Posts tagged Cat:sustainability
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See how much more land is paved now than in 1984
In 2010, there was much more pavement covering more of the region than 26 years earlier. These images from the University of Maryland, highlighted by NASA’s Earth Observatory blog, show the change. $(window).load(function() { $(’#paving’).beforeAfter({ animateIntro : true, introDelay : 1000, introDuration : 1500, introPosition : .5, showFullLinks… Keep reading…
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The region needs to hear the call to action on climate change
400,000 people — or 0.1% of the US population — flooded the streets of New York City for the recent People’s Climate March. But if we’re to make a difference, the outpouring of support for action on climate change needs to translate to action locally. With the evidence, and the movement for serious action on climate change, growing every day, it’s… Keep reading…
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A sunken gas station sculpture sends the wrong message about the Anacostia River
Update: The DC Department of the Environment has decided not to allow the sculpture in the Anacostia due to environmental concerns. Would a sunken gas station in the Anacostia, a piece of public art, spark discussion around climate change or hinder other environmental restoration in DC? A coalition of Anacostia River advocates is opposing installation of this sculpture in… Keep reading…
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Appreciate our furry ecosystem engineers
The DC area’s beaver population has boomed in the past 20 years, and that’s a great thing. It’s a sign that our region’s waterways, having suffered from decades of channelization, pollution, neglect and mismanagement, are starting to regain their ecological health, though much work remains to be done. The industrious creatures’ presence… Keep reading…
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Gray aims high with sustainability plan; can agencies deliver?
Last week, the Gray administration unveiled its sustainability plan, which sets some very ambitious, yet very important objectives for 2032, like attracting 250,000 new residents and making 75% of trips happen by walking, biking, and transit, along with fewer greenhouse gas emissions, more access to healthy food, cleaner water, and much more. This plan is perhaps the boldest… Keep reading…
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Smart Growth America talks to Tommy Wells
For a series of videos with local officials, Smart Growth America spoke with Tommy Wells about what it takes to make great neighborhoods in DC. Keep reading…
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Sustainability can save WMATA money, if it’s a priority
Organizations of all types are talking about being “greener,” partly because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it can save money. Amid regular budget shortfalls, WMATA can benefit from every cost savings, and is considering a number of sustainability projects. Tomorrow, the WMATA Board will hear about the agency’s sustainability initiatives. Keep reading…
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It’s time for a statewide bag fee in Maryland
DC’s 5¢ bag fee is now 2 years old, and it has unquestionably achieved its goals. Shoppers have overwhelmingly switched to using reusable bags to carry their purchases, and fewer plastic bags are polluting the Anacostia River. But we all live downstream of somewhere, and bags and other trash continue to come in from Maryland and tarnish DC’s waters. Montgomery… Keep reading…
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Will Green Area Ratio green DC or just hinder urban living?
Washington, DC may adopt a “Green Area Ratio” requirement for multi-family and commercial buildings in its new zoning code. It’s an attempt to promote sustainable practices in large projects, but its ultimate effect might just be to make environmentally friendly urban living more expensive with limited actual benefits. The newly-released draft of the… Keep reading…
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Prince George’s bag fee not dead, but needs your help
On Wednesday, a preliminary vote on the Prince George’s County disposable bag fee failed to move the measure forward. The Washington Post’s article explained many of the dynamics, but the headline suggested the bill was dead. It’s not, but it needs residents’ help to pass. Unlike in Montgomery County, where a 5¢ fee began last month on plastic… Keep reading…