Cut The Plastic, Prep For Hurricanes & Have Fun in the Sun!

My Green Montgomery banner featuring five images: a creek, a painted storm drain, pink flowers, a group of people, and hands sorting recyclables.

The Environmental Rundown from the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)


Trash near a stream

Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July starts now! Americans generate over 36 million tons of plastic waste per year. Plastics are used to make a wide range of products, including appliances, furniture and clothing, but packaging is the largest market for plastics and the largest source of plastic waste. Most of the plastic we use every day is used once and then discarded. Help us reduce waste and litter by giving up plastics!

Tips to be plastic-free:

  1. Buy in bulk as much as possible instead of buying single-serve or travel-sized items.
  2. Take a reusable bag when you go shopping instead of using plastic bags.
  3. Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
  4. Use durable, reusable silverware or a travel mug instead of disposable cutlery or cups.
  5. Recycle Right and only place acceptable recyclable items in your recycling bin and wheeled cart. 

Road closed sign near a flooded road.

Hurricane Season is Here

Summer marks the start of Hurricane Season, and it's essential to prepare. Floods are among the most common and dangerous natural disasters. They can develop slowly or strike suddenly, especially during heavy rain, tropical storms or dam failures.

Here are 4 tips to stay prepared and informed: 

  1. Learn the terminology:
    • Flood Watch - Be Aware: Conditions are right for flooding.
    • Flash Flood Watch - Take Action: Flooding is happening or will happen soon.
    • Flash Flood Warning - Seek Higher Ground Immediately.
  2. Sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive emergency alerts.
  3. Make a Plan:
    • Floods are becoming more common due to climate change. It is important to take precautions before a flood happens. Some floods can develop slowly, while flash floods can develop in just a few minutes. Learn more about making a flood plan.
  4.  Consider Flood Insurance:

Looking for more information? Visit the County's Flooding website. 


People fixing clothing at tables

Join Our Fix-It Team

We're looking for volunteer menders and fixers!

Love to mend, tinker, or teach simple repairs? Volunteer with our Fix-It Clinics and Mending Labs! Help neighbors troubleshoot problems, learn new skills, and keep useful items out of the trash—all in a fun, hands-on setting. More specifically, we are looking for volunteers with skills and experience fixing the following:

  1. Electronics (computers, radios, TVs, toys)
  2. Household Items (lamps, small furniture, kitchen gadgets)
  3. Small appliances
  4. Jewelry
  5. Bicycles
  6. Clothing and Textile
  7. Knife sharpening

Email Jessica.Panicola@montgomerycountymd.gov if you are interested in joining or learning more.


Person stepping on a salt pile.

Too Early To Talk About Winter Road Salt?

The weather may be hot and humid right now, but we’re thinking ahead to next winter’s snow days. Montgomery County is inviting residents, business owners, and commercial contractors to share how you use road salt and de-icing products during the County’s chilliest days.  

The County is seeking participants to join an hour-long online discussion to better understand how the community approaches winter road and surface safety. Whether you spread ice melt on your home's front walk, manage winter maintenance for your businesses and storefronts, or provide professional snow and ice removal services, your experience and perspective matter. 

Participants will receive a gift card as a thank you for sharing their time and input. 

Interested in sharing how you tackle winter storms? Fill out our form. 


Interfaith Environment Camp flyer

Interfaith Environment Camp

Do you have an elementary and/or middle school student between the ages of 5 to 14 years old? If so, check out this amazing opportunity for them to explore environmental care with subject specialists, aligned with values of mindfulness, compassion, and shared responsibility. This camp is open to all backgrounds. We encourage families to consider this enriching opportunity for their children.

This summer, there will be a one week camp from August 3-6, 2026, in Boyds, Maryland that offers:

  • Interactive learning and hands-on environmental projects 
  • Daily mindful meditation practices 
  • An inclusive environment fostering friendships across diverse communities.

Event Details:

  • Dates: August 3–6, 2026
  • Location: Amata Meditation Center (Boyds, MD) 

Register here. Scholarships are available.  


Follow us on social media

Are You Following Us?

Have you check out of social media pages? Not to brag, but we think it's awesome! 

Looking for entertainment? Follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

Looking for updates and information? Follow us on BlueSky & X. 

Looking for a mixture of information and entertainment? Follow us on Facebook.


calendar pages

Upcoming Events

  • Wednesday, July 8: Teen Sewing Workshop at Rockville Library, 1-4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 14: Recycling Volunteer Orientation, Noon- 1:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 15: Building Performance Improvement Board (Virtual), Noon-1 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 15: Teen Sewing Workshop at Rockville Library, 1-4 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 18: Environmental Fair at Westfield Wheaton, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, July 22: Teen Sewing Workshop at Rockville Library, 1-4 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 13: Recycling Volunteer Orientation, 6:30-8 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 26: NWF Growing Joy with Native Plants Workshop, 2-5 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 28: Switch Together Virtual Information Session, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off at Local Farmers Markets
    • Thursdays, 2-6 p.m. & 4:30-7:30 p.m.
    • Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    • Sundays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Illumination Stations and Lightbulb Exchange (throughout the month)

Check out our calendar for more details about upcoming events.