And the Green Business Leadership Award goes to…

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Guest

Maryland Green Awards And the Green Business Leadership Award goes to…The fourth annual Maryland’s Green Registry Leadership Awards, in cooperation with Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), were hosted by Green Drinks Annapolis at the Westin on June 11, 2013. The recipients received this honor for their stellar green practices and the following key factors that contribute to their success: An organization-wide commitment to environmental performance; a green team that meets on a regular basis; annual environmental goals, and measurement of results.

 

The cumulative measurable results are…

 

  • 603,000 lbs. of hazardous waste reduced
  • 11.8 million lbs. of nonhazardous waste reduced
  • 532 million lbs. of non-hazardous waste recycled
  • 2.7 million gallons of wastewater reduced
  • 446,000 gallons of fuel saved
  • 9.8  million vehicle miles traveled reduced
  • 441 million kWh electricity saved
  • 517 million gallons of water conserved
  • 2 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) reduced
  • $74 million saved

 

These statistics truly demonstrates that going green benefits the environment and the bottom line, proving that both can be achieved at the same time.

 

2013 Leadership Award Winners are…

Coca Cola Refreshments Baltimore Production Facility in Baltimore, this past year they reduced their electrical bill by over $200,000 by installing skylights, energy efficient lighting, and modified the air and ammonia compressor systems to run at top efficiency.

 

Salisbury University has a student population of 8,600 students and they achieved an annual reduction of more than 11 million gallons of water because of the installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures and an Energy Star laundry upgrade.

 

Goodwill Industries International reorganized their kitchen to encourage the use of reusable dishware and glassware alleviating paper products, Styrofoam, and plastic ware ending up in the trash and local landfill.

 

La Prima Food Group, Inc. is considered a Near Zero Waste producer by the Green Restaurant Association based on its recycling and composting practices. The College Park kitchen composts over 10,000 lbs of food waste per month.

 

Life Technologies, the Frederick Distribution Center led a project to reduce the weight of coolers used in shipping and eliminated the cardboard boxes they were sent in, reducing customers’ waste by 100,000 lbs per year, and 220 tons in CO2 emissions, saving $421,000 annually.

 

Oakland Nursing and Rehabilitation Centeris located in a rural area and has been resourceful by identifying local reuse and recycling opportunities that support the community. All paper is shredded and taken to a local pulp mill for recycling; office furniture and equipment is donated to local businesses; worn sheets, towels, blankets and hospital gowns are taken to the local animal shelter; and newspapers and bottles are taken to the local elementary school.

 

This just highlights a fraction of each company’s commitment and contribution to making Maryland greener today than it was yesterday.

 

For further detailed achievements, please view the following link:

http://www.mde.maryland.gov/marylandgreen/pages/leadershipwinners.aspx

 

By Guest Blogger Danielle Angeline

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Green Cleaning Products and Services

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Guest

left bg bottom connect Green Cleaning Products and ServicesGreen cleaning products are available at many different locations, as well at many local supermarkets, health food stores, and big-box retailers. Since green cleaning is such an important and expanding market, many name brand manufacturers have started making green versions of their normal cleaning products. You may also have the option of making your own green cleaning products in your home. However, if you do not have the time, supplies, know how, or want a more powerful clean, already made green cleaning products may be a good option. Here are some examples of green cleaning products, as well as helpful information on what to look for when buying:

Watch the Label

Many products in stores may be labeled as being “green cleaning” products, just like many foods may be labeled “all natural”. Since no government entity controls or regulates the claim that something is “green” on cleaning products, that  if you do not read the label, you could be duped into buying something labeled green when it might not be, which could be unsafe (toxic, etc.), or environmentally harmful. The only way to know, for sure, what goes into your products is to carefully read the label, purchase from a trusted source, or make your own cleaning solutions.

Look for Trusted Green Brands

Do not just buy the name brand “green” version of a product! Instead, go to trusted manufacturers of green products. These companies should strive to fully disclose ingredients, and be able to explain to consumers what those ingredients are, should not participate in animal testing, and are not always the name brand source for chemical household cleaners. Some trusted brands of green cleaning products include Proxi, Sustainable Earth cleaning products by Staples, Seventh Generation, Ecover, Method, Mrs. Meyers, and Green Works. Look for these brands when deciding what types of green cleaning products will work best for your home.

Look for Brands or Products Approved by Governmental Agencies

Some states, such as New York, have green cleaning programs in their states. On these websites, you can find lists of approved green cleaning products that the state has deemed legitimate. Other organizations may award seals of approval to green products if they meet their rigorous standards, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You may want to check out such websites before you purchase any green cleaning products, as they can give you a good idea of what to look for in green cleaning products, or products that claim to be “green” on their labels.

Cleaning Services

An alternative to doing the work yourself to buy or create these green cleaning products is to hire a cleaning service to come to your home and do the cleaning for you at a fee. This saves time for you and effort at the expensive of some money. Cleaning services can be useful for those who work most of the day, have busy schedules, or simply cannot manage the cleaning by themself.

By Nicole Sanders

Posted in Business Management, Business Profile, Environment, Guest Contributors, Marketing, Opportunities | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Stormwater Projects Near Lake Elkhorn

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Guest

bayscapes Stormwater Projects Near Lake ElkhornHere are some major projects that our Home Owner Association (Columbia Association) has accomplished, mostly under the Watershed Management Plan which CLEER helped make a reality (people power!).

*Built 8 bio retention facilities with the capacity to treat 3 acres of impervious surface or approximately 160,000 gallons of runoff during any given storm.
*2 more bio retention facilities under construction and 3 designed and ready to go to construction.
*4 stormwater outfalls and stream stabilization projects designed and ready to go to construction.
*Planted Approximately 8 acres of trees

But you know, it wouldn’t take many of us to equal the effect of one 3-acre bioretention facility in our own yard, and we’d get to play in the dirt and feel noble too.  It can start with little things, and end there too if dirt isn’t your thing.  Of course you know about testing your soil and not using any more fertilizer or pesticides than absolutely necessary, picking up pet poop, not putting anything in storm drains.  But are there some spots in your yard that are dirt-brown rather than vegetation-green, and that turn to MUD-brown in the rain?  You can fix that!

*Plant native groundcover plants, shrubs or trees in place of bare soil or grass, or wherever your grass isn’t serving a purpose such as play area.  Any of these are better at absorbing rainfall runoff, and need less babying in the form of fertilizer, herbicides or watering.  For a good reference on different types of plants native to our area go to:
http://www.nativeplantcenter.net/

*Disconnect or divert the downspouts going down from your roof.  The idea is to not have stormwater running down a pipe into the ground where it’s sped to the nearest body of water, such as Lake Elkhorn, or sheeting down a driveway or across short grass and again into a storm drain.  Find a nice porous area of soil several feet out from your house, such as a garden, and bend the pipe into it, or add an inexpensive flexible extension from your local home supply store, so that the water runs there and is absorbed into the ground water.  For a better description go to:
http://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/programs/clean-waterways/waterauditprogram/downspout-disconnection.

*Or collect your roof runoff in a rain barrel and use it to water your plants.  Contact your village architectural committee first for permission.  To find out how to get a free rain barrel from the county:
http://countyofhowardmd.us/recycling.htm

*Apply for CA’s Rain Garden Cost Share Program and pay only 25% of the cost to have one installed.
http://www.columbiawatershed.org/pdfs/RainGardenCostShare.pdf

*Or build one yourself.
http://dnr.maryland.gov/ed/editorials/raingarden-final.pdf

*Have a Master Gardener team evaluate your property for Baywise certification.  You may qualify already and merit a sign to place in your yard for your neighborhood’s education; or the team who visits you will tell you how you can make improvements to qualify and thus make your yard Bay-friendly.
http://extension.umd.edu/mg/locations/bay-wise-landscape-management

News Flash:  Some of these actions may qualify you for a Stormwater Utility Fee rebate.  You’ll get specific information on this when the fee goes into effect in July.  Here is the County web site with current information about the Stormwater Utility Fee and how to calculate what your fee will be.  Thanks to Rhoda Toback, Watershed Advisory Committee member, who sent me this link that she received in a notice from County Council member Mary Kay Sigaty.
http://livegreenhoward.com/water/stormwater/

If you’d like to plant a tree or two, you could check out this offer sent via the Patapsco Heritage Greenway (a really happenin’ group that protects the Patapsco watershed).
The state of Maryland offers a $25 off coupon at participating nurseries for the purchase of a native tree to be planted in Maryland. For more information and to download the coupon, go to:   http://www.trees.maryland.gov/
If you do, or have done, something to improve the environment on your property I’d love to hear about it.  We could even start a CLEER forum of members’ experiences!

So, take a look at your property with a watershed lover’s eye, and let us know what transpires!

Elaine Pardoe

Posted in Business Management, Environment, Guest Contributors, Opportunities | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

Stormwater Runoff

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Guest

StormwaterSchematic Stormwater RunoffWhat is Stormwater runoff?

The Environmental Protection Agency states that Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation (rain and melting snow) events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not seep into the ground. As the runoff moves across the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment, or other pollutants. Runoff is discharged untreated and adversely affects water quality. http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6

Is there a solution?

According to Chesapeake Bay Programs, environmental scientists are learning how to better manage stormwater by mimicking the natural processes. Directing rainwater from roof tops, sidewalks, and parking lots into rain barrels or rain gardens, pollutants can be kept out of storm drains and it reduces pressure on aging stormwater infrastructure.

Commercial properties and institutional properties should consider constructing green roofs to absorb the rain. Green roofs can increase the life of roofing systems. It also provides insulation, reduces utility costs, and depending on the garden type, building occupants could benefit from the freshly grown vegetables and herbs. http://www.chesapeakebay.net/blog/post/letter_from_leadership_stormwater_fees_a_useful_funding_source

What is the Stormwater fee?

The stormwater utility fees being implemented by Maryland Legislature can be referred to as  an “Impervious Surface Tax” but it is really a fee for providing you a service – management of the polluted waters that run off your land. Will Baker of Chesapeake Bay Foundation says, “The Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams are overloaded with too much nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment that destroys water quality and feeds algae blooms that create dead zones.” This is the result of stormwater runoff.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2013/04/14/surface-tax-will-cost-md-property-owners-every-time-it-rains/

The stormwater fee is a means for municipalities to generate funds based on the amount of impervious surface on residential and commercial properties. In turn, the funds will be used to let contracts and provide jobs for stormwater improvements.

The DailyCaller.com posted on their site, “Democratic Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley engineered the passage of the storm water tax earlier this month, despite efforts from Republicans to dismantle the bill. Nine counties now have to administer a fee based on the size of pavement on the property. It would be applied to all property, including nonprofit organizations and churches. It is up to the individual county to determine how to implement the tax.”

The fees will be designed to encourage better management of our storm waters at the source – everyone’s backyards.

by Guest Blogger, Danielle Angeline

 

Posted in Environment, Guest Contributors | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

Green Roofs

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Guest

exploded layers Green RoofsHistorically, mankind has grown plants atop structures since ancient times. The ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia (4th millennium BC– 600 BC) had plantings of trees and shrubs on above ground terraces according to Heather Shimmin’s website: http://www.heathershimmin.com/a-brief-history-of-roof-gardens.

 

What is a green roof?

Today, rooftop gardens are quite popular and generating a wealth of benefits. The definition of a rooftop garden, also known as a green roof, according to Wikipedia is, “A roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage, and irrigation systems.”

What are the benefits of a green roof?

¡  Captures airborne pollutants and atmospheric deposition plus filters noxious gases.

¡  Retains rainwater and acts as natural filters for stormwater run off.

¡  Delays stormwater run off and decreases stress on sewer systems at peak flow periods.

¡  Reduces “Urban Island Heat” effect where highly developed areas are hotter than nearby rural areas by as much 1.8–5.4°F says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

¡  Prolongs the service life of heating, ventilation, and HVAC systems through decreased usage as well as reduces the demand on power plants.

¡  Decreases demands for health care because of pollution reduction and increased water quality.

¡  Creates community hubs, increases social cohesion, sense of community, and public safety.

¡  Aesthetically pleasing and creates a place to re-energize or relax.

Further information on the benefits of green roofs can be found at: http://www.greenroofs.org/.

 

How to build a green roof?

The easiest way to implement a green roof at your business or home is to consult and hire a green roof professional. It is suggested to visit establishments that have green roofs and ask for a referral. Then do your research and meet with certified green roofers in person.

 

For do-it-yourselfers, here are the steps to install a landscaped area on a flat surface using a protective, multi-layered waterproof barrier according to Mother Nature Network (http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/how-to-install-a-green-roof). The various layers will prevent water from soaking into and rotting the decking as well as prevent roots from burrowing.  Once the decking is in place, begin with:

 

  1. Install a monolithic type waterproof membrane (rubber or plastic) on top of the roof decking.
  2. Place a 6 millimeter sheet of plastic on the waterproof membrane (this will serve as a root barrier).
  3. Top the first two layers with one or more thin sheets of three-quarter-inch foam insulation suited for contact with damp soil. (Insulation is only required when it is necessary to increase the R-value for the roof over conditioned spaces. If the space below the green roof is not conditioned — over a garden pavilion or shed — there’s no reason to provide anything more than some protection for the waterproof membrane, such as thin foam ‘fan board’ insulation or perhaps a layer of building felt).
  4. Set a drainage mat (also called a dimple mat) with capillary spaces on top of the insulation. To keep the soil from clogging the mat, place the mat so the felt side faces up.
  5. Frame the sides for the roof with mesh gutter guards, wood or other edging that will permit drainage to hold soil in place. Intermediate angle supports may be needed to keep the vertical edging sturdy. The horizontal leg of the supports can be slipped under the drainage mat and weighted with the topping soil to keep them from overturning. It is best to devise supports so they don’t penetrate the waterproof membrane surface to prevent leaks.
  6. Add soil.
  7. Set plants in place.
  8. Water to settle soil around plants.

Green roofing is an investment. It takes time to research, plan, develop, and maintain but the benefits far out way the initial implementation. Additionally, there are government and non-profit grants, rebates, and tax incentives to make this a viable endeavor (http://www.myplantconnection.com/green-roofs-legislation.php). And the end result….cleaner air, cleaner water, and fresh vegetables right off the vine. Bon Appetite!

by Guest Blogger Danielle Angeline

Posted in Energy, Environment, Guest Contributors, Opportunities | Tagged , | Comments Off

Reclaimed Wood: What It Is and Where It Comes From

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Guest

pile of reclaimed wood Reclaimed Wood: What It Is and Where It Comes From
When people need wood, one of the first places they go is the neighborhood lumberyard or home improvement store. A more sustainable alternative, however, is to use reclaimed wood. Reclaimed, or salvaged, wood is catching on as consumers increasingly look for ways to repurpose materials and minimize waste. When you’re seeking products that reflect your environmental values, reclaimed wood can help support your efforts.

 The Reclaiming Process

Remember the saying, “Reduce, reuse, recycle”? Reclaimed wood falls under the “reuse” category. This type of lumber comes from buildings or products that have outlived their usefulness. Rather than send the wood to a landfill, someone salvages and prepares it for use as a new product – like reclaimed wood flooring and paneling. Here’s how the reclaiming process works:

 Salvaging. Potential sources of reclaimed wood are everywhere, often hidden in plain sight. Often, salvaging is simply a matter of someone recognizing the value of the wood and taking the initiative to acquire it. Common sources include:

  •  Ships
  • Wood pallets from shipyards
  • Crating and shipping materials
  • Old barns
  • Abandoned factories and warehouses
  • Decommissioned school gymnasiums
  • Used wine casks
  • Water tanks

 Sorting. Eco-friendly salvaging experts must sort through the refuse that comes with the lumber to separate the recyclable materials from the true waste. Then the wood gets sorted into separate piles and banded together. The lowest-grade wood becomes firewood or bio-fuel. The mid-grade wood gets turned into “utility-grade” lumber for building build shipping pallets and the like. The best lumber gets prepared so it can be made into useful products such as tables or reclaimed wood flooring.

 Preparation. To eliminate the risk of termites and other insects – especially if the history of the material is unknown – most reclaimed lumber gets dried in a kiln before it goes to market. At the very least, experts recommend that you seek reclaimed lumber that has been heated to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, this temperature kills any pests or eggs present. It’s also wise to source your reclaimed lumber from suppliers who do not accept wood that has ever been treated with chemicals and who work closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to keep invasive pests out of the country.

 Sustainability of Reclaimed Wood

 Reclaimed wood is good for more than just making tables, decks, countertops and flooring; you can use it to build an entire house. When you opt for recycled lumber instead of virgin wood, you help reduce deforestation. A single wood-reclaiming operation alone can help save 9,500 40-foot Doulas fir trees in a single year.

Even though wood is a renewable resource, it’s not always harvested using sustainable practices. Forests get cut down more quickly than they can grow. By working with a company that sells reclaimed lumber products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Rainforest Alliance, you ensure that your purchase will support sustainable harvesting practices and protect communities affected by deforestation.

Reclaimed wood products can also help save energy. For example, it takes 13 times more energy to create a wood floor from virgin lumber than it does to make reclaimed wood flooring. Because reclaimed lumber doesn’t have to travel as far to get salvaged, processed and milled, less fossil fuel gets consumed.

 Why Reclaimed Wood is Better than Virgin Wood

 Character and history. Reclaimed lumber has a story to tell about its past life. Perhaps it braved stormy seas as a crate. Reclaimed wood features oxide stains, charming flaws and a lack of uniformity, all of which add appeal and create a truly unique look.

 No eco-guilt. Reclaimed wood makes it simpler than ever to purchase products made from beautiful exotic lumber. Because the material comes into the country as discarded packing materials, you’re actually doing the earth a favor by acquiring reclaimed products made from exotic lumber.

 Strength and durability. Many reclaimed lumber products come from old-growth timber, which is stronger than the virgin trees that come from first-generation forests. Reclaimed wood, in fact, is up to 40 points harder on the Janka scale of hardness than virgin wood. For this reason, reclaimed lumber is more durable and resists wear better.

Reclaimed lumber is a win-win for you and the earth, and its possibilities are endless. If you can dream it, you can build it with reclaimed wood.

Author Bio: This post was contributed by Viridian Reclaimed Wood, a company that provides eco-friendly, unique and affordable reclaimed wood flooring, veneer, paneling, tables & counters.

 

Posted in Environment, Guest Contributors, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off

What are Green Jobs?

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Guest

images What are Green Jobs?As of 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their definition of green jobs, stating, “Green jobs are either:  jobs in businesses that produce goods or services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources, or jobs in which worker’s duties involve making their establishment’s production processes more environmentally friendly or use fewer natural resources” (http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/state/topics/workforce.html).

Defining a green job also requires defining sustainability. According to Ned Tillman, President of Sustainable Growth, a business definition for sustainability is “A systematic process for balancing economic, environmental, and social issues in every decision made.”

 The green movement affects every facet of our lives from clean water to energy efficient vehicles to recycling or the use of eco-friendly products. Here are three categories in the workforce that will help further define, “what is a green job?”

Green Companies – are a company, business, or organization that is environmentally conscientious. There is a solid recycling program in place, the light bulbs are energy efficient, and plastics and Styrofoam products are no longer used. For further information on going green, read:

http://greenbusinessmatters.com/2012/02/07/is-there-a-priority-order-for-sustainability-actions/

Green Manufacturing – can be defined in two ways: the manufacturing of “green” products, particularly those used in renewable energy systems and clean technology equipment of all kinds. Then there is the “greening” of manufacturing — reducing pollution and waste by minimizing natural resource use, recycling and reusing what was considered waste, and reducing emissions http://cleantechnica.com/2012/04/15/green-manufacturing/#fmmtI2s0zgTTUpxm.99. Green products include household cleaners, products packaged in recyclable containers, eco-friendly material for clothing and local produce, to name a few.

Green Jobs – are jobs mostly in the non-profit or government that work for an environmental cause.  Locally these would be such organizations as Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Environmental Services, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. These businesses are dedicated to preserving our natural resources, provide operational and technical services to protect and enhance the environment, and make the state greener, healthier, and more sustainable, respectively http://livegreenhoward.com/live-green-howard-county/green-business-council/.

If you are considering a career or career transition into the environmental sector, a good place to start is your County One Stop Career Center (http://www.dllr.state.md.us/county/).

A few networking opportunities that occur on a monthly basis are:

Green Building Institute 1st Tuesdays – (networking meetings resume in June). http://greenbuildingnetwork.groupsite.com/main/summary

Green Drinks Columbia  2nd Tuesdays – www.greendrinks.org

Green Drinks Annapolis – http://www.annapolisgreen.com/index.html

Mid-Atlantic Regional Environmental Professionals last Thursdays – http://www.marepweb.org/

Search http://www.Meetup.com and use environmental as the keyword. There are ample environmental meetups occurring on a daily basis in Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia. It’s now so easy to be green.imgres

By Danielle Angeline

Posted in Business Management, Environment, Guest Contributors, Opportunities, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off

Earth Day – Let’s Celebrate

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Guest

Earth Day Earth Day Lets CelebrateEarth Day is an annual holiday, celebrated on April 22 and this year marks the 43rd anniversary, of which events are held around the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection, according to the website: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement. Earth Day is celebrated in more than 192 countries every year.

Originally proposed at the 1969 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Conference in San Francisco, it was suggested that the first Earth Day would be celebrated on the Spring Equinox (March 21, 1970) for the northern hemisphere. In a Proclamation signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations, this day of nature’s equipoise was sanctioned. “A month later, a separate Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970,” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_day). In 1990, Denis Hayes – founder of Earth Day network (http://www.earthday.org/) – took Earth Day international and organized events in 141 nations. Today, numerous cities, towns, and municipalities have turned Earth Day into Earth Week – an entire week dedicated to environmental activities, issues, solutions.

In Maryland, there are numerous Earth Day events taking place this week. For example, Friends of Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis is having movie night on Wednesday, April 25th. The documentary Bag It will be screened at 7 PM (http://www.annapolisgreen.com/calendar.html) On Saturday, April 27th, Baltimore is hosting a session on Introduction to Tree Identification (http://baltimoregreenworks.com/events/baltimore-green-week/). Additional events can be found online by searching on Earth Week + city = Earth Week Rockville, MD.

However you decide to acknowledge Earth Day and Earth week – celebrate the beauty of the natural resources that Mother Earth has given us – the land, the air, and the water. Happy Earth Day – it’s okay to hug a tree this week.

By Danielle Angeline

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

That’s (not) a Wrap – Environmental Legislative Wrap-up

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Guest

Midnight, April 8, 2013, marked the close of the Maryland General Assembly session. According to the Maryland League of Conservation voters, the hot environmental issues for this year’s agenda were:

  • Offshore Wind
  • Marcellus Shale – Hydraulic Fracturing
  • Smart on Pesticides: Maryland For Safe Water and Healthy Kids
  • Maryland Bottle Bill (Recycle For Real)

Offshore Wind celebrated a landmark legislative victory by passing the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 after four years of grassroots campaigning and partnering with Legislative Black Caucus, NAACP, and over 500 other businesses and groups (http://www.scribd.com/ doc/134897909/2013-Legislative-Wrap-Up).

The rest of the environmental community’s priorities were weakened or killed. A bill exempting agribusiness from future clean water laws passed.  The League of Conservation Voters expressed their disappointment but while they may be down, they are not out. LCV is already gearing up to bring more environmental advocacy to the2014 legislature (http://www.mdlcv.org/issues/one-step-forward-two-back).

 The Marcellus Shale – Hydraulic Fracking legislative moratorium would have provided an 18 month period to conduct and review studies of the process and would have required the adoption of regulations based on the recommendations of the studies. This bill died in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee by 6 – 5 vote.

Smart on Pesticides Maryland focused onpesticides and the serious risk to our health, the Chesapeake Bay/watershed and homeland security. Maryland lacks a public source for information about some pesticide use and the sales of restricted-use pesticides. The Pesticide Reporting Act (SB 675/HB 775) passed but was amended to create a work group until next year. This legislation would have created a simple and cost-neutral, centralized online pesticide reporting database. It would have been paid for by a modest fee increase for chemical manufacturers.

The Maryland Bottle Bill (Recycle For Real – SB641/HB1085) hadMaryland lawmakers unveiling a proposal to enact a 5-cent rebate for all disposable beverage containers. The program would have shifted the recycling burden from retailers to distributors and wholesalers. It would have boosted the recycling rate from 22% to 75%. Unfortunately, this bill was withdrawn by the House Sponsor but will be reviewed further over the summer (http://www.bottlebill.org/legislation/campaigns/marylandc.htm)

“In the final days of session, a priority bill to fix state property exemptions in the 2012 Stormwater bill was hijacked and almost became a two year delay of the strong stormwater program enacted last year,” (http://www.scribd.com/doc/134897909/2013-Legislative-Wrap-Up).

By Guest Blogger Danielle Angeline

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Why we need trees

Posted on March 28, 2013 by admin

city trees Why we need treesThe other day, I was in Annapolis, near my former residence when I noticed there were townhouses being built. Out of curiosity, I drove by, only to discover the trees – aka thick wooded area – had all been cut down and there stood maybe a dozen homes crammed on two small lots.

I’ve always been a tree lover especially when my mom had managed to grow an oak tree from an acorn when I was elementary-school age. Today, my mom’s oak tree still stands majestically at least four-stories tall in the backyard of my childhood home. I gained an appreciation of nature at an early age – thanks to my parents.

Growing up, we had an abundant vegetable garden and flower gardens every year. Once or twice, they were featured in the local newspaper. There was nothing more beautiful than the crabapple tree blooming outside my bedroom window in the spring. Or the weeping willow in full bloom by mid-summer. It was a great tree to climb with childhood pals, have a picnic, or even take a little snooze.

According to the website, http://forestry.about.com/od/treephysiology/tp/tree_value.htm, there are at least ten reasons why we need trees:

  1. Trees Produce Oxygen and a mature leafy tree can produce as much oxygen in one season as 10 people inhale in a year. Plus, forests act as giant filters that clean the air we breathe.
  2. Trees Clean the Soil by filtering bad elements.
  3. Trees Control Noise Pollution by muffling urban noise almost as effectively as stone walls.
  4. Trees Slow Storm Water Runoff by absorbing water and slowing runoff. In turn, this recharges underground water-holding aquifers.
  5. Trees Are Carbon Sinks that absorb and lock away carbon dioxide in the wood, roots and leaves. A forest is a carbon storage area or a “sink” that can lock up carbon.
  1. Trees Clean the Air by removing pollutants, by lowering air temperature through respiration, and by retaining particulates.
  2. Trees Shade and Cool by providing a dense cover from the sun’s UV rays, thus cooling the air temperature in buildings and on the ground up to 12 degrees.
  3. Trees Act as Windbreaks during windy and cold seasons. Trees have a significant effect of reducing snow drifts. A reduction in wind lessens the drying effect on soil and vegetation behind the windbreak and helps keep topsoil in place.
  4. Trees Fight Soil Erosion becausetree roots bind the soil and the leaves break the force of wind and rain on soil. Trees fight soil erosion, conserve rainwater and reduce water runoff and sediment deposits after storms.
  1. Trees Increase Property Values because they beautify a property or neighborhood. Trees can increase the property value of your home by 15% or more.

Since trees and the environment is such a robust subject and can easily roll into other tree topics, I refer the readership to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website on forest management and various tree related subjects: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) has launched their new website, http://www.forestactionplans.org/.  Their Forest Action Plans offer the best thinking and innovation of local experts to proactively fight threats to forests from wildfires, insects, disease, and encroaching development.

 

Maryland’s Forest Action Plan (http://www.forestactionplans.org/states/maryland) includes:

¡  Restoring and sustaining forest landscapes

¡  Ensuring healthy and resilient forests

¡  Expanding forest benefits

Spring is just around the corner. Incorporate into your gardening plans – planting a tree or two. The Governor’s website is a good place to start: http://www.trees.maryland.gov/. Remember, “trees provide ecological, economic, and quality of life benefits such as protecting air and water quality, reducing energy costs, increasing property values, and beautifying neighborhoods.” And it is not just children who gain rewards from trees.  The research shows that employees are happier, healthier, more creative and more productive if they are surrounded by nature or take a walk in nature every day.

Guest Blogger Danielle Angeline

Posted in Business Management, Environment, Guest Contributors, Opportunities | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off