The DMV region is typically in Code Green or Code Yellow for air quality. The Air Quality Index is divided into six categories that correspond to different health concerns. The AQI reports daily air quality and uses color codes and a numerical scale to report how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects be of concern. Maryland air quality reached Code Red in early June as a result of the wildfire smoke traveling from Canada. A day later, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments issued a Code Purple for the first time.
The health impact of air pollution exposure depends on the duration, concentration of air pollutants and health status of the affected populations. Exposure to pollutants can occur over days, weeks or months because of seasonal air pollution such as increased ozone during the summer. Short-term effects include:

• Asthma attacks
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• Coughing or throat irritation

For East-coasters unaccustomed to wildfires, the shock of seeing orange skies and feeling air burn your lungs has the potential to make the link between climate change and extreme weather feel “more concrete and relevant.” But whether that realization translates into greater support for sustainable policies, remains to be seen. Long-term exposure can lead to:

• Lung cancer
• Heart attacks (if someone is already affected by heart disease)

To read more about air quality, click here or here.  

States, city governments, and businesses around the Chesapeake Bay celebrated the health and history of the nation’s largest estuary from June 3-11 since 2016. Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware pass official proclamations in honor of the Chesapeake Bay. This year, Montgomery County encouraged residents to submit videos showing their appreciation of the Bay. You can protect the Chesapeake Bay’s health year-round by limiting pesticide and fertilizer use, reducing impervious services and properly disposing of trash and recycling.  

Beginning July 15, Montgomery County will celebrate the 9^th annual Latino Conservation week. The week encourages the Latino community to get outdoors and participate in activities protecting our natural resources. The celebration will debut with a screening of climate stories from Latino environmental leaders in Montgomery County and will transition into a cleanup of the neighborhood and green areas around Glenmont Local Park. Click here to register, everyone is welcome!

Community Spotlight:

Sandy Springs Gardens

Sandy Spring Gardens works with owners of land in eastern Montgomery County to convert lawns and crop fields into vegetable gardens, promote sustainable growing practices that restore the health of soil, water and air and provide a source of fresh vegetables. They grow 50 vegetables from May through November without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Summer vegetables include eggplant, melon, cucumber and watermelon. To learn more about Sandy Spring Gardens, click here.

Can you think of a sustainable and climate-friendly business that needs a shoutout? Let us know!

This month's spotlight is FOOD!

Nearly 40% of all food in the United States is wasted. As a result of this waste, more food is produced and causes more greenhouses gas emissions. Reduce your personal food waste by:

1. Planning ahead: planning meals before going shopping ensures that you only buy what you need.
2. Buying local and seasonal produce: Take advantage of Montgomery County’s farms, farmer’s markets, and community supported agriculture. This reduces emissions associate with food transportation. Find your nearest farm-fresh vendor.
3. Composting: If you have food that goes bad, odds are you can compost it instead of throwing it out. Waste that can be composted include apple cores, eggshells and lawn clippings. Find out if you’re eligible for Montgomery County’s pilot curbside composting service, or learn how to create your own home compost.

A quick way to get rid of an unwanted vampire (appliance)

You may be wasting a lot of the electricity in your home without even realizing it. Who’s at fault? Vampire appliances.

These devices suck energy from your walls even when they are turned “off.” It is estimated that they consume between 20-40% of a building’s yearly electricity usage, or about $165 annually per household. Luckily there’s a simple way to vanquish these (energy) vampires.

• Unplug devices that you use irregularly
• Use power strips and turn them off when unneeded
• Put idle electronics into “sleep” mode
• Save money and electricity by choosing energy efficient replacements for broken or old products.

Click here to learn more.

Lots of exciting opportunities available! Check out My Green Montgomery’s Green Job Portal for climate and sustainability jobs, including open positions with the US Green Building Council, Electrification Coalition, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and many more.

The County is looking for a new Climate Change Management Officer to help enact the Climate Action Plan and reach our goals of reducing emissions. The work of managing the County’s climate agenda is essential to the mission of the County Government. To learn more about the position, click here.

To Read

The Science Behind Gas Stoves – Rocky Mountain Institute
Preparing for a Future of Supercharged Storms – Route 50
Why buying renewable energy doesn’t mean what you think – Washington Post
Shell is boosting oil and gas production despite its net zero pledge – NPR
Why a new coal plant in Bangladesh keeps running out of coal – The New York Times
Is it getting too hot for solar panels? – BBC
Carribean Seagrasses provide services worth $255B annually— Science Daily

To Watch

Solar Windows Turn Invisible Light into Electricity – CNET (5 mins)
Impact of rising ocean temperatures on the environment – DW News (6 mins)
The world’s most electric city (fascinating) – Freethink (19 mins)

To Listen

Advancing Climate Resiliency in the DMV – MWCOG
New Air Pollution Satellite could advance environmental justice—NPR (4 mins)
Nature Crime: The Role of Data and Science – Esri (21 mins)