July 2026
Image Credit: ReuseDC
Happy Plastic Free July! To protect our wildlife and waterways, as well as reduce emissions, the Plastic Free July Pledge encourages individuals to choose at least one plastic item to refuse, such as single-use cups, plastic bottles, or packaged produce.
It’s not all on you to reduce plastic! The District has several laws and policies that reduce litter in our neighborhoods and waterways. A few of these policies address plastic pollution specifically! In 2010, the District introduced the first bag fee in the nation, resulting in an immediate reduction in single-use plastic bag pollution. For more than 15 years, the 5-cent bag fee has funded green infrastructure projects, meaningful watershed education experiences, and trash cleanups. Additionally, the District has also banned foam, mixed material food service ware, and plastic straws, further protecting our rivers. Want to inform current policy? Residents can submit written testimony on the Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act until July 23rd.
 |
Sustainable DC Progress Report Released
The 2026 Progress Report highlights key projects and initiatives that demonstrate progress on Sustainable DC 2.0, Clean Energy DC, and Climate Ready DC. 2025 highlights include: the District planted 7,365 street trees, DC Water celebrated its 10,000th customer to have their lead service line replaced, and the District Department of Transportation opened the new Fort Totten to Takoma segment of the Metropolitan Branch Trail. Check out additional accomplishments in the report here: https://sustainable.dc.gov/progress.
|
|
 |
Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s First Electric Vehicle School Buses Have Officially Taken Off
These electric buses create a cleaner, quieter, and safer ride for students—no toxic emissions, drastically reduced noise, less sensory overload, and a design that lowers rollover risks. A big step towards healthier rides!
|
|
 |
FH Faunteroy Center & Resilience Incubator Celebrates Grand Opening
Following a major renovation that expanded the site from 2,000 to 7,000 square feet, and installed a resilient energy system, with rooftop solar panels and a battery backup the upgraded space now offers a radio/communications studio, computer lab, and more than a dozen conference rooms and gathering spaces—all designed to support community resilience. Learn more about the resilience incubator here.
|
|
 |
The District’s New Integrated Flood Model is Live!
The Department of Energy and Environment has released a new interactive map that highlights stormwater flood risk across the District. This tool combines information about sewer system capacity with coastal and riverine flood data to show where flooding is most likely to occur during heavy rain events. Explore the map here: https://dcfloodrisk.org/.
|
|
 |
2026 District Sustainability Award Winners Spotlight
The District Sustainability Awards highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations that are working toward a more sustainable DC. This year, seven winners were announced at Destination DC’s Sustainability Summit. We will highlight one every month in the newsletter. This month we are featuring one of the business category winners, Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center.
Embassy Suites invests heavily in energy efficiency upgrades, waste reduction, and water saving practices while supporting equitable workforce development. Its green operations, community partnerships, and inclusive employment model advance a more sustainable and resilient District.
Check out the award winner case studies to learn more!
|
|
 |
 |
Help Save Birds from Colliding with Buildings
Window collisions are a leading cause of bird deaths worldwide. City Wildlife’s collision monitoring program is asking the public to report any DC buildings that birds are hitting. If you know of a building where birds are being harmed, please share the details here.
|
|
 |
Department of Energy and Environment - Program Analyst (Building Energy Performance Standards Technical Compliance Co-Lead)
The Department of Energy and Environment is seeking a Program Analyst to provide subject matter expertise in building science concepts and enforcement processes. The Co-Lead will interact regularly with senior agency management staff and various community stakeholders. The role requires a combination of technical, analytical, and collaborative skills to ensure compliance with and the success of the District’s landmark building performance programs. The job announcement is now posted on careers.dc.gov under Job ID 32776 and accepting applications through July 20.
Department of Energy and Environment - Green Building & Housing Affordability Program Analyst
The Department of Energy and Environment is seeking a Program Analyst to support green and high-performance building practices, with a dedicated focus on the affordable housing sector. This position will lead technical assistance and engagement efforts to expand the adoption of green building best practices within the affordable housing sector. The job announcement is now posted on careers.dc.gov under Job ID 32784 and accepting applications through July 21.
District expands access to composting as city surpasses 11 million pounds of food waste diverted since 2017: This summer, 20 additional public food waste smart bins will be installed across the District. “Food waste diversion is one of the most impactful ways we can reduce landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create cleaner, rodent-free neighborhoods,” said Department of Public Works Interim Director Anthony Crispino.
Sustainable agriculture practices in the District are protecting the environment: Through local growers’ passion for creating access to food while conserving the region’s environmental health, the District inches closer to meeting its Sustainable D.C. 2.0 goal of adding 20 additional acres of land into cultivation for growing food by 2032. Since vegetation slows the heat-dependent reactions that form smog, achieving this goal could help the city mitigate its ozone pollution, which has been a hurdle when tackling air pollution.
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, July 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at West End Library (2301 L St. NW). Register to attend here.
|
|
 |
Free Electronics Recycling & Take It Apart Day
Because Science in Adams Morgan is hosting a free recycling day on Friday, July 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Bring in your old electronics and give them a new life or take them apart and see what’s inside. For more information, check out their website here.
|
|
 |
DC Public Library Arts & Crafts Swap
Uncover hidden gems at the MLK Library's arts and crafts supplies swap, where attendees can trade new or gently used supplies. The swap will take place on Saturday, July 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit the library’s website here.
|
|
|
 |
Soul Trak Outdoors & Casey Trees Urban Forest Hike
Join Soul Trak and Casey Trees for a guided exploration of Washington DC's urban forest along the George Washington Carver and Fort Circle Trail. Identify tree species, learn about the vital role of urban canopy and green spaces in our neighborhoods, and explore ways in which we all can connect with nature. Register here for the hike on Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
|
|
 |
Anacostia River Explorers Public Tour
Join the Anacostia Riverkeepers for a public tour starting at The Yards Marina on Tuesday, August 4 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Learn about the Anacostia River’s history, wildlife, environmental threats it faces, and solutions helping it realize its full potential. Registration for the tour will be available here.
|
|
 |
DC Greens Composting 101
DC Greens is hosting free and beginner-friendly at-home composting workshops this summer. The next class will be held Saturday, August 15 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at The Well at Oxon Run. Register for the workshops here.
|
|
 |
|
