February 2025
Image Credit: Julie Lawson, Anacostia Youth Environmental Summit
In recent years, the conversation around sustainability has extended beyond environmental concerns to include economic equity and environmental justice. A critical part of this transformation is a result of the role historically marginalized communities have played to push for a sustainable future.
The District has a rich history of Black leaders and activists who have championed environmental justice, sustainability and well-being, and access to nature. Their work has persisted despite a lack of systemic equitable initiatives and procedures that has left many out of planning and conservation efforts. These efforts inspire a continued movement of Black voices to create new platforms such as the Taking Nature Black conference, which highlights the needs of Black environmentalists, educators, and outdoor enthusiasts by promoting social equity initiatives and building engagement in the environmental movement.
The District plays a key role in expanding the environmental space for everyone through a variety of ways - from outdoor programs like the Anacostia Youth Environmental Summit to supporting new businesses like Grounded through the Neighborhood Prosperity Fund to bring a curated plant shop and wellness studio to downtown Anacostia. Whether you’re immersing yourself in learning about local environmental justice movements or finding community in local, Black-owned businesses, there are many ways to celebrate Black History Month with a sustainability lens.
Recycle Your Batteries, DC!
With the recent addition of the DC Battery disposal ban, consumers are responsible for safely recycling their primary and rechargeable batteries, which means not tossing them into the garbage.
How do you recycle your household batteries?
-
Collect: Store your household batteries in a cool, dry place–ideally in a plastic container.
-
Protect: Be sure to bag or tape your batteries! Either put individual batteries in clear plastic bags OR tape battery terminals with clear packing, non-conductive electrical, or duct tape, keeping the label visible.
-
Drop: Make battery recycling part of your monthly routine with drops to a nearby collection site, which you can find by visiting call2recycle.org/locator.
|
District Electric Bike Incentive Program Open Until February 21
The District E-Bike Incentive Program is back! After helping 293 DC residents purchase an e-bike last year, the District Department of Transportation can’t wait to help even more! District residents can apply anytime now through February 21 to receive up to $1,500 towards the purchase of an e-bike. The District Department of Transportation is holding several in-person pop-up events to help people apply. To learn more, apply, or find a pop-up event near you, visit https://ddot.dc.gov/page/district-e-bike-incentive-program.
|
|
 |
Submissions Accepted for 2024-25 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest
The Department of Energy and Environment is collaborating with Wildlife Forever for the 2024-25 Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest. The annual program invites K-12 youth from around the world to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing.
The 2024-25 contest is open for submissions until February 28 and is open to all District residents between the ages of 5-18.
District of Columbia residents must submit their artwork online—mail-in entries are not accepted. For more information, go to https://doee.dc.gov/service/fish-art-contest. For questions, contact doee.arec@dc.gov.
|
|
 |
Registration for Department of Parks and Recreation Summer Camps
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s summer camp registration opens on February 14 and closes on March 3. A list of camp offerings is now available. Eligible families can apply for reduced rates for fee-based summer camp programs by Monday, February 24. For more information, visit https://dprsummercamp2025.splashthat.com/.
|
|
 |
New Winter Tree Appreciation and Identification Guide
Casey Trees recently created a printable guide to help community members appreciate the often-overlooked details of trees in winter. Whether on a solo walk, exploring with friends, or teaching others, this guide will make identifying some of DC’s winter classics easy and enjoyable. Check out the Winter Tree Appreciation and Identification Guide and bring it along on your next walk!
|
|
 |
Food Waste Smart Bins Installed Throughout DC
This month, the Department of Public Works is installing food waste smart bins throughout DC, expanding DC’s Food Waste Dropoff Program! Installation is complete in wards 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Bins in wards 3 and 4 are coming soon! Learn more at https://zerowaste.dc.gov/foodwastedropoff.
|
|
 |
Community Stormwater Solutions Grants
The 2024-2025 Request for Applications for the Community Stormwater Solutions Grant Program is open through March 13. This Department of Energy and Environment-funded program is administered through a partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The program provides funding for innovative and community-centered projects that increase knowledge and change behavior around watershed and stormwater-related issues in the District. The following entities located in the District are eligible to apply: nonprofits, small businesses, schools and universities, government agencies, and more. Applicants may request up to $35,000 in their proposals. The program has approximately $191,500 available in funding for this cycle. Check the grant webpage for more information and to apply.
|
|
 |
 Department of Energy and Environment – Environmental Protection Specialist
The Department of Energy and Environment is hiring for a position in the Natural Resources Administration, Watershed Protection Division, RiverSmart and Incentives Branch. The primary role of this position is to manage the RiverSmart Communities program and perform stormwater assessments and related duties in support of the operation of the RiverSmart Homes program. The position involves managing a large grant program, working closely with grantees, sub-contractors and community members, budget management, reviewing quarterly reports, and approving invoices. For more information and to apply, visit careers.dc.gov and enter job ID 29034. Applications are due February 27.
 Sustainable DC Newsletter Input
Thank you for reading the monthly Sustainable DC newsletter! The Sustainable DC team works to bring you the key updates on sustainability in DC through this newsletter. As subscribers, you can let us know what you find most valuable and what you’d like to see done differently. Please fill out the short survey at https://forms.gle/CK3osWXMnYVP9NLJ8 to provide your input on the Sustainable DC newsletter and engagement activities on DC’s sustainability plan more broadly.
Taking Nature Black Conference
Nature Forward’s Taking Nature Black Conference is themed “Reclamation & Resilience” and will take place March 5-8. The conference includes virtual and in-person sessions, as well as outdoor nature experiences. Speakers will include representatives from the DC Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency, Ward 7 Resilience Hub Community Coalition, and Anacostia High School. Learn more and register at https://natureforward.org/taking-nature-black/.
|
|
 |
Special Waste Collection Event
The Department of Public Works is hosting a special waste collection event on Thursday, March 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event is for residents to safely dispose of or recycle household hazardous waste, electronics, and secure documents. Registration is required. View a list of acceptable items and register through the Eventbrite page.
|
|
 |
Rooting DC 2025
Rooting DC on March 8 is the District’s central meeting ground for individuals and nonprofits looking to grow gardens and a healthier food system in the nation’s capital. This annual, day-long event started in 2007 as a small gathering of about 150 urban gardeners and has grown into an annual event with hundreds of attendees from across the region. The event includes educational workshops, networking space, and valuable community-building where local growers and food-systems stakeholders share their knowledge and learn from one another. Register through the Eventbrite page.
|
|
 |
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 on troubleshooting how to repair each item. The next event is Wednesday, March 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St NW). Visit https://doee.dc.gov/service/fix-it for more information and to register.
|
|
 |
Sustainability Summit
Join Destination DC and the Department of Energy and Environment at the second annual Sustainability Summit on Wednesday, March 26, 8:00-11:30 a.m. Hosted at the Embassy of France, the summit will focus on the theme of “ambassadors” to empower attendees to serve as an ambassador for a more sustainable future for tourism, meetings and events in DC. The District’s Sustainability Award Winners will be recognized at the event. Learn more and register at https://washington.org/event/sustainability-summit.
|
|
 |
DC Climate Week
The District will host the first DC Climate Week April 28-May 2. Organized by a volunteer steering committee that includes representatives from climate tech, policy advocacy and more, the week-long event aims to establish DC as the nation’s center of climate innovation by providing opportunities to engage with policymakers, fund climate solutions, and showcase cutting-edge technologies. Each day will focus on a climate theme, such as urban development and mobility and nature-based solutions. Learn more at https://www.dcclimateweek.com/.
|
|
 |
2025 Healthy Homes Fair – New Date and Location!
The Healthy Homes Fair is a free expo and interactive experience for homeowners, renters, home renovation professionals, and career seekers to learn about the technologies, products, services, and incentives available to improve our health, increase comfort, and reduce emissions from the homes of the DC region. Put on by the nonprofit Electrify DC, the 2025 fair will take place May 10 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at The Catholic University of America, Pryzbyla Center. Visit https://www.healthyhomesfair.org/ for more information.
|
|
 |
Attorney General Schwalb Sues US Government for 150+ Years of Polluting the Anacostia River: Explanation of the lawsuit brought forth by the District’s Attorney General accusing federal agencies of polluting the Anacostia River.
National Park Service to National Capital Parks – East Recreation Areas: List of the recreation areas that will be renovated east of the Anacostia River starting this summer, including the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion.
DC Students Tackle Anacostia River Pollution Cleanup for STEM Competition: News segment highlighting how Kramer Middle School students are designing solutions for improving water quality in the Anacostia River. |
