CityRenewed.com: A Must See Site

If you live in DC, you and I might have the same problem: finding DC environmental info in one place. When I write posts about green happenings around our area, I have to sift through dozens of web calendars, organization sites and local newspapers.

A new website called CityRenewed.com has solved this frustrating problem. The site launched in early 2009 and is the most comprehensive source of green info in DC I've ever found.

Among the offerings on the site:

• Green Events Calendar: The events calendar on City Renewed covers every green happening in DC you could hope to find - from farmers' markets to green jobs fairs and all the museum exhibits and educational workshops in between. If you have your own green event, you can add it to the calendar.

• Green Business Guide: Searching for eco-friendly businesses in DC is kind of tough. Google results are almost useless. City Renewed has pulled together an incredible listing of green businesses in DC, divided into logical categories. You can even use their map to find what businesses are in your neighborhood.
  

• Green Blog Posts: Running throughout the site are a number of totally useful and interesting blog posts all related to DC. Some of the posts relate to current issues, while other offer tips on how to be green in DC.
  

We recommend bookmarking City Renewed. The site is incredibly useful and intuitive. It is for sure the most comprehensive green resource in DC.

DC Pushes Artficial Turf, Despite Lead Fears

In New York City, a battle is being waged over the role of artificial turf on sports fields in the city’s public parks. Last December, a park in East Harlem was shut down after examiners detected elevated levels of lead coming from the artificial turf on the park’s soccer field. Some samples from the soccer field showed lead levels four times greater than the federal limits for playground soil.

Two members of the City Council and several activists were disturbed by these test results and have requested a moratorium on the use of artificial turf in New York’s public sports fields while further testing is completed. Other officials, like Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, argue that only a few parks reported elevated lead levels, which may be the result of coal processing that took place on the land years ago.

How does this story affect DC? In September of 2007, the Washington Post published a story titled “For Schools, Artificial Turf Grows in Popularity.” In the story, high school officials from Fairfax, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Loudoun, Arlington, Frederick and Charles county had either approved artificial turf on sports fields or were considering it. At the time, these officials viewed cost as the only drawback of the artificial turf.

In April, 2008, the Post published a new story titled, “U.S. Investigates Artificial Turf’s Lead Levels.” In the story, an official from the McLean Youth Soccer league, Al Stephenson, said fears over lead in artificial turf would delay the league’s push to install artificial turf on several of their soccer fields.

The issue of lead in artificial turf appears to be related to the use of recycled tires in the turf. Tires are broken down and converted to rubber pellets, which are then formed into the spongy vast sports fields many enjoy because of safety and maintenance ease. Unfortunatley, the crushed tire bits rub off easily on people’s skin and clothing, allowing users to carry the lead laden tire pieces on their body and into their homes.

As of September, 2008, the McClean Youth Soccer League was moving forward with plans to install more artificial turf soccer fields. An opening ceremony was held for two such fields on September 17th. The League has tried to calm fears over lead contamination with a public statement that says…”Based on information received from the (synthetic turf) industry we continue to believe that fields in Fairfax County do not pose any hazard to the public.”

To read more about the artificial turf battle in New York, read the New York Times story on their website by clicking HERE .

To read the Washington Post story on lead investigations for artificial turf fields on their website, click HERE .

Green DC: Stimulus Cuts & DC

On Monday night, President Obama spoke to the American people about the urgent need for passage of the stimulus bill before Congress. In his remarks, the President specifically mentioned the importance of funding for energy efficiency improvements in federal buildings. He said, “When people suggest that, ‘What a waste of money to make federal buildings more energy-efficient.’ Why would that be a waste of money?” President Obama said that making federal buildings more energy efficient would create jobs and reduce government spending long-term.

It’s no coincidence that President Obama mentioned energy efficient federal buildings, recent chatter from Capitol Hill suggests that funding for such projects in the stimulus bills has been cut. On February 6, Glenn Thrush of Politico reported a list of funding cuts in the stimulus bill agreed upon by Democrats and Republicans. In addition to cuts in funding for watershed rehabilitation and renewable energy loans, the list includes a cut of the $3.5 billion for “greening” federal buildings.

Right now, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives are working to create a compromise stimulus package that reconciles the differences between their respective legislation. This means there is still a chance that funding for energy efficiency improvements in federal buildings is possible.

Making these changes to federal buildings has a bigger impact on DC than anywhere else in the nation. The federal government is the largest energy consumer in the United States. The District is home to all three branches of the federal government and a multitude of agencies, law enforcement organizations and military operations. The federal government alone employs about 250,000 people in DC.

Investing in energy efficient improvements in federal buildings will help DC meet its goal of training and employing more residents in “green jobs.” Less energy demand by the federal government will mean a reduction in demand for the coal energy that powers, and pollutes, our community. Finally, an influx of funds for energy efficient development will help DC create a green energy sector of the local economy.

Unfortunately, DC doesn’t have a strong voice in either the Senate or the House to fight for this funding. However, because Congress has ultimate authority over Washington, it’s our responsibility as residents to voice support for the energy efficiency program. Below is a list of the Senators and Representatives assigned to the stimulus bill conference committee, visit the Senate’s phone directory website by clicking HERE and let these Senators know that as a DC resident, you support funding for energy efficient federal buildings.

Senate

• Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
• Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont.
• Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii
• Finance Committee Ranking Member Charles Grassley, R-Iowa
• Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Thad Cochran, R-Miss.

House

• Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey, D-Wis.
• Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y.
• Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif.
• Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Jerry Lewis, R-Calif.
• Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Dave Camp, R-Mich.

Green DC - Zoo Lights Fashion Night

Zoo Lights is a festive annual tradition held at the National Zoo for the holidays. The entire zoo is decorated with colorful lights in animals shapes. Part of the fun is being in the Zoo at night when it is usually closed.

The Zoo Lights event will be open for a few more weeks during the holidays with special performances and surprises every night. One particularly interesting program is "Fashion Night" on December 19th.

If you're not into fashion, December 20th is "goingoutguide.com" night and December 27th is "Giant Food Night," both of which feature special gifts for attendees. Tickets are $6 for Friends of the National Zoo members and $12 for non-members.

To find out more about Zoo Lights and upcoming theme nights, click HERE.

The National Zoo describes "Fashion Night" this way...

"Fashion Night, sponsored by Wal-Mart and the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, will feature “green” designers including Ryann, Fashion Philanthropy, Avani Ribbon, and West Potomac Fashion and Graphic Design.

Designers will be discussing and modeling their eco-friendly fashions at the Reptile Discover Center, Small Mammal House, and Kids' Farm. Zoo interpreters will be on hand to discuss animal adaptations during the winter months.

Come to Fashion Night! It's free with the cost of your ZooLights ticket!"

National Christmas Tree is Greener Than Most

Last Thursday, President Bush, and a diverse group of guests that included Santa Claus and Jon Secada, lit the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse of the National Mall.

Ordinarily, a giant Christmas tree like this one is cut and transported from its original home to its new home where it stands until after the holidays when it is recycled for mulch, paper, etc. This is true of the Congressional Christmas Tree and the tree in Rockefeller Center.

The National Christmas Tree is different. This majestic Colorado Blue Spruce was actually planted on the Ellipse in 1978, where it lives year-round and is decorated for the holidays. In doing this, the National Park Service is conserving both trees and energy.

This year, the National Christmas Tree was made even more eco-friendly with the addition of energy efficient light bulbs that reduced its energy consumption by 55%.

To learn more about the National Christmas Tree, view upcoming events at the Tree or view each states' ornament click HERE.

GreenDC: Penn Quarter Holiday Market Open

Unique holiday gifts are very hard to find. Buying them locally is even harder. Imagine if you could get great gifts that were made right here in the DC area! Imagine no more, the Penn Quarter Holiday Market is back.

The 4th Annual Penn Quarter Holiday Market opened Friday, December 5th. The market will be open everyday until December 23rd from noon until 8pm, so you can stop by at lunch of after work.

Among the items for sale are jewelry, wood projects, art, pottery, food and more. Over 150 local artisans and crafters are participating in the Market this year. In addition to great products for sale, there are also seasonal performances and treats.

You can get to the Penn Quarter Holiday Market by taking Metro to the Gallery Place stop and getting off at the Verizon Center exit. The Market is located on F street between 7th and 9th. To see a list of exhibitors and get more information about the Penn Quarter Holiday Market, click HERE.

Smithsonian's American History Museum Goes Green

Today marks a momentous occasion in Washington, DC. The re-opening of Smithsonian's American History Museum. After closing the museum a few years ago for renovations, it seemed the day would never come when Kermit, Dorothy's Ruby Slippers, and Hello Dolly's dress would all be in one place again.

There may have been delays and aggravation, but the day is finally here and its an exciting moment.

Adding to the excitement is the newly renovated museum's dedication to sustainability. Among the green attributes are...

• Ultra-efficient heating and cooling systems
• 3,800 lighting fixtures with energy efficient bulbs that will save $1.6 million annually and will reduce carbon emissions and the use of 8,000 fewer pounds of ozone-depleting refrigerants.
  
• Dining services with locally grown food and recycled tableware, carpet and chairs.
  

Make time to see the American History Museum soon while its still shiny and new. Read about the renovations HERE.

Is DC Becoming Snow-Free?

If you were in Washington, DC during last year's winter, you know that it was essentially a snow-free season. Early in December we saw a few inches stick to the ground, but other than that it was mostly ice and rain.

The Capital Weather Gang over at the Washington Post have been tracking the gradual decline in annual snow fall in the Washington region over the last century. Their analysis is pretty surprising.

Near the turn of the 20th century, Washington was receiving an average of 23'' of snow per year. In the last 15 year, that number has decreased to just 14''. They predict that our average snow fall will continue to decline by 1'' every 15 years into the future.

There have been other periods in the past when snow fall declined significantly in Washington. From 1919 to 1933, snow fall averaged about 13.7'' inches per year, lower than our current average. During that same period, however, there were more years of 15'' snow fall than we've had over the past 15 years. Seven times snow fell by 15'' or more between 1919 and 1933, over the past 15 years, this has only happened 3 times.

The dramatic decrease in snow averages over the past century is displayed in the graph below, created by the Capital Weather Gang. The weather experts don't explain what may have caused the decrease in snow fall, they simply suggest possible causes like urban heat island, global warming, natural weather patters and changes in the observing locations.

Read the full Capital Weather Gang post HERE.

Green DC: Buy Local for Thanksgiving Dinner

Washington generally clears out for the Thanksgiving holiday. Blame it on the younger people returning home and Congress returning to the district. There are still some of us, though, who enjoy celebrating America's holiday in America's capital.

If you're planning on hosting a big Thanksgiving meal at your place this year, why not try buying locally grown vegetables and locally raised turkeys. You'll get the benefit of fresh, seasonal food while ensuring it didn't travel half-way around the world to your table.

There are many great farmer's markets in DC where you can find a great selection of local food from fruits to cheese. Below is a list of them with addresses, hours and websites. Happy Thanksgiving!

• Dupont Circle Farmers' Market: Only regional growers from the Chesapeake Bay watershed (MD, DE, VA, PA, and WV) sell at this market. In addition to great local food, there are cooking demonstrations, flower arrangements, childrens' programs and more. HOURS: Sunday 9am to 1pm, LOCATION: 20th Street, NW between Mass. Ave NW and Q Street, NW.

• Eastern Market: A fire in the Market's main hall hasn't stopped merchants from selling fresh meats, vegetables, breads and cheeses at Capital Hill's Eastern Market. Tuesday through Sunday, the South Hall is open with regular merchants selling a variety of food. On the weekends, the Farmers' Line is home to table after table of locally grown produce, as well as arts & crafts, jellies and more. HOURS: South Hall (Tues-Fri 7am to 7pm, Sat 7am to 6pm, Sun 9am to5pm) , Farmers' Line (Sat-Sun 7am-4pm) LOCATION: 306 7th St. SE, 1.5 blocks North of Eastern Market metro station on 7th street.

• Foggy Bottom Farmers' Market: This is a convenient stop for anyone who doesn't have time to shop on the weekend. The market is located right at the exit of the Foggy Bottom metro station and is open on Wednesday afternoons. There is a pretty generous variety of products from produce to herbs. Several of the merchants also pride themselves on organic and grass-fed options. By the way, this is the last week to shop at this location before the winter, they close on November 26th. HOURS: Wednesday 2:30pm to 7pm LOCATION: I Street between New Hampshire and 24th St. NW

• Penn Quarter Farmers' Market: Located in the heart of the District, this area has been home to local markets that have fed Washingtonians for over 100 years. Every Thursday, the area behind the National Portrait Gallery is transformed into a bussleing market with merchants selling a huge variety of foods and products. HOURS: Thursdays 3pm to 7pm LOCATION: 8th Street NW between D and E Streets NW.

• Adams-Morgan Farmers' Market: According to legend the location of this market was once home to a theater where on a snowy night in the 1930's the roof collapsed, killing hundreds of people. Of course now the area is home to a great market with lots of friendly local growers. Merchants have been selling their products here since 1973 and there is a reason why people keep coming back. HOURS: Saturday 9am to 1pm LOCATION: Corner of 18th Street and Columbia Road NW in Adams-Morgan.

• Chevy Chase Farmers' Market: The technical name for this one is the Broad Branch Farmers' Market. Like most area markets, only food producers, and not wholesalers, are able to sell. Their selling season lasts from April 29th to November 25th. An emphasis is placed on sustainable production practices and a strong connectio between producers and consumers. HOURS: Saturday 9am to 1pm LOCATION: Lafayette Elementary School, at the corner of Broad Branch Road and North Hampton Street.

• Mount Pleasant Farmers' Market: This local market is held under the trees of Lamont Park in Mount Pleasant. It is an intimate yet expansive market geared toward the diverse population in Mount Pleasant. It is also a producer only market with products from the mid-Atlantic region. This is the last weekend the market is open before winter. HOURS: Saturday 9am to 1pm LOCATION: 3200 Mount Pleasant Street NW between Park and Lamont Streets

I know there are several other markets around Washington that I haven't mentioned. There is a USDA market, a Ward 8 market, an Anacostia market and a Brookland market in addition to several others. Unfortunately, many of these have closed for winter or I was unable to dig up sufficient information about them. If you have a favorite market not mentioned here, post a comment on it.

Green DC: Recycle E-Waste at Goodwill with Dell

If you live in the DC metropolitan area (which includes Northern Virginia and Maryland) you can now recycle your electronic waste at Goodwill locations.

The program is a partnership between Dell and Goodwill. Best of all, the contract between Goodwill and Dell stipulates that none of the e-waste can be sent to China, to avoid THESE issues.

If you have old cell phones, music players, computers, monitors, televisions, etc. and you'd like to donate them so their internals can be reused, this is an excellent opportunity. The program accepts all electronics from any manufacturer, in any condition and of any age.

The program is called "Reconnect" and the goal is to collect 2.7 million pounds of electronics, keeping them out of our landfills where they leak toxic metals into the ground.

To find out the location and hours of a drop-off location near you, go to www.reconnectpartnership.com, then click on "Participating Goodwills," choose Virginia from the list and click Goodwill of Greater Washington.

This is an incredible opportunity that everyone should take advantage of. There is no longer an excuse to put dangerous electronics on the curb. Check out the locations and recycle your old gadgets today.

Green DC: Lawsuit Threatened Over Chesapeake Recovery

Environmentalists, former politicians, fishing groups and conservationists have come together to form a coalition that is pursuing a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The lawsuit is the result of several delays and a lack of effort by local government to fulfill the Chesapeake Bay recovery plan. The groups are seeking a federal court order that will force new deadlines on local and state government so the Bay cleanup can be completed by 2015.

Originally, the government planned to complete the Bay project by 2010. The EPA has essentially admitted that they will be unable to meet that deadline.

For years, groups with an interest in a clean Chesapeake Bay have tried using less dramatic strategies to urge more expedient action by government. Unfortunately, those tactics were not effective and many feel a lawsuit is their only option.

For years, runoff from roads, parking lots and homes have contributed to an unhealthy nutrient level in the Bay that chokes wildlife and creates "dead zones." Those who make their living fishing and crabbing in the Bay have essentially become unemployed as new limits on fishing volume have been created to protect dwindling populations.

The EPA is arguing that they aren't totally responsible for the slow progress on cleaning up the Bay. They claim human population growth in the ecosystem is contributing more pollutants than can be addressed. Regardless, they admit things could have been run more efficiently.

This group pursuing the lawsuit is frustrated after working with government officials to sign three agreements to clean-up the Bay by a certain date. Each agreement has failed and now they feel a lawsuit is their only existing recourse.

To read the full Washington Post story on the EPA lawsuit, click HERE.

Green DC: Casey Trees

Washington, DC is home to one of the most extensive urban tree planting programs in the country. Visit other big cities and you'll quickly notice that none match the park-like setting of DC. All of this beauty requires care and effort by many dedicated volunteers. One group most responsible for organizing these volunteers and expanding tree planting in DC is Casey Trees.

Casey Trees is a local organization that plants trees, trains locals to be Citizen Foresters, organizes volunteers, teaches school children about trees, supervises DC's canopy development and more.

Casey Trees provides several opportunities for DC residents to get involved in planting more trees in our city. If you want to get deeply involved in this process, you can train to become a Citizen Forester. If you have less time but would like to help, you can participate in several organized tree plantings.

One of the greatest resources offered by Casey Trees is their website. There you will find a ton of great information like a Tree Benefits Calculator, interactive maps, tree care tips, etc.

Stop by their website, www.caseytrees.org, today to find out how you can get a $50 rebate to buy and plant a tree. You can also check out their calendar of events to find out when the next tree event is taking place.

Green DC: Georgetown Park Finished

The National Park Service (NPS) commissioned the development of a park along the Potomac River in Georgetown many years ago. This multi-million dollar project creates an urban park that links the Rock Creek Trail to the Capital Crescent Trail. After years of planning, progress is finally being made on the park. 

In June of 2006, construction crews broke ground by tearing out a large parking lot. A year and some months later, the NPS has announced that phase one of the park is open to the public. Phase one consists of three acres along the Potomac with a bicycle trail linking Rock Creek and Capital Crescent trails. Visitors can now enjoy the new promenade, lawns and gardens. Phase one reaches from Wisconsin Ave. to 34th St. 

Now that construction crews are finished with the first phase, they are moving on the phase two, which is expected to be done by 2010. Once the Georgetown Waterfront Park is completed, it will be home to an amphitheater, fountain plaza, benches, trees and walkways. Once finished, the area will represent the largest public park constructed in DC since 1976. 

Go check it out!

Green DC: Anacostia Eco Bike Tour

Cultural Tourism DC is hosting over 80 walking and biking tours around DC this coming weekend. The tours cover a range of topics from Spies of Georgetown to Gay Capital Hill. One tour that caught my interest was a bike tour of Anacostia that highlighted environmentally friendly activities happening in Anacostia and environmental challenges the community faces.

Cultural Tourism DC's official description for the Anacostia Eco Bike Tour says, "This 15-mile bike tour is designed to raise awareness of projects that promote the health of those in the Anacostia Watershed, specifically Wards 2, 6, 7, and 8. Visit active service projects such as the Virginia Avenue Community Garden, Judy’s Solar Home, RiverSmart Home Ward 6, Kingman Island, Anacostia Park, Nationals Stadium, and the US DOT building. "

The bike tour runs from 9 AM to 2 PM. Participants should meet at the Starbucks at 200 M Street, SE across from the Navy Yard Metro Station. The ride is sponsored by Wholeness for Humanity and reservations are required. You can make your reservation by going HERE. 

Green DC: Sustainability at the Botanic Garden

The U.S. Botanic Garden is hosting a special summer series called, "One Planet-Ours" until October 13th. The focuse on the series is sustainability through the 22nd century. The information at the series won't just apply to gardens and landscapes, but will also focus on how each of us and our communities can do more to strengthen our environment.

Interpretive and educational displays will be set-up on the Botanic Garden's Conservatory Terrace as well as in the National Garden and Bartholdi Park. Other organizations, agencies and individuals have been invited to participate in the series because of their commitment to sustainability. 

One of the higlights of "One Planet-Ours" is a collection of 40 "Cool Globes" which display solutions to our sustainability issues on big sculptures of earth. 

If you want to attend the "One Planet-Ours" event at the Botanic Garden, check out their website HERE. 

Green DC: Carbon Free DC

There are so many environmental groups in DC that it can be a little overwhelming. When making a decision about which groups to join, its important to keep in mind which environmental issues are most important to you. Its also good to distinguish between joining large, national groups and smaller, local groups.

If climate change is an environmental issue that is important to you and you are looking to join a growing local group, I suggest checking out Carbon Free DC. This group was formed very recently and is currently building its membership and its direction. I attended a forum hosted by Carbon Free DC last Thursday and I was impressed. Representatives from the Cool Capital Challenge, the World Bank and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network spoke on behalf of their organizations about the work they are doing in the DC area.

Carbon Free DC's goal is to "Support a vibrant, educated and engaged membership committed to living sustainability, and educating others about the imperative to do so." They are trying to avoid replicating the work other organizations are doing in our area. Already they have a few projects and events planned for the coming months. The membership is diverse with both younger and older professionals. Not everyone in the group works in the environmental community and most just want to get involved in environmental projects around town.

This group is definitely worth checking out. If you are interested in Carbon Free DC, visit their Meet-Up page HERE.

Green Piece Blog Quoted in Washington Post Express...Again!

We're excited to share with you some more exciting news about the Green Piece Blog. On Wednesday, August 13th, the Washington Post Express featured a quote from one of our posts for the second time this summer.

The last time the Express quoted us was back on July 1st when they featured a line from our post on bottled water. You can read the bottled water post HERE.

Once again, the Green Piece Blog was quoted in the Express' "Blog Log" section with a quote from our post on big box retailers installing solar panels on their roofs. You can read that post HERE.

The quote used in the Express was this...

"Apparently, the retailers know your inner conflict, and they are trying to reconcile their evil deeds by installing solar panels on their giant roofs."

This time, our quote was the featured one in large print at the top of the "Blog Log" section.

Green DC: No Baby Panda for Mei Xiang

Many in DC were excited about the news that the National Zoo's panda Mei Xiang, mother of 3 year old Tai Shan, was showing signs of pregnancy over the past few months.

Urine analysis of Mei Xiang showed falling progesterone levels in mid-July, indicating the possibility of pregnancy. Ultrasounds were performed but came up inconclusive, which is not uncommon in the early stages of panda pregnancy. Mei Xiang showed some maternal behaviors and her uterus changed slightly.

In spite of these different indicators, the National Zoo announced today that Mei Xiang is not pregnant. The Zoo admits that scientists still know little about panda pregnancies. Veterinarians and experts speculate that Mei Xiang may have experienced the early loss of a fetus that was eventually absorbed into her uterine wall. Experiences like these continue to teach scientists more about the process by which pandas reproduce.

The National Zoo says that Mei Xiang is expected to return to normal hormone and activity levels in the coming weeks.

Green DC: Brew at the Zoo

The Friends of the National Zoo's Young Professionals group is hosting the fourth annual Brew at the Zoo on Thursday, August 21st from 6-9 PM. You can use the opportunity to sample beers and hors d’oeuvres from local micro-brewers and restaurants while contributing to conservation science, education and sustainability at the National Zoo.

General Admission tickets are $40 for FONZ members and $55 for non-members. For that you get the beer, the food, a commemorative glass and good karma. For $40 more, you can purchase VIP tickets that gives you access to free Armand's Pizza, whole beer bottles, a free t-shirt, animal demonstrations and more.

You can purchase tickets from Ticketmaster by going HERE. Even better, you can avoid the service fees and purchase your tickets directly from the National Zoo.

For the full scoop on the Brew at the Zoo, click HERE.

Green DC: Washington Recycling Below National Average

Houston took a pounding from the New York Times for only recycling 2.6% of the its total refuse. This is well below the national average of 32%. Part of Houston's problem is lack of organization within their government when it comes to the recycling program. According to the New York Times, 10,000 Houston residents have been waiting for up to 10 years to receive a recycling bin.

Other cities have been much more successful in recycling high proportions of refuse. San Francisco and Los Angeles recycle over 60% of their garbage. Some other notable cities include Chicago (55.5%), San Diego (54.9), San Jose (61%), and New York (34%).

Unfortunately, Washington, DC does not fare well compared to its major metropolitan peers. DC's recycling program falls below the national average with only 22% of our area's trash being recycled. In a town where buildings must meet high environmental standards and public transportation is advocated, one might think we would have better recycling numbers.

So what exactly is the problem? I went searching the internet for some possible reasons for our low recycling numbers. First I found a story about the garbage collectors combining recycling and garbage into the same garbage trucks around the Cleveland Park and Chevy Chase neighborhoods. Even as recently as this month this practice was continuing despite repeated complaints by residents. The DCist has also reported that several of their readers have complained about the city's failure to deliver recycling bins to homes that need them.

To be fair, DC has been making an effort. I found THIS post explaining that recycling inspections are up and businesses who fail to recycle will be fined.

If you have questions about recycling, check the DC government site HERE. If you currently don't recycle, I recommend assigning two grocery bags in a common area of your home specifically designated for 1) cans, glass, and plastic and 2) newspaper and corrugated cardboard. Its also a little easier if you take out your main garbage can and replace it with a much smaller one so you remember to divide up the trash.