Green Bowie News August 2022
“I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use.”
― Mother Teresa
Staff Spotlight:
The City's Watershed Manager, Tiffany Wright, was recently appointed to the Patuxent River Commission (PRC). Bowie joins seven counties, several State agencies, watermen, developers, universities, and other stakeholders with representation on the PRC. Appointed by the Governor to a three-year term, Commissioners are responsible for implementing the Patuxent River Policy Plan, initiated in the early 80s by the General Assembly to preserve and enhance the Patuxent River.
All of Bowie drains to the Patuxent River, which is the longest river entirely within Maryland. The Patuxent flows through a narrow watershed between the Potomac and Patapsco Rivers. Together they make up the three major river basins in the State. Because of its unique characteristics, the Patuxent is the only river in Maryland with a State-level governing body.
Tiffany started her career by studying marine science, and upon completion of her undergraduate senior thesis, it was clear that the solution for reducing pollution and saving the critical functions of the world's oceans was better land management. After 7 years at the Center for Watershed Protection, an NGO in Ellicott City, Tiffany came to the City as its first-ever Watershed Manager. When she is not dealing with stormwater and watersheds, she spends time with animals and enjoys the winter.
Congratulations Tiffany!
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What's Happening:
Back by popular demand - ROUND 2 of the #CapitalAreaSolarCoop!
The Capital Area Solar Co-op is back in the DMV! With Round 2, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) continues to work with over a dozen local jurisdictions around the Capital Area to help residents put solar panels on their homes. By joining, you will join neighbors in DC, Maryland, and Virginia in the quest to lower your energy costs, become energy independent, and participate in the renewable revolution. Round 2 will run until Tuesday, August 30, 2022.
Please contact adiaz@cityofbowie.org with questions.
Monarch Waystation Cleanups with the Green Team:
Yoga On The Green- August 27, 10 am, Belair Mansion
The first Yoga On The Green in June was successful and we are following up with another event to keep the wellness vibes going! With the historic Belair Mansion as the backdrop, the lawn of the Mansion is the perfect, plush, green space to connect with nature, stretch it out, and meet like-minded people. This event is FREE, just bring a mat or towel and a water. The 1-hour class will he taught by Emily, a local teacher, whose small business is Living Life Everyday if you are interested in looking into it.
Please contact adiaz@cityofbowie.org with questions. We will have at least 1 more Yoga event this fall so stay tuned!
After The Storms: A Pollinator Plant Frenzy!
Learn from the pros about how to plant and care for native or pollinator-friendly plants, shrubs, and trees. This workshop will take place at Kenhill Center in room 121 and outside at the newest native planting garden. The event is free and runs from 10am-noon. There will be a TON of plants to give away to those who participate. No registration required, but email adiaz@cityofbowie.org if you have questions.
Bowie wins MD Green Registry Leadership Award-
The Maryland Green Registry presented the 2022 Leadership Award to the City of Bowie for outstanding contributions to environmentally responsible and sustainable business practices. Bowie’s commitment to renewable energy through solar technology, electric vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure, and our Climate Action Plan has earned us this spot for the second time, the first being in 2018.
The Maryland Green Registry is a voluntary program that recognizes organizations that have shown a strong commitment to the implementation of sustainable practices, the demonstration of measurable results and the continual improvement of environmental performance with the leadership awards. Visit the Maryland Green Registry website for tips and resources designed to help organizations set and meet their own goals on the path to sustainability.
“The City of Bowie recognizes the importance of protecting the environment and implementing sustainable practices at our facilities and for our community,” said Ashleigh Diaz, Sustainability Planner. “We are honored to be recognized again for our hard work and leadership in this arena.”
The City of Bowie has both a Sustainability Plan and a Climate Action Plan, has a food waste program, offers backyard compost bins for a discounted price to residents, has an active Green Team and Environmental Advisory Committee who are dedicated to providing policy and programmatic leadership, and is leading the way in regards to both solar and EV technology.
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S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
- Sustainability Webinar Series and Coffee & Climate Conversations: recap all episodes by visiting the City of Bowie YouTube channel and choosing the Webinar Playlist.
- Did you know the City has pledged to aim for 50% reduction of emissions by 2030? That's a hefty goal that will take work from all of us to meet. View the Climate Action Plan (CAP) today. And view the recently approved Implementation Plan, which serves as a supplement to the original CAP.
- Did you know the City of Bowie has its own Solar Farm to help off-set City emissions? How cool is that! "The farm" will greatly help reduce the emission generated from City of Bowie operations. Stay tuned for our State of the Environment report later this year to see more data on the farm.
- Adopt-A-Road: Did you know we have a City of Bowie Adopt-A-Road program? This program was made possible through a Keep Maryland Beautiful grant.
- As of May 2022 all 15 roads are adopted!
Bowie Methodist churches group working to clean up Superior Lane
Niyama Yogi Traveler group cleaning up Old Collington
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Tip of the month: Catch water with a rain barrel from outside and reuse it on your plants. Alternatively, you can catch excess water from the shower, when you turn it on and it is heating up, if you put a catch basin there and take that water to water your house or outdoor plants.
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Food Waste & Composting
- Food Waste Program- TAKING NEW PARTICIPANTS as of July 2022: Do you live in Belair Town II, Victoria Heights, Idlewild, Yorktown, Overbrook, Saddlebrook or Saddlebrook West neighborhoods? If yes, you are eligible for the food waste program!
Learn more about this fun and FREE program at www.cityofbowie.org/foodwaste.
Composting is our last line of defense, accordingly to the Food Recovery Hierarchy, before our food waste goes to the landfill. Once there it slowly breaks down over time, emitting methane into the atmosphere.
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Green Bowie Biz
There are now 10 certified Green Bowie Businesses
Are you a business looking for ways to go green? Know a business that is green and should be certified? Need assistance with furthering your goals of sustainability? You've come to the right place! You can read about all Green Bowie Businesses at www.cityofbowie.org/greenbowiebiz.
The Green Bowie Business program is modeled after the MD Green Registry program. Admission into the state program automatically enrolls you into the City program and helps you access resources from both. Learn about the MD Green Registry here.
*Stay tuned for big changes regarding Green Bowie Businesses! We will be launching a Sustainability Grants program for local businesses very soon*
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Recipe of the Month
Where we give you a plant-based recipe to help your health and the environment!
Chickpea Pasta Salad
You will need:
- 1 can of chick peas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 zucchini, diced or in small pieces
- 1/2 cucumber OR 1-2 small cucumbers, diced
- 1-2 handfuls of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- Juice of half a large lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Onion and garlic powder (about a tsp. of each)
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients as specified above
- Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, at a minimum to let the flavors combine
- Serve as a healthy, light meal, a topping of a salad, or a side
- Feel free to add other vegetables and adjust flavoring for more or less lemon and more or less salt and pepper
- Serves 1-2
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Interested in Becoming a Volunteer?
The next Green Team Executive Committee meeting is
September 19, 2022 at 7:00 PM and will be held virtually.
Please check the City calendar for the link.
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Other Incentives
- Learn more about Maryland's energy supply, usage, policies, etc. by visiting this on-line manual on Maryland's Energy.
- Explore different choices for electricity providers through this Maryland website that allows you to filter choices based on your needs i.e. 100% renewable, wind, etc.
Community Solar:
Having solar panels on your home is not the only option for obtaining residential solar! By subscribing to a Maryland based community solar farm a customer is allotted a specified percentage of the entire farm’s electricity output each month, which the customer agrees to purchase from the supplier at a price that is typically 5%-25% below the rate the utility charges. That percentage of the overall output is then converted into a dollar amount which is calculated at the current rate that the utility charges their residential customers. That dollar amount is then reflected on the customer’s utility bill in the form of a credit.
Here is a great resource to learn more about Community Solar in Maryland and more specifically by Electricity provider.
Home Weatherization Upgrades:
Washington Gas Customers Can Now Get Up to $400 in Rebates at Your Favorite Home Improvement Retailer
Washington Gas is here to make your home more energy efficient and your equipment shopping experience more affordable. As of April 2021, Maryland residential Washington Gas customers can receive rebates on qualifying natural gas water heaters and dryers at our approved retailers. Retail associates at these stores are trained and ready to help you find the right appliance for your home. Be sure to look out for Washington Gas signage highlighting these rebates in these stores! Customers can save up to $400 on natural gas water heaters and $75 on natural gas dryers.
Qualifying ENERGY STAR certified natural gas water heaters are ALSO eligible for a $300 federal tax credit! Visit the ENERGY STAR website for more information. Montgomery County residents can also receive a $250 Montgomery County Energy Efficiency tax credit. That means you could save up to $950!
Participation is easy! To qualify for a rebate:
- Purchase qualifying equipment in store at an approved retailer.
- Work with an installation service professional through an approved retailer or with an EmPOWER Contractor to have the equipment installed.
- Apply for your rebate online through the Retail Application website.
- Receive a rebate check within 6-8 weeks of completed application.
Click here to get started on your path to energy savings.
To learn more about eligible equipment and the application process, please call our Application Processing Center at 1-833-286-0860.
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