News from Bethesda Green

This month, I'm sharing the byline with Bob Snyder, our new Incubator Manager.

The Bethesda Green Incubator just celebrated its one-year anniversary. Begun as a pilot for fostering new green ventures, the Incubator has matured into a dynamic group of 11 businesses in diverse sectors -- including energy efficiency, food products, marketing and video production -- with a shared goal of developing sustainable community and a healthy economy.

Thanks to the generosity of Capital One Bank, we expanded our space to include four permanent office suites. Two companies have taken full-time residency -- Savenia Labs, which had been a virtual incubator member, and Mark Leisher Productions, a green video producer.

Incubator resources include professional staff support, peer networking opportunities, shared conference and office services, monthly speaker series, access to Montgomery County's Department of Economic Development and its incubator system, and access to accounting and legal services.

In the new year, we will add a new feature to our newsletter highlighting activities and successes of our Incubator members.

We are eager to grow our cadre of companies that share our vision of expanding the green economy. If you know of a firm wishing to join our "community" as either a part- or full-time member, send Bob an email requesting more information or visit our website.

Dave Feldman
Executive Director

First Thursday Happy Hour -- Dec. 2

Join Us for Casual Conversation and Networking

Bethesda Green and Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light (GWIPL) team up to kick off the holiday season with an evening of casual conversation and networking, Thursday, December 2, 5 - 8 pm at Redwood Restaurant, 7121 Bethesda Lane.

We'll mark the second night of Hanukkah -- the Jewish festival of lights -- by sharing the extraordinary work of local congregations from many traditions, with GWIPL's help, to save energy and go green.

We'll also celebrate Bethesda Green as we enter our fourth year of lighting the way towards a local model for sustainable living.

Meet GWIPL Director Joelle Novey and learn from green team leaders in Bethesda's diverse congregations
Enjoy complimentary vegetarian appetizers
Hour Hour drink specials

Contribution: $10 at the door will support the good work of Bethesda Green and Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light to light the way towards a greener community.

Redwood will also contribute 10% of sales.

RSVP through Bethesda Green Meetup

Redwood Restaurant
7121 Bethesda Lane (in Bethesda Row)
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-656-5515

Redwood features a seasonal menu rooted in American Tradition, showcasing mid-Atlantic ingredients, with organic and sustainable produce whenever possible.

E-Cycling Day at Whitman High School

Have you been wondering what to do with your unwanted computers, TV's and other outdated electronic equipment?

Recycle your Electronics!

Sunday, December 12, 2010
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Walt Whitman High School parking lot
7100 Whittier Boulevard
Bethesda, Maryland 20817

The Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services will be collecting electronic items which will be refurbished for reuse or recycled. So drive through the parking lot and drop off the materials. You don't even have to get out of your car. Data is securely destroyed for your protection.

Drop-off item may include:

CD players
Computers, monitors, printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines, and other computer-related products
Electronic typewriters
Projection equipment
Telephones
Small electronic toys
Televisions
VCRs
And more!

Download and share flyer

For more information, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling or call 3-1-1 or 240-777-0311 (outside Montgomery County).

Condo Dwellers Take Note

Starting in January 2011, Bethesda Green and ecobeco plan to present a free series of panel discussions focusing on condominium buildings. Learn what you can do to improve your building's environmental impact, save energy, and lower your utility bills for both units and common areas.

These panel discussions will provide residents and boards of condominium buildings with information, resources, and ways to organize your community to take action.

Help us craft the content of our panel discussions and the timing of the events by filling out our short survey. Thanks for your participation.

BG Intern Profile

Justin Ulisney, 18, North Potomac

How did you get involved with Bethesda Green?

When I found out that my school, Wootton High School, has an internship program, I immediately started searching for a place to work. I learned about Bethesda Green at their Fields of Green internship fair earlier this year. They suggested I volunteer for them a little over summer, so that we would be familiar with each other and so I could see if I would like it. I did, and I came in for an interview and became their intern.

What kind of work do you do at BG?

My main job here at Bethesda Green is to keep their database updated. I make sure all the new names are entered in, and at certain times during each month, I upload the whole thing into their outreach website. Because of where I sit when I work, I am also the front-desk person and the only thing I don't do is answer phone calls. But I've given many a tour around the office, and I make sure the office is up to date, and the plants are watered, and the literature is well-stocked. I also help out with anything that they have going on, such as happy hours and other events. I get to do a lot of different kinds of things, for example, I got to help put a stage together for the Bethesda Green Gala.

What have you gotten out of your experience at BG so far?

So far, working for Bethesda Green has allowed me to get a first-hand look at the inner workings of a business. I have had the chance to do some things as an intern that a lot of my friends who work at other places never get to do. I have learned a lot about a broad range of things, and met a lot of interesting people in the process. What I like most is their green approach to doing things because it rubs off on me. I find myself always thinking about how to live greener and how to get other people to do so as well.

Local Green Champions

More than 300 people gathered at Imagination Stage October 7 for our inaugural Gala to recognize the region's green champions. We're extremely grateful to the sponsors and proud of the Green Initiatives put in place for our Gala. See details.

Bethesda Magazine profiled the 2010 Green Award Winners in its November / December issue. We're also delighted to recognize many of the other outstanding nominations and to spotlight their achievements as businesses, non-profits, communities and individuals who are actively promoting and living a green lifestyle in our community.

Also see the Bethesda Green Fan Page on Facebook for a sample of Gala photos, courtesy of Howard Lansat and Marc Warshawsky.