Stop and Smell the Roses

JUNE 2019

Did you know June is National Rose Month? With a long and colorful history, roses have been symbols of love, beauty, war, and even politics. There are also several roses native to the Mid-Atlantic, including the Carolina rose (Rosa Carolina), Virginia rose (Rosa Virginiana), and Smooth Rose (Rosa Blanda). As we dive into summer, there are so many ways you can get out, stop, and smell the—well, you know—roses!  

SPEAKING OF ROSES

Roses

As consumers of cut flowers, we rarely think about the consequences of having beautiful flowers to decorate all the big events in our lives or as a small gesture of love and thanks. When taken care of properly, flowers can last for 3 to 14 days but for events these blooms are typically thrown away after just one day’s use. To help reduce floral waste and the carbon footprint of cut flowers, Bloomerent, a reuse and repurpose floral company, allows individuals to share flowers with another event. This reduces the amount of fuel, water, and pesticides being used without sacrificing the quality of the flowers.

learn more

Do you know of a business or organization supporting sustainability in DC? 
Let us know and we’ll mention them in a future newsletter.

ride

DC CIRCULATOR IS GOING WILD!

Let your wild side out for a ride. The DC Circulator has launched a Zoo Express Bus – its first-ever summer bus service to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Between May 4 and September 30, 2019 this bus will provide FREE express service between the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Grab the family and head on over!

Button
bus

WHAT’S BLACK AND WHITE BUT RED ALL SUMMER? 

The District’s H and I street pilot bus-only lanes, which have gotten a lot of attention since beginning operation June 3, will run until late September. The lanes were recently featured in a short film produced by public transit foundation TransitCenter and educational film nonprofit Streetfilms. The film focuses on the commitment to dedicate bus lanes as a tool for transit equity, reducing congestion, and promoting safety.

Button
teen

HUNGER DOESN’T TAKE A SUMMER BREAK!

The District is ready to tackle childhood hunger this summer. On June 17, Mayor Muriel Bowser kicked off #BacktoBasics week by celebrating the first day of summer camps and the DC Summer Meals Program. Mayor Bowser states, “DC Summer Meals ensure that children who rely on daily meals through school continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.”

Button
opportunities

EVENTS

Run the Riverfront with Lululemon – July 4 
Get active in the fresh air this summer as the Outdoor Fitness Series returns to Capitol Riverfront parks. On Thursdays, join The Yards lululemon for their run club. Meet in their shop to drop your bags and then head out to enjoy a lovely evening jog along the Anacostia River. Learn more.

Gardening Workshops – June 29
Join The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES), of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), in an introductory gardening workshop and start your own garden. You may not grow roses, but you can grow yummy vegetables to eat! Learn more.

VOLUNTEER

Cherry Tree Pruning - June 29
Join Casey Trees and the National Park Service for a special opportunity to prune the summer suckers of the historic cherry trees. Suckers are an adventitious shoot which grows from a bud at the base of a tree or directly from its roots. Learn more.

Martha's Table Market - June 28
Martha’s Table believes that access to fresh, healthy food is essential for supporting stronger children, families, and community. As a market volunteer, you assist clients as they shop for their groceries, close up the market at the end of the day and get to directly interact with our community members! Learn more.

JOBS

Climate Change and Sustainability Specialist -- ICF
ICF is seeking an environmental consultant to support the Climate, Energy Efficiency, and Transportation line of business. You will be responsible for supporting ICF managers in winning, planning, and executing projects, visit here

Energy Program Officer (Branch Chief, Renewable Energy and Clean Transportation) — DOEE
This position is located in the Data & Benchmarking division within the Department of Energy and Environment’s Energy Administration. The announcement is listed as “open to the public” and has a closing date of July 17, 2019. For more detailed information regarding this opportunity, please visit the District’s career website and enter 7684 in the search area.

Energy Program Specialist (Building Energy Benchmarking) — DOEE
This position is located in the Data & Benchmarking division within the Department of Energy and Environment’s Energy Administration. The announcement is listed as “open to the public” and has a closing date of July 17, 2019. For more detailed information regarding this opportunity, please visit the District’s career website and enter 7704 in the search area.

Market Outreach and Development Intern - US Green Building Council 
The Market Outreach and Development Intern will work closely with Market Development and Arc teams to focus and streamline outreach efforts with regards to existing buildings. For more information or to apply, visit here.

FUNDING

Institute for Sustainable Communities
Partnership for Resilient Communities planning phase grantees will have the opportunity to deepen their involvement and leadership in local climate resilience efforts, identify their capacity-building needs, and receive technical assistance to bolster their capacity and influence. Learn more here.

what we're reading

East of the Anacostia residents discuss how transportation can be more equitable.

Libraries collect unwanted electronics in DC’s push to improve recycling.

Metro has a new team running its rail operations. Here’s what makes it unusual.

LET'S GET CONNECTED!

SUSTAINABLE DC:

DOEE:

facebook twitter facebook twitter instagram
logos