Are You Ready2Play?

As part of a bustling holiday party at the Edgewood Recreation Center on Saturday, December 16, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) released its 20-year master plan: Ready2Play. Ready2Play is an ambitious, people-centered proposal for the District’s parks and recreation system that charts a bold path forward for planning, design, programming, and operations.

DPR plays a large role in DC’s sustainability efforts, with impacts on access to nature, urban agriculture, physical activity opportunities, and much more. One of the four goals in Ready2Play is “Inclusive, Resilient, Sustainable Design and Stewardship” with strategies related to how facilities are designed and how they can be resilient to more frequent extreme weather.

Check out the full Ready2Play plan, as well as a StoryMap capturing the key highlights, at ready2playdc.com. Take advantage of the fact that we have the #1 rated park system in the country right here in the District and envision all the exciting developments planned for the future!

Environmental Justice Academy Applications Open 

The Anacostia Community Museum's Center for Environmental Justice is now accepting applications for their Environmental Justice Academy (EJA). The EJA is open to young women and non-binary youth of color, ages 14-18, from communities along the Anacostia River and its tributaries in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and the District. The Anacostia Community Museum will provide an honorarium for each participant. Applications for the EJA are open through January 20.

District Sustainability Awards Applications Open

The application period is now open for the 2024 District Sustainability Awards and the 2024 Clean Energy DC Award. Individuals, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to apply. The District Sustainability Awards highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations that are working towards a more sustainable DC. Awardees’ projects and programs support the Mayor’s Sustainable DC 2.0 Plan, which aims to make the District the nation’s greenest, healthiest, most sustainable city. The online application form is at https://doee.dc.gov/service/sustainabilityawards and closes January 30.

Holiday Lights Recycling at MOM’s Organic Market

Holiday lights are being collected for recycling at all MOM’s Organic Market locations through January 31. All holiday lights are accepted, working or not working. The MOM’s store in the District is located in Ivy City, at 1501 New York Ave NE. For more information, see https://momsorganicmarket.com/holiday-lights-2023/.

Nights at the Round Table: Conversations about Environmental Justice  

Nights at the Round Table is a discussion-based series that promotes conversation, community-building, and civic engagement around contemporary issues. On Thursday January 18 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. hear from a panel of speakers working locally for equal access to natural resources and equal protection from pollution. Then join the discussion and develop tools to take action over a shared meal. Panelists include Rhonda Hamilton, Dr. Janet Phoenix, and Brenda Lee Richardson, moderated by Dahlia Rockowitz. Tickets are available at https://capitaljewishmuseum.org/events/nights-at-the-round-table-conversations-about-environmental-justice/. If the ticket price is a barrier to entry, please reach out to Lisa Del Sesto at ldelsesto@capitaljewishmuseum.org.

Fix-It DC

Fix-It DC events are community repair events dedicated to changing the “throw-it-away” mentality. Visitors bring their broken items to the Fix-It DC event where volunteer Fix-It coaches provide guidance in troubleshooting how to repair each item. The next event is Wednesday, January 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St NW). Register to attend here.  

2024 Naturally Latinos Conference

Taking place January 24–28 and themed “Perteneciendo: Nuestras Raíces, Nuestra Tierra (Belonging: Our Roots, Our Earth),” this multi-media experience will offer virtual and in-person dialogue, presentations and performances focused on the needs and interests of Latine environmental professionals, environmental justice advocates, educators, and nature enthusiasts. For more information and to register, visit https://natureforward.org/naturally-latinos-2024/.

Electric Vehicle Charger Deployment Grant Webinar

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to virtual public meeting on Thursday, January 25, about its National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Deployment Plan. DDOT will provide a presentation on its upcoming Request for Applications to distribute federal NEVI Formula Program grant funds. Under the NEVI Formula Program, DDOT received funding to invest in electric vehicle supply equipment and to build direct current fast charging stations throughout the District of Columbia in accordance with the program’s guidance, specifications, and requirements.

eCYCLE Collection Events

By recycling used electronics, individuals can help recover valuable resources and properly manage potentially hazardous materials. eCYCLE DC, through manufacturers’ collection and recycling plans, is bringing District residents more options for recycling their electronics.

The following items are banned from the trash and are collected at the eCYCLE DC collection events: computers and monitors, tablets, e-readers, mice, keyboards, DVD or VCR players, printers, televisions, game consoles, and portable music players. For more information, check out this fact sheet. See below for upcoming eCYCLE DC events around the District.

Save the Date for Rooting DC: March 9

Rooting DC is a beloved, annual, free, day-long urban gardening and food systems conference. It is the District's central meeting ground for peer-learning and community building that improves our gardens, kitchens, and the planet. Save the date for this year’s Rooting DC on March 9 at Anacostia High School! Exhibitor and presenter submissions are due January 12. Submit your interest here:

• Presenter Request Form
• Exhibitor Request Form

Healthy Homes Fair

Join the Department of Energy and Environment and Electrify DC, a leading nonprofit dedicated to home electrification, at the inaugural Healthy Homes Fair on April 6 at the DC Armory. The event will be a free, full-day expo and interactive learning experience for 1,000+ home renovation professionals, career seekers, homeowners, and renters. Sponsor and exhibitor spots are still available for those looking to showcase their products and services that play a pivotal role in home electrification. Interested organizations can sign up on the Healthy Homes Fair website and take advantage of early bird pricing until Friday January 12.