Sponsor Shout Out

Many thanks to our new and renewing sponsors.

• MOM's Organic Market
• Federal Realty Investment Trust 
• Consultants Business Solutions 
• Governance Alive 
• Referral Woodworking 

by Ilaya Hopkins 

I have always been fascinated by prisms. With just a couple of angles coming together, this somewhat ordinary object can focus the unseen and turn it into literally a spectrum of possibilities.  The staff and Bethesda Green Board have been working over the last few months to articulate what Bethesda Green is about and where we see this organization going.

Like a prism, the multiple facets of Bethesda Green come together to focus our collective interest in sustainable living and produce a whole host of offerings to the broader community.  Our strategic framework outlines goals for the next three-year period that include a robust Green Business Incubator creating green jobs in our local economy, a full offering of programs and services that provide tangible value to the Bethesda area, and reflects an organization that is growing in a manageable and realistic manner.

Bethesda Green is fortunate to have so many people from business, government and the broader community willing to give their time and talents to ensure our success.  In our short history (remember: we are just three years old!), we have already kept thousands of pounds of electronics and recyclables out of the landfill, placed hundreds of interns in green jobs, launched Maryland's first Green Business Incubator and raised awareness on a whole range of issues from energy efficiency to sustainable food systems.  The newly adopted three-year strategic framework will allow Bethesda Green to aim high as we work to deliver on our goals.  Join us at one of our many upcoming events and think of the ways you can support our continued efforts by spreading the word, becoming a sponsor or donating today.

I would especially like to thank Michael Randel (Randel Consulting Associates) and Amy Kincaid (ChangeMatters) for their strategic guidance and Jeanne Ellinport (Ellinport Consulting), who deftly facilitated our extended Board session that resulted in a clear road map for Bethesda Green.

Like watching a prism in the sunlight, the collaboration of the three facets of business, government and citizens focused around creating a more sustainable community is a beautiful burst of possibility for Bethesda and I am honored to be a part of it. 

RSVP for April 6 Session  

Limited seating available; please reserve your spot, click here.

Jane Fairweather Real Estate Team 

Abaris Realty 

Clean Currents 

Pepco Commercial & Industry Energy Savings Program 

Ted Ross Consulting
Maryland Clean Energy Center 

Linowes and Blocher LLP -- Attorneys at Law 

LetterSpace Creative 

Incubator Spotlight  

Feature by Dana Burton

Maryland Energy & Sustainability Co-op

oing "green" can save you money!  The high prices that were tolerated "for the good of the planet" are gone. The outpost for this new economic paradigm locally is the Maryland Energy & Sustainability Cooperative, a member of the Bethesda Green Incubator, under the leadership of its founder and director Mike Kennedy.  More >>    

NOTE: The Co-op is sponsoring a Spring Energy Fair Saturday, March 19; pick up a pre-ordered discount rainbarrel. 

First Thursday Happy Hour

April 7, 5 - 8 pm

April Showers . . . Blooming Flowers . . . Bethesda Green Happy Hour

Focus on local watershed issues 

Join us Thursday, April 7, 5 - 8 pm for casual conversation and social networking at the Lebanese Taverna, 7141 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.  Event highlights include:

• Meeting some of the folks leading the way to protect the local watershed -- Cabin John, Little Falls and Rock Creek.
• Learning about a number of volunteer opportunities Saturday April 9 -- for example, It's Time to Take Out the Trash and Clean Creek, Clean Potomac -- to help watershed clean-up efforts throughout the area.
• Enjoying complimentary appetizers from Lebanese Taverna, as well as discount beer, wine and mixed drink prices.  

RSVP through Meetup  

Energy Efficiency Funding Available

Submit Your Application Now  

Montgomery County recently announced it will provide rebates of up to $75,000 to small and medium sized businesses, multi-family properties, and non-profit organizations to offset a portion of the cost of energy efficiency upgrades.

The program will reimburse 50% of the cost of qualified energy efficiency improvements or $75,000 per recipient, whichever is less.

The program will also provide rebates for residential energy efficiency improvements identified through a "Maryland Home Performance with ENERGY STAR" audit.

Funds are available for improvements to the building envelope, lighting, heating and air conditioning, and other categories that will reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.

The county anticipates having approximately $1.7 million available and applications will be accepted in two rounds. Round 1 applications are due April 15, 2011, and Round 2 applications are due May 15, 2011. Additional information and the online application can be found at www.mcenergyfunding.com, please send any questions to help@mcenergyfunding.com .

More >>    

Education Corner 

Clean Energy Shows Steady Growth  

According to a blog post by GreenBiz.com, 10 years in technology is a lifetime, and the past decade for clean technology has seen a rebirth and maturing of both the efficiency of technologies as well as the amounts invested in them.

The blog post reports on the 10th annual Clean Energy Trends report, recently published by Clean Edge, a research and advisory company connected to GreenBiz, which takes an in-depth look at the state of the markets for solar power, wind energy and biofuels.

In Remembrance  

A community gathering in remembrance of Jayna Murray and in support of our friends at Lululemon and our community is scheduled Friday, March 18, 2011, 8 - 9:30 pm.

People will gather at 8 pm at The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm Street, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD with an open forum for remembrances and prayer. This will be followed by a candlelight vigil to Lululemon for song and prayer.