundra swans. It has several miles of trails in the woods and near wetlands.

There are other more-serious cuts proposed too, including furloughs for state workers and slashes to education and health and human services, reports The Post in local news. But if you’re a fan of Mason Neck, pay a visit soon, as the park may close as early as this spring.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Get On This Bus: Fresh Food for All

Courtesy of Farm to Family

Courtesy of Farm to Family

Here’s a heartwarming video for a snowy day.

Yesterday, the BBC ran a piece on The Farm to Family Bus, a farmers market on wheels that serves neighborhoods in Richmond, often in low-income areas, that don’t have easy access to grocery stores and quality, organic food.

The piece also highlights Josh Viertel, president of Slow Food USA (and there’s a DC chapter), speaking to a group of slow food advocates in DC.

A great idea, that — to bring healthy food to those who may need it most.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Whither Global Warming?

Photo courtesy of
‘SnOMG #2’
courtesy of ‘[F]oxymoron’

Today, Time took on a question that might be on many people’s minds. Where is global warming, anyway?

The issue is still out there, but “global warming” doesn’t tell the whole picture. While worldwide temperature averages are rising, “global climate change” and “weather weirding” more accurately describe what will happen.

The global part is spot on. Temperature rises affect air and sea currents throughout the world. They also affect the amount of moisture the air can hold; warmer air locks in more, bringing heavier precipitation.

And if the temperature hovers around freezing, as the Time article explains, here in DC we could get more snow.

Sound complex? It is. That’s why scientists the world over are studying changes in the climate, which is a long-term thing, and another point that confuses folks about the term “global warming.”

As the article so aptly states, “Weather is what will happen next weekend; climate is what will happen over the next decades and centuries.” Kudos to Time for shedding some light.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Homeless Shelter to Be Warmer Now

Making it better - photo courtesy of Green DMV

Making it better - photo courtesy of Green DMV

Yesterday, about 20 people gathered downtown to make a homeless shelter cozier — good news for those who will spend Snowpocalypse II there.

Participants weatherized the doors at Gospel Rescue Ministries to block drafts and keep the inside warmer, which will save the shelter precious money on heating, too. They also brightened rooms with a new coat of paint.

Members of the first graduating class of Green DMV’s Greater Washington Green Jobs Corps led the project, guiding volunteers from DC and federal agencies and the Latin American Youth Center. The corps is DC’s only program that trains people from disadvantaged backgrounds to join the green economy.

In addition to snugging up the shelter, this project introduced shelter residents to the possibilities of entry-level green jobs.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Time for a Beer

Photo courtesy of
‘Beer!’
courtesy of ‘oparrish’

Update: This event has been canceled due to snow. Still looking for some liquid courage to see you through the storm? Join the crew for a happy hour at the downstairs bar at bread & brew from 5-7 p.m.

Even beer can be made better — made organically, that is. But what is organic beer, really?

This Friday, get the lowdown from Tim Adams, co-owner of Peak Organic. He’ll explain what an organic brew really is and how it’s brewed. And then you can sample its bubbly wonders yourself.

The DC Green Connection and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) are partnering for this special networking event, which will bring together SAIS masters students and alumni and DC-area residents interested in going green.

Come from 5 to 9 p.m. to the Johns Hopkins University Student Auditorium, 1740 Mass Ave, NW.

I hope they save a nut brown ale for me.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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DC Environmental Film Festival Needs Volunteers!

Photo courtesy of
‘1930s Movie Projector’
courtesy of ‘Kevin H.’

Want to help out in a green way, but can’t afford solar panels? How about volunteering for the DC Environmental Film Festival? They need help running their evaluation screenings, as well as hosting parties, hosting filmmakers when they come to show their works, or better yet, bring out your camera and help them document the festival!

The Festival runs March 16-28 at venues all across the city, so there’s plenty of time to assess your schedule and make some plans to help out a good green cause!

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Extra Swampy on Roosevelt Island

Boardwalk on Roosevelt Island

Boardwalk on Roosevelt Island

If you’re a fan of Theodore Roosevelt Island, you know it doesn’t normally look this wet. Ye olde Potomac has flooded in, raising water levels to within about a foot of the boardwalk in places.

Lots of ducks and geese are paddling around on the island, and a flock of seagulls is picking snacks out of the river near the Key Bridge.

I ran through on a late lunch break today, when the tide was rising, and it felt a bit like running on a lake. After a plane passed overhead, I heard that cool swishing, zipping sound of wind high up, above the flooded swamp. It was a cool moment indeed. If you missed ’em earlier, check out our morning flood pics around town, or see more of the island after the break.
Continue reading →

We Green DC
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Getting Polluted: These Guys Wrote the Book

Lourie and Smith discuss Slow Death by Rubber Duck

Lourie and Smith discuss Slow Death by Rubber Duck

Call it a science project for grown-ups. One day, as a joke, longtime buddies Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie, environmental advocates from Canada, decided to marinate themselves in everyday chemicals for a week — innocent-looking things like shampoos, canned food, sofas with stain-resistant coating — and see what happened.

Why? They had been involved with Environmental Defence Canada’s Toxic Nation project, which has tested and found toxic chemicals in Canadians young and old and from all walks of life. But when those test volunteers asked what act, what product, used on what day had put the chemicals into their bodies…well, there were no clear answers.

So Smith and Lourie spent a week in a condo, trying to get polluted, and not in the alcoholic way, but with chemicals that are part of our daily lives. Said Lourie, “I didn’t drink a beaker of mercury. We did nothing millions of Americans don’t do every day.” Still, this idea “delighted our wives no end,” said Smith.

Last Wednesday in their first U.S. event, they told the tale of the resulting book, Slow Death By Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things, to a packed room at the Busboys & Poets at 14th and V. In one experiment, Smith took lots of showers, using highly scented hair products, soap, shaving gel, lotion, deodorant and cologne. Lourie quipped, “Rick never smelled so good.” But did his phthalate levels go up?
Continue reading →

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Bag Fees May Come to MD, VA

Photo courtesy of
‘Reusable Giant Bags’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

Break out those reusable totes! DC’s new 5 cent fee for disposable bags is such a great idea that Virginia and Maryland may soon follow suit. That is, if two new bills pass.

This week, Maryland Del. Alfred Carr (D-18) introduced a bill patterned after the District’s that would give 3 to 4 cents per disposable paper or plastic bag to the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund to pay for pollution mitigation.

Last week, Virginia Delegate Adam Ebbin (D-49) introduced a similar bill that works the same way and would benefit the Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund. He says this approach could reduce taxpayers’ costs for cleaning waterways and lower stores’ expenses on bags.

Both bills exempt some bags, including those for meat and produce, restaurant carry-out and dry cleaning.