2016-sustainability-supplement

2016 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT IN HONOR OF EARTH DAY

Trees for the Planet

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In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday.

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PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Eve Ferguson, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Writer), Elton Hayes, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Kia Croom, Joya Patel, Rachel Sudduth, Sarafina Wright (General Assignment Writer) PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Patricia Little, Corey Parrish,

Trees: Nature’s Way of Sustaining our Lives You may not realize it, but trees are essential to combating climate change and providing humans with cleaner air to breath.

That’s why Earth Day 2016, celebrated on Friday, April 22, has adopted the theme of “Trees for the Earth – Let’s get Planting.”

Sure, we enjoy sitting under a tree on a hot, sunny day where we can enjoy the shade and take a few moments for a nap, a picnic or engage in a bit of relaxing communication via our handheld devices. But did you realize that trees actually make a significant and have a measurable impact on the Earth, serving as the foundation for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all?

Trees help communities.

Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone.

Trees filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Trees help communities achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability and provide food, energy and income.

In other words, trees are our friends.

In five years, Earth Day will mark its 50th anniversary. And as the planet prepares for this momentous occasion, supporters of the movement have embarked upon the goal of planting 7.8 billion trees. That’s a lot of young trees and a lot of digging. But it’s something that must be done.

We have but one planet and for decades we have been abusing it. We have polluted our waters and our lands. We have destroyed the places where insects, birds and other animals live – even causing their extinction or near extinction because they have few places to live or raise their young.

Kathleen Rogers, president of the Earth Day Network, calls Earth Day “the largest and more recognizable face of the environmental movement” on the planet.

We must agree.

In truth, Earth Day, a movement supported by an estimated 1 billion people worldwide, benefits us all – especially our children who represent the future. Earth Day forces us to focus on the urgent need to stabilize and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, fight climate change, act locally, become climate advocates and as was said before, protect our children’s future.

What have you done to protect our vulnerable and essential eco-system? Why not plant a tree or volunteer the next time a group decides to clean our local rivers and parks.

In almost every country on Earth, citizens will be urging their governments to take action and address the climate crisis, beginning with the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement on April 22nd. That’s just one of many things that need to happen.

But we’re all in this together. There’s no better time to get involved than right now.

Travis Riddick, Nancy Shia

D. Kevin McNeir Editor The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com / 2016 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT / APRIL 2016

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Planting Trees for a Secure Future plans to host a tree display.

“Schlafly Beer’s commitment to sustainability efforts extend Trees are nature’s answer to beyond St. Louis and Earth diminishing air pollution, as Day celebrations. They have exwell as reducing respiratory tensive compost and recycling problems for the human popu- projects,” said Caiti Carrow, the lation, according to U.S. Forest executive director of the public Service scientists and collabora- relations firm, Wagstaff Worldwide, and a spokesperson for tors.

And, trees are the focal point Schlafly Beer.

As a fair trade retailer, Ten of this year’s Earth Day, which has the theme, “Trees for the Thousand Villages in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is committed Earth. Let’s get planting.”

The slogan has motivated to sourcing products made with many to action, some even po- sustainable materials and methods, company officials said. etically.

The company plans a nation“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees, I speak for the trees, for wide campaign to plant 10,000 the trees have no tongues,” said trees in national forests through Chris Young, an expert gardener the Arbor Day Foundation and the author of the Children’s from April 21 through May 1.

“The majority of the prode-book, “Is That a Fairy?” Obviously, Young was quoting from ucts customers will find at Ten Thousand Villages are produced his favorite Dr. Seuss book.

“I relate so much to the Lorax in the most environmentalcharacter who loves and pro- ly friendly way possible – by tects his Truffula trees,” Young hand,” said Melissa Kaliner, a said. “I have spent all of my spokeswoman for Ten ThouEarth Day 2016 Focuses on Trees. /Courtesy photo life loving trees. When I think sand Villages.

“Many artisans recycle maabout who my dearest friends are, I’m inclined to include a terials such as newspaper, she said. just by improving air quality post-consumer magazines and few trees on the list,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Forest Ser- less than one percent.

Companies have also been glass to create innovative and vice’s broad-scale estimates conThey also help to save $7 bilmoved to action for Earth Day. functional products. Ten Thou- cluded two years ago that trees lion a year in health costs by Schlafly Beer, a large brewery sand Villages product line in- are saving more than 850 hu- reducing respiratory illness, aclocated in St. Louis, Missouri, cludes a wide range of items man lives a year and preventing cording to a study published in has donated 0,000 Colorado made with natural materials, 670,000 incidents of acute re- the journal Environmental PolBlue Spruce Tree seedlings and from bamboo to water weeds, spiratory symptoms – and that’s lution that was conducted by the U.S Forest Service’s Northern Research Station [NRS].

The study was the first to directly link air pollution to improved health effects, according to Nature World News.

TREES ARE NATURE’S Researchers came to those conclusions by investigating ANSWER TO four pollutants in particular: nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur DIMINISHING AIR dioxide and particulate matter POLLUTION, AS WELL less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter. The EnviAS REDUCING ronmental Protection Agency has air quality standards estabRESPIRATORY PROBlished for these four pollutants.

The NRS team found that LEMS FOR THE HUMAN pollution removal is substantially higher in rural areas comPOPULATION, pared to urban areas, however the effects on human health are ACCORDING TO U.S. considerably greater in urban FOREST SERVICE areas than rural areas.

“With more than 80 percent SCIENTISTS AND of Americans living in urban areas, this research underscores COLLABORATORS. how truly essential urban forests are to people across the nation,” Michael Rains, the director of the Forest Service’s Northern Research Station,

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

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said in a release.

Health effects related to air pollution include impacts on pulmonary, cardiac, vascular and neurological systems, the study revealed.

Officials hope that more individuals and organizations will become more environmentally conscience.

For some, that awareness has already been there, particularly when it comes to trees.

“In Indianapolis where I grew up, there is an ancient old Oak tree called the Kile Oak. This tree is estimated to be about 400 years old and I purposely walked by it on my way to and from elementary school,” said Young, the author. “The tree was comforting to me, I felt reassured by its great size and age and trees give a sense of place and the Kile Oak always made me feel a special pride in my neighborhood.”

Further, Oak trees are one of the most important trees for wildlife and it’s a beautiful way to help the environment, he said.

“I have an Oak tree in my yard that I planted from an acorn when we first bought our house many years ago. The little tree is about 12 feet tall now and is a wonderful way to mark the passing of time. To plant a tree is to believe in the future,” Young said. SS

www.washingtoninformer.com / 2016 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT / APRIL 2016

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OPC’s Guide to Going Solar, A Renewable & Clean Energy Option money on electricity bills and generate clean energy. Here’s a “Guide to Go Solar.” n Before going solar, be sure to get a home energy audit to determine if you need any energy efficiency improvements.

A home energy audit is the most important step to take to obtain information to manage your energy usage and reduce utility expenses. To arrange a home energy audit, visit the DC Sustainable Energy Utility’s website at www.dcseu.com.

By Sandra Mattavous-Frye on the District’s energy environment. At this time, OPC People’s Counsel for the is carefully reviewing the ComDistrict of Columbia mission’s order to determine I am pleased to join this what Pepco ratepayers will face Earth Day Supplement to in the near future and how we highlight sustainability, will respond. Irrespective of our the environment and clean next steps, OPC will continue energy. Although the re- to rigorously advocate on behalf cent Pepco-Exelon merger of District consumers for affordhas dominated the debate able, reliable and environmenover electric service in the tally sustainable utility service.

With regard to renewable enDistrict of Columbia, the issues below have been fre- ergy options, OPC has been a quent topics in the conver- strong and long-time supporter sation and are equally im- of affordable solar energy for all District residents. We have acportant.

The merger which the tively supported legislation that Public Service Commis- removes barriers to affordable sion approved on March solar for low-and-limited-in23, 2016 will have an im- come consumers.

Installing solar panels on mediate and lasting impact your home is a great way to save

n Making any necessary home improvements like installing new windows, attic insulation or roof repairs ensures that you get the maximum benefit from the renewable energy your panels generate. The DCSEU offers rebates for improvements. n Think of solar panel installation as a home improvement project. Like any other improvement project, it’s a good idea to get different proposals and quotes from a few solar installers to compare and select the best installer for your needs. n The solar installer will visit your home to assess how much roof space is available, square footage of your home and your average monthly electricity usage, based on past bills. This information helps installers recommend a proper size for your solar panel system. They also will assess whether your roof is in good condition and properly oriented towards the sun to maximize solar energy generation.

n Solar Lease Contract: You pay a fixed monthly fee to the solar company for use of their panels regardless of the power generated, and usually pay no money down. The company retains ownership of the solar panels. n Ownership: You pay for the solar panel installation from the start and own both the panels and the power they generate. With ownership, you would benefit from federal tax credits and solar renewable energy credits. n Once you have decided the best payment plan for you, sign a contract to complete the installation process. Usually, solar companies will handle the permitting and interconnection application process with DC Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs and Pepco. Depending on the size of the panels, installation does not take very long. Pepco should install a smart net meter when your system is installed or soon afterwards. n Finally, await Pepco’s approval of your interconnection application prior to turning

on your panels. The installer will show you how to turn on your panels. Interconnection ensures that your solar panel system is connected to the electric distribution grid, and Pepco can track how much solar energy your panels generate and your electricity usage.

This tracking of solar electricity generated against how much electricity is used is the basis for the monthly credits on your electricity bills.

OPC, by law, is the people’s advocate for all matters affecting public utility service, including solar power. During my tenure as People’s Counsel, energy efficiency and sustainability, along with affordable rates, reliable service and consumer empowerment, have been the cornerstones of OPC. My goal is to make the new technologies available to all DC consumers, regardless of income or neighborhood.

Clean and efficient energy is the wave of the future and we are dedicated to ensuring that all residents of the District of Columbia share in the benefits.

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n Next, the installer will provide a proposal for solar panel installation. However, before you consider any proposal, be sure to think about your method of payment.

Here are financing options to consider: n Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): In a lowor-no-money-down contract, you pay the solar installer for power based on the amount of kilowatt hours your solar panels produce each month. The solar company retains ownership of the solar panels.

www.washingtoninformer.com / 2016 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT / APRIL 2016

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Short Films Shine Light on Preserving Nature Earth Week Brings Global Issues to Forefront

By Sarafina Wright WI Staff Writer The Department of Energy and Environment [DOEE] and the National Geographic Society kicked off Earth Week 2016 with short environmental films illustrating that humans cannot survive without nature.

Artists, scientists and advocates convened on Monday, April 18 at National Geographic in Northwest to discuss how to bring awareness to global issues affecting the bio-ecological system.

“Many people are unaware of the great nature diversity we have here in the District,” Tommy Wells, director, Department of Energy and Environment said. “For us to be a sustainable city it takes taking a closer look at what we can do and finding unique ways to preserve the environment.”

The theme of the evening included “The Birds & The Bees: Celebrating Nature In Film.”

“The District has been designated an official Bee City,” Wells said. “We’re the second city in America to receive this designation.”

Bee City USA, a grassroots organization, urges municipalities, individuals, organizations, corporations and communities to promote and establish pollinator–friendly landscapes that are free of pesticides.

“If a lot of individuals and communities begin planting native, pesticide-free flowering trees, shrubs and perennials, it will create large-scale change for thousands of species of pollinators at risk – including bees that we all depend on for our food production,” Phyllis Stiles, founder and director, Bee City USA said.

“How each city celebrates pollinators is up to them but we especially encourage educational programs for children, like school gardens,” she said.

“When a child falls in love with pollinators, they are friends for

life.”

DOEE released the Sustainable DC 2016 Progress Report to all attendees along with a complimentary reusable “Explore the Anacostia” swag bag, BioBlitz info and a packet of pollinator plant seeds.

The short films included: “A Ghost in the Making: Searching for the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee,” “Nature is Speaking,” “Rules for the Black Birdwatcher,” “Think Like a Scientist: Boundaries” and “The Anacostia River: Making Connections.”

The recurring theme dealt with the importance of bees and how their pollination greatly affects the human population.

“One-third of the bites of our food are made possible by the pollinators in nature,” Dr. Will Turner, Conservation International said. “When we started thinking about campaigns we thought what would happen if we gave nature a voice?”

Turner’s film, “Nature is Speaking,” narrated by actress

Lupita Nyong’o, gives flowers a voice that expresses their perspective.

“What would the flowers, the sky or the bees say if they could tell us how they feel?”

Turner asked. “Nature must be preserved – human lives depend on it.”

“If we humans don’t change our relationship with nature we’ll be the first to go.” SS

Bees perform invaluable services as pollinators that benefit humans and the planet. /Courtesy photo

POWER

ISN’T EVERYTHING. it’s

HOW USE IT. YOU

Last year, District residents and businesses saved enough energy to power

6,800 homes for an entire year.

Find out how at www.dcseu.com #REPRESENTDC

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Pepco Initiatives on Solar and Other Sustainability Projects Are Creating Exciting New Possibilities

By Donna Cooper President Pepco Region The District of Columbia has implemented a sustainability plan that embraces the use of renewable energy sources. If we look across the District and the region, it will not be uncommon to see an increasing number of rooftops with solar panels.

Homeowners and businesses alike have an interest in reducing their carbon footprint and solar panels are an important tool in achieving this. Pepco is committed to environmental sustainability and it shows through our practices and programs. The interconnection of solar panels is an important function that we have as the electric utility and we have been identifying new ways to actively support its implementation.

We are committed to making it easier for consumers to both generate their own electricity and to sell some of it back to the power grid.

HERE’S WHAT WE ARE DOING:

Recently we enhanced our process for approving requests to connect customers’ small renewable generation systems, including solar panels, to our electric distribution system. This process covers the installation of “net energy meters,” which enable customers to sell any excess electricity those solar panels generate.

We have a new online net energy metering application portal and have trained 200 solar contractors on how to submit applications through it. This replaced the previous manual, paper-based process. We also have added staff to process applications as we face exponential growth in the number of applications we receiving every year.

But it doesn’t stop there.

As part of the promises made in our recent merger with Exelon, our companies will further expand solar and other renewables, such as the development of seven megawatts of new solar in the District of Columbia and the purchase of 100 megawatts of wind energy.

Both Exelon and Pepco have deep commitments to a clean and sustainable environment.

And we will maintain this commitment as we move forward. In fact, many of the merger benefits expand and accelerate the companies’ sustainability efforts.

Here are some other specifics: Pepco will provide tens of millions of dollars in Maryland and the District of Columbia for energy efficiency programs. This includes programs for low and limited income customers.

Pepco Providing 1,500 Free Trees to Maryland and D.C. Customers

We’ll provide $14.4 million in Pepco Maryland’s service territory for a Green Sustainability Fund. This loan program, which includes $8.4 million for Montgomery County and $6 million for Prince George’s, will stimulate public and private investment in solar energy, storage and other behind-the-meter initiatives such as distributed generation, wholehome solutions and a variety of other activities tied to the environment and technology.

Exelon will develop, or assist in developing, 10 megawatts of solar power generation in its Pepco Maryland service territory, five megawatts each in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Pepco will file a proposal to pilot public-purpose micro-grid projects in Maryland -- one each in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. These are intended to provide service in certain areas during emergencies and the proposals will include elements such as distributed-generation sources, solar photovoltaics and fuel cells.

We’re also going to take a look at the big picture and how we can move the grid into the future.

Pepco will file with the Maryland Public Service Commission to begin a collaborative stakeholder

process to examine opportunities to transform the electric distribution grid to incorporate smartgrid technology, micro-grids, renewable resources and distributed generation.

In the District of Columbia, we’ll be providing $21.55 million in escrow for an energy efficiency pilot project and another $5 million in capital for creditworthy governmental entities at market

rates to develop renewable energy projects.

As you can see, these are major transformative efforts to move the power grid, our business, and our service to customers into the future. We intend to continue finding innovative ways of increasing sustainability everywhere Pepco operates for our valued customers.

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Pepco is providing 1,500 free trees to customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia through the Energy-Saving Trees program. It’s the fifth year of the Pepco-Arbor Day Foundation partnership that provides two trees per household while supplies last. This year, the free trees are more developed as they’re lightly branched and 2 to 4 feet in height. The Energy-Saving Trees program helps customers conserve energy and reduces household electricity bills through strategic tree planting. Pepco customers can reserve up to two free trees by visiting www.arborday.org/pepco. The types of trees offered are Eastern redbud, Crapemyrtle, Northern red oak, red maple and river birch, which will be delivered directly to the customer at an ideal time for planting.

“Our Energy-Saving Trees program is another way that Pepco is committed to helping our customers continue to conserve energy as well as improve the environment,” said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president. “By strategically planting the right trees in the right places, we help maintain a balance between the aesthetics of the tree canopy and the reliability of the electric distribution system while also offering our customers energy reductions.”

An online tool can help Pepco customers find the most strategic location for planting and estimate the annual savings that will result from the tree. The Energy-Saving Trees online tool was created by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Davey Institute, a division of the Davey Tree Expert Co., and uses peer-reviewed scientific research from the USDA Forest Service’s i-Tree Software to calculate estimated benefits. This tool requires an up-to-date internet browser. SS

www.washingtoninformer.com / 2016 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT / APRIL 2016

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Pepco and Exelon: Enhanced Sustainability for the District

By Melissa Sherrod Vice President Corporate Affairs, Exelon Pepco has a long history of advancing sustainability in the District – through innovative customer offerings, environmental stewardship and investments in green initiatives.

Now that the District’s hometown utility has merged with Exelon, creating the leading Mid-Atlantic electric and gas utility company, our contributions to the sustainability of the District will only multiply.

Pepco customers will benefit from the greater resources, ideas and efficiencies that come with being part of a larger company – not to mention the many, specific benefits our companies have committed to the District.

Pepco and Exelon share the belief that clean energy is essential to a brighter, more sustainable future for the District. Among the commitments we’ve made as part of

the merger, we will develop at least seven megawatts of new solar energy in the city and purchase 100 megawatts of wind energy. These investments in renewable energy will further reduce the carbon footprint of the District and surrounding regions. In addition, we will make it easier than ever for Pepco customers to “go solar” by improving processes for connecting solar panels on homes or businesses to the power grid. We’ve also set aside millions in funding for energy efficiency and conservation programs, with particular focus on low-income households.

This is not new territory for Exelon, which is the nation’s leading producer of carbon-free energy. We are the twelfth-largest U.S. wind energy producer, with 47 wind projects in 10 states and nearly 1,500 megawatts of wind power (and growing). We’re also America’s seventh-largest solar producer based on our rapidly expanding number of projects.

Exelon and Pepco are providing these clean energy benefits at no cost to customers.

Furthermore, we are providing additional benefits that will make energy more affordable.

For instance, all Pepco residential customers in the District will receive a more than $50 credit on their bills this month or next. In addition, we are forgiving all unpaid residential accounts in the District that are more than two years old.

Now that we’ve merged our companies, we look forward to delivering on the promise of cleaner, greener and more affordable energy for Pepco customers and communities in the District. SS

MAXIMIZING THE POTENTIAL OF CLEAN ENERGY. Pepco and Exelon share the belief that clean energy is essential to a brighter, more sustainable future for the District of Columbia. Now that we’ve merged our companies, we look forward to delivering on this promise for the District and its residents. That means more renewable energy like solar and wind power. Enhanced processes that will make it easier for customers to install solar panels. And more innovation to bring clean energy solutions to

PEPCO AND EXELON SHARE THE BELIEF THAT CLEAN ENERGY IS ESSENTIAL TO A BRIGHTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE DISTRICT.

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our customers.

Pepco has powered the District of Columbia’s past and, alongside Exelon, will continue to power its sustainable future.

www.PHITomorrow.com

D.C. Business: Converting Waste into Usable Energy Bedrock Energy Management Has a Plan that Could Benefit U.S. Cities

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor There are 3,091 active landfills and over 10,000 old municipal landfills, based on recent estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, at one point almost every town and many businesses and factories had their own dump, many of which have since become abandoned.

However, because all landfills will eventually fail and leak leachate (water) into ground and surface water along with hazardous air emissions and because a growing number contain hazardous waste, monitoring landfills and identifying new methods to deal with that waste has become a priority in the U.S. and across the globe.

This need and the potential for businesses that employ new forms of technology were what motivated one D.C. resident with a background in engineering and information technology to form his own company, Bedrock Energy Management, LLC in 2012, along with his business partner, Terrence V. Lancaster. Today they’ve been joined by a third partner, Baron Jamal Bell.

Theirs is a Black-owned company that offers an important service: taking solid waste and converting it into electric power.

“This is a brand new industry here in the U.S., with only two percent market penetration – as compared to 95 percent penetration in Japan and 45 percent in Europe,” said Moussa Aquil, 53, who lives in Northwest and studied economics and industrial engineering at the New York Institute of Technology.

“If you get a few more minority players in the field, we could assume a leadership position and not be behind the 8-ball like we tend to be in everything else.”

Aquil said forming a business in waste management isn’t something that a lot of entrepreneurs consider because it’s not sexy. But he says it has offers tremendous financial opportunities.

“Gone are the days when almost every county in the U.S. had a landfill. And no one is getting permission to open new landfills.

That means municipalities have to find ways to manage the old landfills which are filling up quickly,” he said.

He noted that New York City has already reached the limit for its landfills and must ship its waste by barge to North Carolina.

Aquil and his partners hope to build and manage a plant in Southeast adjacent to the Anacostia River and they say that D.C. serves as a prime candidate.

“Some plants do exist in the U.S.

No Matter Where You Live

An overcrowded landfill illustrates the challenges facing many U.S. cities. Anacostia-based Bedrock Energy Management wants to use new technology to convert toxic waste into usable energy. /Courtesy photo

but they’re not conversion plants,” he said. “They harvest organic gases from landfills and then burn them in a turbine in order to produce electric power. They then put it into the national grid where the power is sold to local utility companies who pass that service on to their customers. Our model proposes to sell the converted electric power directly to municipalities like Washington,

D.C. That’s where we differ. That means the municipality, or city, would be able to use the power themselves.”

Aquil noted that while we often don’t see landfills, their presence can be keenly felt by those who live near them.

“In cities like Chicago, Phoenix and Los Angeles, toxins are already leaking into the soil and water ta-

ConnectNotoMatter Nature, Where You Live (StatePoint) In this age of smartphones and streaming video, it is easy to forget about the world beyond our little screens. And for the 80 percent of Americans living in urban areas, the natural world can seem even more remote. But experts say it’s important to find the time to disconnect, unplug, and appreciate what nature does for you.

Surprisingly, you don’t have to travel outside your town to enjoy nature or benefit from it.

“Your very own neighborhood is likely home to a wide variety of trees,” says Lisa Allen, Missouri State Forester and chair of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) urban and community forestry committee. “From your backyard to the park, trees offer residents improved quality of life and a healthier local environment.”

But trees are at risk from a number of threats, such as invasive pests. So a healthy community forest doesn’t exist without proper planning, management and community investment. Fortunately for urban dwellers, thousands of communities nationwide understand the need for green infrastructure, and are actively working with their state forestry agency to manage these landscapes.

Beyond enjoying the trees around you, you can get involved by helping to raise awareness about the many benefits trees offer. Start a local eco-appreciation society, get involved in local street cleanups, or ask your children’s school to incorporate environmental education into the curriculum. Lastly, stay current on community forestry issues.

To learn more about urban and community forestry, visit www.mytreeourforest.org.

You can also consider ordering “My Tree—Our Forest” tree tags. Each recyclable, weatherproof tag informs people on the ways that trees make oxygen, keep drinking water clean, save money, make city life fun and keep streets safe. Along with your school or community group, hang the tags on local trees (be sure to check local ordinances for permission!) to remind your neighbors to take care of the environment. Then spread the word on social media using the hashtag #MyTreeOurForest.

Remember, you don’t have to leave your beaten path to enjoy the benefits of trees. Thanks to efforts happening at the local level, trees are a vital component of many densely populated communities across the country. SS

ble,” he said. “The organic matter is leaking into the air and at some of these plants, clouds of toxins have already formed above them. It’s just a matter of time before the winds shift and these toxins are spread to other communities. At some point, we’re going to reach a point of no return. The impact on the public’s health is enormous.”

Bedrock Energy Management, LLC is housed at a business incubator located in the HIVE in Anacostia on Good Hope Road. Locally, they mirror businesses located in incubators supported by the University of Maryland, College Park campus, George Washington University and Georgetown University.

Aquil said their business plan offers a long term proposition, around 25-35 years out. That means that today’s youth have a real opportunity to enter the field while it’s still in its infantile stages.

“The backgrounds needed to join this industry vary, from business and information technology to all forms of engineering – even public relations and human resources,” he said. “We’re talking to several potential clients now and estimate that we would not only create 300 permanent jobs, but they would be positions with a real living wage.

In addition, not only would we be removing toxins from the river but we’d be cleaning the river. Businesses like ours are going to continue to spring up. Blacks have to get involved now as the potential is tremendous.”

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www.washingtoninformer.com / 2016 SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT / APRIL 2016

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pepco.com

A COMMITMENT THAT

GROWS EVERY DAY. Our commitment to conservation, renewable energy and environmental stewardship touches everything we do – on Earth Day and every day.

© Pepco, 2016

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Rep. Barbara Lee: An Environmental Advocate

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer California Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee has a long and proven history of standing up to those who consciously chip away at the rights of citizens to have clean air and water.

Lee, 69, has also been a lifelong advocate for the minority community and, as a college student, she volunteered at the Oakland chapter of the Black Panther Party’s Community Learning Center working with Panther co-founder Bobby Seale during his mayoral campaign in 1973.

As Earth Day 2016 ap-

proached, Lee was again front and center on environmental issues, including those that affect African Americans and other minorities.

“When corporations and special interests pollute our environment, all too often it is low-income families and communities of color that bear the highest burden,” said Lee, who’s a member of the Safe Climate Caucus & Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.

“From sky-high childhood asthma rates to lead poisoning, these communities feel the real impact of pollution, climate change and systemic injustice,” she said.

Now, in its 46th year, Earth Day is focusing on the importance of trees this year and has put out the call to plant 7.8 billion trees over the next five years.

Officials said trees will be the first of five major goals they’re undertaking in honor of the fiveyear countdown to Earth Day’s 50th anniversary.

On their own and together, these initiatives will make a significant and measurable impact on the Earth and will serve as the foundation of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all, officials said.

For Lee, environmental activism is like tying her shoes.

The dedicated congresswoman has regularly opposed attempts to cut spending on environmental and health protections and has supported maintaining and strengthening current environmental protection standards.

“Helping to address climate change and protect our nation’s

clean air, water and natural environment are priorities,” Lee said.

The congresswoman also believes that efforts must be made to protect the environment here at home with the work of the international community, she said.

To that end, the U.S. should be a leader in advocating for positive change, rather than an obstacle in addressing climate change, pollution, over-fishing and other environmental challenges, Lee said.

With asthma diagnoses among the urban poor reaching alarming rates, African-American and Latino children are more likely to live in urban communities that do not meet EPA air quality standards, Lee said, adding that she’s committed to fighting for public health and the environment in these communities.

Three years ago, Lee joined Congressman Henry Waxman and 21 other members in co-founding the Safe Climate Caucus – dedicated to spreading the word about the disastrous effects of climate change and advocating for legislation that will protect our environment for future generations.

THE DEDICATED CONGRESSWOMAN HAS REGULARLY OPPOSED ATTEMPTS TO CUT SPENDING ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH PROTECTIONS AND HAS SUPPORTED MAINTAINING AND STRENGTHENING CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STANDARDS.

Later, she introduced a concurrent resolution recognizing the disproportionate impact that climate change has on women and praising the unique contributions of women in addressing this serious problem all around the world. The legislation also highlights the need to engage women as stakeholders in the fight to address climate change In addition, she hosted the briefing “Less Carbon, More Jobs: How Tackling Climate Change Can Create Jobs and Expand Economic Opportunity,” which focused on expanding opportunities for communities of color in the green economy.

She then co-signed a letter to the president urging him to include environmental justice issues in his Climate Action Plan.

“For generations, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and low-income communities have been disproportionately hurt by pollution,” Lee said. “You can clearly see these disparities in the childhood asthma rates for these communities.”

Lee helped to introduce the Low-Income Solar Access Act [H.R. 3041] that would expand solar energy access to low-income communities and enable them to build sustainable, community-based energy generation

that doesn’t further pollute their communities.

“Enough is enough,” she said.

“We can no longer wait for environmental justice; we must demand it. We must raise our voices, bring the ‘street heat’ and demand real reforms from our leaders. There is simply too much at stake to do nothing.

“We are talking about our children’s health and their futures. As policymakers, parents and grandparents, and community members, we must turn up the ‘street heat’ and push back against the special interests that reject science and are willing to risk our children’s health.” SS

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Advancing a cleaner future.

At Exelon, we are committed to a more sustainable future. By working together to reduce our impact on the environment, we foster communities that thrive.

We are investing in today to deliver a better tomorrow. exeloncorp.com

Š Exelon Corporation, 2016

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4 Ways to Make Everyday Earth Day (BPT) - On Friday, April 22, millions across the globe celebrate Earth Day by participating in eco-friendly activities in order to make a positive impact on the world we live in. This special day is also the perfect opportunity to start thinking about how you can add small, environmentally-based actions to your everyday lifestyle. This can be achieved through small efforts at home, work and in your community.

In our fast-paced culture, it’s easy to take the world around us for granted. Many aren’t aware how environmental concerns from climate change and pollution to the rise of e-waste are impacted by our daily activities. It’s never too late or too soon to become an environmental steward by committing to be more kind to the planet. Take action by creating more eco-conscious traditions with your family. Here are four green initiatives you can adopt this Earth Day and every day:

HAVE A PAPERLESS TRAIL.

Paper waste takes up more than one-third of space in local landfills, which can generate methane gas that is harmful to the environment. Luckily, today’s technological advances make it easy to go paperless.

There are many apps and services that can help you cut back on how much paper you use. You can start by requesting items such as bills, statements and newsletters be sent electronically. The paper items you do wish to receive, like newspapers, cardboard boxes, magazines and phone books, can easily be recycled when you finish using them.

GET UNPLUGGED.

Did you know vampires really do exist? Well, energy vampires that is. This term is used to describe how many types of electronics and office equipment - including computers, phone chargers, clocks, TVs and printers - continue to use electricity when they’re off but still plugged into an outlet. In households across the U.S., wasted energy not only costs consumers more than $5.8 billion annually, it also sends more than 87 billion pounds

MANY AREN’T AWARE HOW ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE AND POLLUTION TO THE RISE OF E-WASTE ARE IMPACTED

BY OUR DAILY ACTIVITIES. of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.

Make a pact to reduce the amount of energy your family uses. This can be as simple as turning off lights or the TV when you’re not in the room.

Unplugging electronics when they aren’t being used is also a great way to save your family

money and conserve energy.

DEVELOP A GREEN THUMB.

While many people choose to plant trees for Earth Day, take it a step further by starting a garden in your yard. You can plant anything from flowers, herbs or vegetables. This

is a great way to get the entire family involved in an activity you can do together throughout the year that is fun and healthy for everyone!

BECOME A BATTERY RECYCLING SUPERHERO.

Some items that can be re-

cycled are thrown away mostly because people do not know what can be recycled and where to recycle them. Many household electronics and popular tech gadgets use rechargeable batteries that contain materials that are potentially harmful to the environment and should never be thrown into the trash.

You can help by educating your friends and family about how they can reduce waste by choosing to recycle.

Organizations like Call2Recycle Inc. strive to minimize the environmental impact of products through responsible disposal by offering an easy and no-cost recycling solution for rechargeable batteries.

Call2Recycle has a network of more than 30,000 drop-off locations, including retail stores in your own community that you may already visit regularly. Their collection sites accept cellphones and rechargeable batteries (weighing up to 11 pounds), including those you find in laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, MP3 players or iPods, tablets and cordless phones.

Get started by organizing a local recycling drive to encourage others to gather up their batteries to be recycled.

Through recycling, you can make your community more sustainable and keep potentially hazardous materials from entering local landfills. Visit www.call2recycle.org/locator and use the location finder to find the nearest collection site.

Being a responsible member of any community means making choices and taking action to take care of the world we live in. These eco-friendly activities may sound simple and easy to get started, but the real challenge is creating new habits that will ultimately lead to a greener lifestyle. By starting small and making your goals realistic, there is a greater chance you will continue implementing them throughout the year. Your efforts can inspire your family and friends to join you in incorporating environmentally-friendly behavior into their every day lives. These changes - big and small - can make a positive impact and create a better world for ourselves and for future generations. SS

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MAXIMIZING THE POTENTIAL OF CLEAN ENERGY. Pepco and Exelon share the belief that clean energy is essential to a brighter, more sustainable future for the District of Columbia. Now that we’ve merged our companies, we look forward to delivering on this promise for the District and its residents. That means more renewable energy like solar and wind power. Enhanced processes that will make it easier for customers to install solar panels. And more innovation to bring clean energy solutions to our customers.

Pepco has powered the District of Columbia’s past and, alongside Exelon, will continue to power its sustainable future.

www.PHITomorrow.com

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