ANNAPOLIS GREEN - local environmental info for good decisions

FLOTSAM & JETSAM:
organizations - services - speakers - products - how to - publications - websites/blogs - legislation
seeking Green jobs & job listings - education

Two caveats:

There are many exhaustive sources for information on environmental issues on a global or national level. This is not one of them. Our emphasis is local, that is, mostly in and around the Annapolis area although we will include some more wide-ranging resources.
And, this list is a work in progress. If we're missing something, please click on the email address at the bottom of the page and tell us.

Organizations

Have we left out an important organization?
Let us know.

1000 Friends of Maryland An organization that supports a new pattern of development that we can afford - socially, economically, environmentally. 1000 Friends is committed to: Preserve the rich array of our natural resources; Maintain and revitalize our existing communities; Protect historic resources and integrate them into the life of the community; Assure efficient, effective transportation choices for all citizens; Support development which takes into account the public's interest; Fully realize the goals of smart growth.	Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is a regional nonprofit organization that builds and fosters partnerships to protect and to restore the Bay and its rivers. The Alliance does not lobby or litigate. Instead, they do the slow, hard work of bridging dialogue between groups that don't see eye-to-eye, forming strategies for joint solutions, and building the capacity of communities for local-level action.
Chesapeake Conservancy The Conservancy is edicated to ensuring conservation, stewardship and access of the Chesapeake Bay, its lands and rivers. The Conservancy was created out of a merger between the Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail and Friends of Chesapeake Gateways.	Chesapeake Environmental Protection Association CEPA works to restore the Chesapeake Bay by affecting environmental policy and action. Its goal is sustainable growth in the region — a future where our precious natural resources are in balance with their use.
City of Annapolis Conservancy Board Seven residents with interest in the preservation and conservation of land & water resources. Duties: Solicit the dedication of properties, real and personal, to the City; administer and manage said properties; encourage the preservation of environmentally sensitive land; further implement the goals for improving water quality; provide for the development of additional recreational resources of the City.	City of Annapolis Environmental Affairs Office Green Annapolis Magazine 2009
Annapolis Environmental Commission Nine residents who have a demonstrated sincere interest in protection and improvement of the environment. Mission: To promote the protection and improvement of the natural health and welfare of the environment of the City of Annapolis through public education, community service and participation in city environmental policy.	Annapolis Regional Transportation Management Association (ARTMA) Advocates the value of a sound transportation infrastructure and promotes commuter options that save money, time, and quality of life while reducing congestion and pollution.
Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center This is the Outdoor Education Program of Anne Arundel County Public Schools which, for 33 years, has provided an interdisciplinary outdoor education program for Anne Arundel County teachers, students, and parents, using its site in Millersville as well as other satellite sites throughout the county. Each school year it serves over 25,000 students and 8,000 adults.	Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper The mission of Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper is to protect and restore Baltimore Harbor and the greater Patapsco River and its tributaries through enforcement, fieldwork, and citizen action in order to make the river suitable for recreation, including fishing and swimming, to improve public health, and to improve the health of the river ecosystem.
Being in Place: Alliance for Sustainable Communities Its purpose is to design a human life-style that follows natural patterns and inspires creative problem solving by engaging people as part of the multitude of extraordinary species of life whose richness inspires the spirit and nourishes existence. The guiding principle is that sound environmental policies create jobs, make industry more efficient, help people identify their personal needs with those of their neighbors and those of the earth, provide leadership toward social and environmental justice.	Biophilia Foundation The primary mission of the Biophilia Foundation is to support efforts that protect, restore, enhance, and preserve wildlife habitat for all species of native plants and animals. It's secondary mission is to help reconnect individuals with nature.
Center for Watershed Protection CWP believes that the key to maintaining and improving the quality of our valuable water resources is to minimize the collective impacts of urbanization and other land use changes at the local watershed scale. This goal is accomplished through: Partnering with Watershed Groups, Making Regulatory Updates and Conducting Program Reviews, Providing Stormwater Services, Distill Research into Practical Tools, Offer Watershed Assessment and Planning, and Train Others to Manage Watersheds	Chesapeake Bay Foundation The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the only independent 501(c)(3) organization dedicated solely to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers. Founded 40 years ago, CBF's goal has been to improve water quality by reducing pollution. The motto, Save the Bay, has been the battle cry for that goal.
Chesapeake Bay Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) LGAC is a body of officials appointed by the Governors of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia to improve the role local governments play in Bayrestoration efforts and develop strategies to broaden local government participation in the Chesapeake Bay Program. Quarterly meetings of LGAC provide the forum for policy development.	Chessapeake Bay Trust The Chesapeake Bay Trust is an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization chartered in 1985 by the Maryland General Assembly to engage the public in the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. Funding provided by the Trust sparks on-the-ground change in communities throughout Maryland and works to cultivate a new generation of Bay stewards.
Chesapeake Climate Action Network CCAN is the first grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to fighting global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Its mission is to educate and mobilize citizens of this region in a way that fosters a rapid societal switch to clean energy and energy-efficient products, thus joining similar efforts worldwide to slow and perhaps halt the dangerous trend of global warming.	Chesapeake Ecology Center The non-profit Center is dedicated to promoting and educating the public about community greening and conservation landscaping practices for the Chesapeake Bay watershed that result in a healthier and more beautiful environment benefiting residents and the region's biological diversity.
Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance Educates the public on the importance of supporting the local economy, and encourages businesses and consumers to be environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. We envision a sustainable global economy as a network of Local Living Economies, building long-term economic empowerment and prosperity in communities through local business ownership, economic justice, cultural diversity and a healthy natural environment. Independent businesses create wealth by engaging local people in the production, marketing, and consumption of goods, they pay taxes, and reinvest in our communities.	Clean Energy Partnership An organization for leaders who want to know other like-minded leaders, who want to create relationships with other companies, organizations, and elected officials, and who want to learn from colleagues ways to be environmentally responsible while adding to the bottom line.
Critical Area Commission Oversees the development and implementation of local land use programs directed toward the Critical Area that met the following goals: Minimize adverse impacts on water quality that result from pollutants that are discharged from structures or conveyances or that have run off from surrounding lands; Conserve fish, wildlife, and plant habitat in the Critical Area; and Establish land use policies for development in the Critical Area which accommodate growth and also address the fact that, even if pollution is controlled, the number, movement, and activities of persons in the Critical Area can create adverse environmental impacts.	Environment Maryland is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization. Its professional staff combines independent research, practical ideas and tough-minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of powerful special interests and win real results for Maryland's environment. Environment Maryland draws on 30 years of success in tackling our state's top environmental problems.
EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office - A Watershed Partnership The Chesapeake Bay Program is a unique regional partnership that has led and directed the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay since 1983. Program partners include the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia; the District of Columbia; the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a tri-state legislative body; the Environmental Protection Agency, representing the federal government; and participating citizen advisory groups.	Green Building Institute Its mission is to foster sustainable building practices through education and example.
Green Drinks Annapolis Its goal is to bring together all of us who share a passion for the environment and concern for our Chesapeake Bay in a casual, fun, unstructured say .... with drinks and great green ideas! Green Drinks is part of Green Drinks International, which began in the U.K. several years ago. Green Drinks Annapolis follows the original format: We have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business. Come along and you'll be made welcome. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new connections. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organizing network.	Green Meeting Industry Council Leading the meeting industry in improving meeting management by supporting collaboration and the development and dissemination of resources and opportunities that improve the environmental performance of meetings and events. The GMIC is the central location for information and tools to provide you with the green edge in creating meetings and events that: achieve economic objectives, tread lightly on the earth, and contribute to host communities.
Institute for Conservation Leadership The Institute for Conservation Leadership (ICL) empowers leaders with training and we build volunteer institutions that protect and conserve the Earth's environment. We do this by helping leaders lead better, by building connections between groups with similar goals, and by supporting groups' progress with fundraising, board development, and other activities.	Lower Western Shore Tributary Team The Team is part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources organization whose mission is to reduce nutrient and sediment inputs and to restore habitat in the Lower Western Shore Watershed through community participation. The team is composed of representatives from citizens' groups, watershed organizations, the business community, environmental groups, agriculture, and federal, state, and country governments. This diversity of representation leads to a wide variety of interests in the team's work efforts from notable successes in influencing policy to outreach and educational endeavors to hand-on projects in the water or on the land.
Magothy River Association The Magothy River Association is an all-volunteer group representing about 46 communities along the Magothy River Watershed. It devotes its efforts to projects that protect the welfare of the river and its inhabitants, such as: Maintaining an oyster nursery at Downs Park Restoring an oyster bar Monitoring water quality Helping to restore seagrasses	Maryland Department of the Environment The mission of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is to protect and restore the quality of Maryland’s air, water, and land resources, while fostering smart growth, economic development, healthy and safe communities, and quality environmental education for the benefit of the environment, public health, and future generations. MDE's vision is to ensure a clean environment and excellent quality of life for Marylanders. The website contains a lot of useful "how-to" information along with reports, regulations, and more.
Maryland Department of the Environment & Environmental Sustainability - Information for Businesses Greening Your Facility Improve Your Environmental Performance and Save Money The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is responsible for a wide range of regulatory programs that protect our state’s air, land and water resources. Many Maryland businesses, however, aim to go beyond what is required by law to ensure that future generations enjoy the high quality of life and natural environment that our state offers. MDE supports this proactive approach to environmental management and offers information and services to help citizens and organizations set and meet their own goals on the path to sustainability. The website includes links to much useful information.	Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland Environmental Trust The Maryland Environmental Trust is a statewide land trust governed by a citizen Board of Trustees. It was created by the General Assembly in 1967. Its goal is the preservation of open land, such as farmland, forest land, and significant natural resources. Its primary tool for doing this is the conservation easement, a voluntary agreement between a landowner and MET. MET also endeavors to promote the protection of open land through the Local Land Trust Assistance Program. In addition, MET gives grants to environmental education projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful Program.	Maryland Green Registry The Maryland Green Registry is a free, voluntary, self-certification program offering tips and resources to help organizations set and meet their own goals on the path to sustainability. The checklists provided suggest dozens of opportunities for organizations to minimize their impact on the environment. Many are simple, common-sense operational changes and almost all of them can save money. Maryland Green Registry members are listed on the website and invited to use the Maryland Green Registry logo to promote their participation in the program.
Maryland Green Travel Maryland Green Travel is a free, voluntary program that reviews, certifies and recognizes tourism businesses committed to improving their operations in order to reduce their environmental impact. The program helps businesses evaluate their procedures, set goals and take specific actions towards environmental sustainability.	Maryland League of Conservation Voters Known as the "Environmental Watchdog" in Annapolis, the non-partisan Maryland League of Conservation Voters (LCV) serves as the political voice of the environment in our state. It was founded in 1979 as a volunteer organization and has since grown to a full-time, staffed organization. The Maryland LCV is a 501 (c)(4) organization and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. There is an Anne Arundel Chapter as well.
The Maryland Native Plant Society The Maryland Native Plant Society's mission is to promote awareness, appreciation, and conservation of Maryland's native plants and their habitats. The organization pursues its mission through education, research, advocacy, and service activities.	Maryland Pesticide Network A grassroots coalition of organizations in Maryland dedicated to protecting the public and the environment from toxic pesticides and promoting healthy alternatives. Founded in 1994, MPN's diverse membership includes health care provider, consumer, environmental, parent, labor, agricultural and religious organizations.
Oyster Recovery Partnership For more than 15 years, the Oyster Recovery Partnership with its coalition of partners, has been planting hundreds of millions of disease-free oysters back into the Chesapeake Bay. Costing only a few cents to produce and plant, a small donation can plant thousands of oysters and help restore the Chesapeake Bay.	Patuxent Research Refuge The refuge is one of over 540 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Established in 1936 by executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Patuxent Research Refuge is the Nation's only National Wildlife Refuge established to support wildlife research. The Refuge is world renowned for its research on endangered species such as the Whooping Crane. Today most of the research on the refuge is conducted by the US Geological Survey (USGS) through the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.
Patuxent Riverkeeper Works full time to improve, protect and preserve the river pulling from a variety of resources to provide advocacy. The Patuxent Riverkeeper uses, science, activism, legal skills and a mixed bag of tools, tactics and resources to champion the causes of the river. The riverkeeper patrols the river and the watershed on foot and by boat in order to facilitate first hand monitoring, organizing, intervention and advocacy to assure that existing preservation laws are complied with. The riverkeeper also works with other public and private sector organizations to build coalitions and strategies that pool the efforts of all the stakeholders throughout the watershed who wish to help preserve and enhance the river and its surrounding watershed.	Potomac Conservancy Protects the health, beauty, and enjoyment of the Potomac River and its tributaries. The Conservancy's primary focus is protection of water quality through land protection and sound land use practices. Because clean water alone is not enough, the Conservancy also works to preserve and restore the Potomac's scenic landscapes, and to enhance river-based recreational opportunities.
Scenic Rivers Land Trust The Scenic Rivers Land Trust is a private, non-profit, non-governmental corporation chartered in 1988 to protect land through voluntary methods such as conservation easements and educating landholders on issues of conservation and stewardship. The SRLT can accept conservation easements within Anne Arundel County. Its focus is the Severn, South, Patuxent, Rhode, and West River watersheds. It works cooperatively with the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) as an authorized MET easement agency. We are also in compliance with the Standards and Practices of the national Land Trust Alliance.	Severn River Association Founded in 1911, SRA is the oldest organization dedicated to the preservation of a river in America and Anne Arundel County's largest and oldest civic group with over 70 communities represented. SRA has many activities and is always on the lookout for new people with talents of nearly any kind. It has activities including outings that put members in close touch with the river and watershed we love, legislative and regulatory action to improve protection for the Severn River watershed, cleanup and restoration projects, and more.
Severn Riverkeeper The Riverkeeper's purpose is to promote, preserve, and restore the environmental health of the Severn River and its surrounding watershed through advocacy and promoting enforcement of environmental laws. Formally speaking, our objective is to improve the Severn’s water quality by reducing the levels of nutrients, sediment, sewage, and toxic chemicals entering the Severn to the point where it can be removed from Maryland Department of the Environment's Impaired Waterways List (Section 303d of the Clean Water Act).	Sierra Club - Maryland Chapter The Maryland Chapter oversees Sierra Club activities in Maryland, and has around 15,000 members. It is divided into ten groups who organize local Sierra Club activities, including the Anne Arundel Group.
South River Federation, Inc. A non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, restore and celebrate the South River and its ecosystem. Behind this mission is growing movement to create a new mindset about the behavior and involvement of every individual who impacts the South River: how we live on the land affects the health of our waterways. The Federation is a growing, healthy, grass-roots nonprofit environmental organization with some 500 members and volunteers, four staff and a board of directors comprised of dedicated community leaders.	South Riverkeeper A fulll-time advocate for the South River and its surrounding community and an affiliate of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a grassroots advocacy organization founded by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The riverkeeper is a skilled environmentalist that is equal parts scientist, lawyer, investigator, educator and advocate. The riverkeeper advocates compliance with environmental laws, responds to citizen complaints, identifies problems that affect the watershed and devises appropriate remedies to address these problems.
Spa Creek Conservancy The non-profit organization fulfills its mission of stewardship of the Spa Creek watershed through education, preservation, mitigation, and restoration. Its vision is to be a model organization for restoring and protecting urban watersheds. Its goal is to keep Spa Creek clean and alive so that it is fishable and swimable, from the headwaters to Annapolis Harbor and the Severn River.	Sustainable Annapolis A City of Annapolis program designed to gather input for the creation of a Community Action Plan that will address sustainability and climate issues confronting the city. Citizen input is being solicited to create a plan that best fits the community.
Unity Gardens Its mission is to empower local groups to build leadership and partnership through the creation of neighborhood greening projects that enhance the quality of life throughout Anne Arundel County.	Weems Creek Conservancy Works to protect, preserve, and improve the Weems Creek Watershed from its non-tidal branches (Moreland and Cowhide Branches) through the tidal creek to its confluence with the Severn River. It works with City, County, State, and Federal Agencies, as well as other environmental and civic organizations, to mitigate the effects of development, educate residents and businesses in the Watershed, and perform restoration projects for the creek.
West/Rhode Riverkeeper A community-supported conservation organization affiliated with the Waterkeeper Alliance. It focuses on enforcement of environmental laws by patrolling the rivers to identify and stop illegal sources of pollution and we hold those responsible accountable. We work to reduce legal pollution through advocacy, education and restoration of habitat.

Services

Green Buildling Law Brief - Whiteford, Taylor & Preston's Green Building Law Brief is a blog covering Green Building and Sustainability issues from a legal perspective. Edited by Will Pearce, LEED AP BD+C, Green Building Law Brief features the collaborative work of members of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston's Green Building and Sustainability Industry Group, a multidisciplinary team of attorneys from our Construction and Surety, Corporate, Community Association, Intellectual Property, and Real Estate practices.

Annapolis Day Spa - is located in the Annapolis Loews Hotel, 126 West Street. They have parking and validate parking and carry purely organic skin, body & nail care. Ytsara treatments offer zero preservatives for those clients who are tired of constant bombardment of chemicals and whose bodies have become intolerant to chemicals. Buy yourself or a friend a beat-the-winter-blues package such as Chocolate Fantasy Package, Winter Warm Ups Package, Wine Indulgence Package, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Package, and Romantic Couple's Getaway Package. View the website for more information on Ytsara products or call 410 263-2228.

Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau – Its purpose is to plan, produce and promote programs designed to increase the volume of visitors, vacation, and conference/meeting business within Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Location: 26 West Street.
The CVB recently renovated its building with insulated windows and low-VOC carpeting and created a garden with all native perennials to keep maintenance at a minimum.
The CVB was named an Annapolis Certified Environmental Steward by earning more than 100 points from a checklist of categories including a wide range of efforts such as recycling, native landscaping, installing energy efficient systems, conserving water, and more, consistently showing initiative to decrease its negative impacts on the Chesapeake Bay and increase awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship.

Herrington Harbour Eco Lifestyle Resort - The property includes two marinas, waterfront event facilities, beachfront lodging and more. The resort follows extensive Green practices and a culture of sustainability. The property has restored wetlands and filters its stormwater runoff with native plants and gardens. The facility offers event design and catering, both on and off-site. Herrington on the Bay has a culinary mission; to specialize in sustainable Chesapeake cuisine, while providing authentic global cuisine to guests who want to share traditional fare with their party. The chefs are inspired to incorporate locally grown produce, locally harvested seafood, and organic, natural, and sustainable raw products from their suppliers. Information: 800 213-9438

Energy Management Associates Energy Co-op - Offers to lower your electric bill by letting you lock in a rate that is lower than BGE. Contract periods of 1-3 years are available. You still get the same energy bill you have always received, but because of deregulation, you decide which company to buy your energy supply from, paying the same same distribution charges and taxes, but the electricity itself. The contract does not transfer if you move to another location. Commercial savings are available too. To learn more, contact Blair Harrison, 410 693-7372.

Ecolistic Cleaning - A bio-based, eco-friendly cleaning service. Ecolistic Cleaning uses Dyson HEPA vacuums, biodegradable and safe cleaning products, and care in your home. Licensed, bonded & insured. Make a positive impact on your family’s health and prevent the dangers of harsh toxins that enter your daily environment.
Free, in-home estimate! Call 443-534-9742 or 888-4-ECOLISTIC or visit our website. Click on the logo..

Bay Forest Cleaners - A "wet" cleaners that has invested in the new green technology offering only environmentally friendly solutions.
Location: 956 Bay Ridge Road, in the Giant Food shopping center. Phone: 410 268-3806

Annapolis Community Food Gardens - Teaching organizational groups – such as schools, churches, hospitals, residential facilities, apartment residents, and neighborhood associations – how to construct, manage, and maintain a community food garden. Contact Helen Loughrey, Executive Consultant.

The Clay Bakers is a paint-your-own-pottery and glass fusing studio. No reservations are necessary. The store was named an Annapolis Certified Environmental Steward by earning more than 100 points from a checklist of categories including a wide range of efforts such as recycling, native landscaping, installing energy efficient systems, conserving water, and more, consistently showing initiative to decrease its negative impacts on the Chesapeake Bay and increase awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship. The store recently incorporated energy efficient appliances and light fixtures into the building and it purchases items for sale from a manufacturer in Baltimore rather than sourcing from further away.

e-cruisers, LLC - a “Green Transportation” company operating all over the state and beyond. The vehicles we use are 6-passenger GEM (Global Electric Motorcar) 100% electric carts that are street legal (on all roads 35 mph or less), have a maximum speed of 25 mph and produce “zero emissions”. They offer several types of shuttle service.

Local Food Beat - Eat foods that have SOLE: Sustainable, Organic, Local, and Ethical. Host your own Sustainable Foods Cooking Class in the comfort of your own home or business. Sustainable foods are those foods which are healthy for consumers and kind to the environment. Learn how to find and make nutrient dense foods which will help heal you and reduce inflammation. To learn about classes which will include Thyroid/Adrenal Education Class, recently written about in the Washington Times, and a new class on Foods for Hypothyroidism, please sign up for the newsletter by contacting. Sharon New-Bauckman, MS, founder of Local Food Beat, 410-206-9343. She is a food and health educator and blogs regularly on her website: www.localfoodbeat.com.

My Green Guide Maryland - is a new resource that educates Marylanders on Green living and helps link you with companies, services and products that can help achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. In addition to articles, guides, and other useful information, My Green Guide Maryland includes a strong, and growing, Green Business Directory in print and also online. If you're getting this email, you are most likely eligible to be included in this directory for FREE! Click here and fill out your information.

Recycling Old Cell Phones

Why not donate that old phone in a way that will help a lonely soldier stationed overseas call home more often. Cell Phones for Soldiers gets paid by a recycler for every phone it collects and that money is turned into calling cards for our troops. From the website you can print out a postage-paid shipping label to send in your phone. Win-win: soldiers get to call home and you recycle your phone responsibly.

Nautical Destinations
Go Green with Environmental Responsibility!
A “Bay friendly” charter program for the Chesapeake offering groups the option to arrange private charters “with environmental responsibility.” Working closely with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, DNR’s Clean Marina Initiative, Businesses for the Bay and Boat US Foundation, Nautical Destinations’ established criteria for their participating boats, caterers and other vendors involved in the charter. Offering both sail and power in Annapolis and Baltimore clients can choose from various yachts including “Lady Pintail,” “Duchess of Pintail,” “Blue Horizons,” and “Schooner Woodwind.” All boats and vendors have signed a “Green Pledge” to confirm their commitment to environmental stewardship ranging from biodegradable cleaners and clean fueling devices to providing reusable tableware and recycling trash. ND is a member of the Green Meeting Industry Council. A portion of each charter fee will be designated as a donation to Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Solar Energy Resources & Sustainable Building
See the Chesapeake Climate Action Network's write up on local sources, including Maryland solar grants.

TerraLogos Green Home Services
TerraLogos Home Energy Inspections© identify a home’s hidden energy leaks and provide a customized improvement plan for reducing home energy costs while improving comfort and health. See the company's online list of Green Links, "partners and green home improvement friends."

Terrapin Adventures
Terrapin Adventures (TA) is all about fun! We have created a new realm of adventure with only wood, rope and cable. Our company is on the cutting edge of fun bringing vacation type adventures from around the world to your doorstep. We've combined fitness and thrills within the context of caring for and understanding our environment. It's fitness in a group environment without the heavy equipment. It's thrills without the carnival like crowds. It's exploring, learning about and enjoying nature as it was meant to be. Our hope is to become a giving and growing part of the Baltimore Washington community by working with local charities, global businesses, tourists and neighbors.

EPA's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program
It helps the federal government "buy green," and in doing so, uses the federal government's enormous buying power to stimulate market demand for green products and services. Geared first to help federal purchasers, this site can help green vendors, businesses large and small -- and consumers so such things as:
* Find and evaluate information about green products and services
* Identify federal green buying requirements;
* Calculate the costs and benefits of purchasing choices;
* Manage green purchasing processes

Free On-Site Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessments
The Maryland Department of the Environment offers businesses free on-site waste reduction assessments through the University of Maryland Technology Extension Service. These assessments are not inspections! They are confidential, completely voluntary and non-regulatory. The purpose is to identify measures that can be taken to make the most efficient use of the energy, water and raw materials you use. You'll receive a report listing specific recommendations that protect the environment, your workers and save you money!
To learn more about pollution prevention and to schedule an on-site evaluation of your business, call MDE's Pollution Prevention Program at 1-800-633-6101 (ext. 4119) or visit the website.

Free Environmental Management System Implementation Assistance
Environmental Management Systems help organizations identify and manage both their regulated and unregulated environmental impacts. Benefits include a strong environmental compliance program, reduced environmental liability, increased efficiency, enhanced image with customers and the public, improved employee environmental awareness and a system for continual
improvement. Assistance is provided through workshops and on-site meetings. Businesses that complete this program are fully prepared to certify to the international ISO 14001 standard for EMSs if they choose to do so.
To learn more, contact Laura Armstrong, MDE P2 Coordinator at 410-537-4119, larmstrong@mde.state.md.us or visit the website.

BLOG

Maryland's Best is your source to find the best local products from Maryland farmers. From produce, seafood, and specialty foods to grains, nursery items, and ag-recreational activities.
Find everything you need and more!

Speakers

Gerald W. Winegrad
Topic: Maryland's and The Bay Region's Inconvenient Truth: The Bay is in Dismal Shape and Clean-up Goals are Not Being Met. What Needs to be Done and How Can We Achieve It?
Former Senator Gerald W. Winegrad presents a power point presentation and leads discussions on the status of Chesapeake Bay restoration and what needs to be done. He discusses the latest EPA Bay Program analysis and data on meeting the 2000 Bay Agreement goals and legislative proposals for restoring the Bay, including a re-worked Green Fund. Senator Winegrad will discusses the necessity of dealing with population growth, sprawl development and the loss of forest land and presents startling data on the impacts of such growth on the Bay's decline. He also details the increasing problems of stormwater runoff and agricultural pollution and the need to address these in order to restore the Bay.
Senator Gerald W. Winegrad is a former State Senator from Annapolis and was the leading environmentalist in the Legislature who was responsible for many great Bay initiatives including the phosphate detergent ban. He Chaired the Senate Environment and Chesapeake Bay Subcommittee and served on the Chesapeake Bay Commission for 12 years. In 2002 he was presented the prestigious Life Time Achievement Award by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. He is a Professor at the graduate School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, where he teaches a course on Bay restoration.

Rita Calvert
Topic: “Food for Life Balance” - Buy Fresh Buy Local Chesapeake Region & Chesapeake Feasts~Farm Tours
ladycalvert.com

Products

Arbonne
At Arbonne, beauty begins with premium botanical ingredients, innovative scientific discovery, and an unwavering commitment to pure, safe and beneficial products. Arbonne creates personal care and wellness products that preserve and enhance the skin, body and mind for an integrative approach to beauty. To learn more about Arbonne products and the Arbonne Green Commitment visit the website or call Trish Brewer at 301-455-0431.

Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company
A locally based micro-roaster of specialty coffees. Its central mission is to provide customers with the best coffee available and to improve and preserve our local watershed. Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company offers a full line of wholesale blends and single origins, and donates a portion of the proceeds from its ‘Tributary’ line of products to various watershed improvement efforts.
Using the most cutting edge and environmentally sound roaster in the world, CBRC roasts and packages its retail coffees on a just in time basis. They are proud to package their coffees in reusable and recyclable steel cans because of their low ecological footprint. Please visit the website for more information on purchasing CBRC coffee -- "Barista Quality Coffees at Home" -- and how you can join in the effort to restore the bay.

Clean Energy Corn - Corn Burning Stoves
See the Chesapeake Climate Action Network's write up on these stoves as a way to reduce the use of electricity and greenhouse gas emissions.

Earth Gals™
Offers hundreds of green, earth friendly products that are good for people and the environment. They sell fun and practical green products for home or business including recycled glassware, jewelry, purses, totes, baskets, pen holders, paper, mouse pads, all natural candles, spices, hand-made brass or copper pepper mills, and more. The craft items benefit the environment, are Fair Trade, and that help people in need either through the production or sale of the items. Locally owned by Annapolis resident Carolyn Hill.

Global Baskets
A Global Basket is an exclusive fair-Trade Ghanaian basket packed to the brim with a dozen practical, energy-efficient, money saving products to protect you and your planet. It is a nine-stop shop in a one-of-a-kind gift collection. Each basket is filled with a dozen environmental products and an instruction book, The Complete Guide to Energy Conservation for Smarties. The basket includes plenty of common sense to guide you to instant eco-smarts and extra money in your pocket. Susan Hartsfield of Global baskets is available for speaking engagements at club meetings and events and is happy to provide home parties for groups of ten or more with a free (empty basket) for the hostess. Susan can be reached at suz@globalbasketcase.com. Visit her website: GreenBeanPublishing.com.

Greenfeet
An online store whose motto is "The Planet's Homestore - Leaving green footprints since 1997." They also produce the free "More Hip than Hippie" podcasts and emails with lots of good ideas.

Miko Wheeler + Co
MW has moved to town! Studio and Workshop located at 1811 McGuckian Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, phone 410-626-0027, email mikowheeler@verizon.net. Stop by to see their ever-growing green materials, smart products and beautiful cabinetry -- Breathe Easy and Neil Kelly -- s well as custom cabinetry & furniture. Keeping Annapolis Green!
Information: Andrea Wheeler at 410 798-9690.

Mixed Greens
The only exclusively Earth-friendly store in Annapolis. They carry recycled, repurposed, organic, sustainable and fair trade merchandise -- everything from skin care products, bags made from recycled billboards, paper made of elephant dung and many products that support women's coops around the world, just to name a few. Location: 48 Randall Street. Phone: 410 216-9830.
The store was named an Annapolis Certified Environmental Steward by earning more than 100 points from a checklist of categories including a wide range of efforts such as recycling, native landscaping, installing energy efficient systems, conserving water, and more, consistently showing initiative to decrease its negative impacts on the Chesapeake Bay and increase awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship. 100% of Mixed Greens' items for sale are made of recycled or reused material and the business is centered around the company's commitment to the environment.

Moving On
It's time to recycle yourself, feel lighter, and more alive. After years of accumulating stuff (both internal and external) and taking care of others, it's time to shed illusions, rearrange our priorities, and more fully embrace our lives. Kater Leatherman's book can be your blueprint to doing just that by getting rid of material and emotional clutter, detoxing your kitchen, and getting you on the road to a personally sustainable life.

Oscar and Olive Osprey: A Family Takes Flight
A book for children with a lovely environmental message for youngsters and instructions on how to build an osprey platform so you can attract an osprey family to your property. “We can stand to learn a lot from these animals, such as the natural structures of family and how life works in stages and cycles. When a child connects with nature, they learn just as much about their inner selves as they do about the outside world,” says author Janie Suss.

Quintain Marketing is proud of the steps it has taken to Go Green including: offers recycled and environmentally friendly promotional products; has a corporate sustainability policy; recycles all plastic, glass, aluminum, and paper waste, and has a compost bin for food waste; powers its offices with 100% wind energy from Commerce Energy through the BGE energy choice program; uses only sustainable cleaning products and post consumer recycled paper and paper goods; on the board of directors of the Annapolis Sustainable Business Alliance, a business group that educates consumers on the importance of buying locally and encourages businesses to adopt practices that are environmentally sustainable and socially responsible; encourages the use of local vendors when sourcing products for customers in an effort to reduce air emissions from delivery vehicles. | Information

Rain Barrels of Annapolis
Recycled oak whiskey & wine barrels make perfect rain barrels and are ideal for eco-concious homes in the Historic District. Delivery and insttallation is available and the company will donate part of the proceeds to Annapolis Green!
To order email or call 410 267-0673. | Information

Rich Morton's Lincoln Mercury of Annapolis – The dealership was named an Annapolis Certified Environmental Steward by earning more than 100 points from a checklist of categories including a wide range of efforts such as recycling, native landscaping, installing energy efficient systems, conserving water, and more, consistently showing initiative to decrease its negative impacts on the Chesapeake Bay and increase awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship. It uses a waste oil furnace to heat the buildings in the winter and a multi-purpose parts washer solvent in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Location: 1013 West Street.

Scotty’s Automotive Service – was named an Annapolis Certified Environmental Steward by earning more than 100 points from a checklist of categories including a wide range of efforts such as recycling, native landscaping, installing energy efficient systems, conserving water, and more, consistently showing initiative to decrease its negative impacts on the Chesapeake Bay and increase awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship. The company uses secondary containment for all bulk hazardous materials and an aqueous (water-based) parts cleaning system. Location: 147 Gibralter Avenue.

Shaklee Products
Local Distributor Helen Fitzgerald tells us that Shaklee has been committed to the environment for over 50 years and was the first Climate Neutral Certified Company. Helen can steer you toward the Green Product Line.

Sustainable Green Home Solutions
Offering garden composters, composting toilets, rainwater harvesting products (rain barrels)

K&B True Value Store
K&B True Value at 912 Forest Drive (you may know the store as Hardware House) has been family owned and operated since 1974. Majority owner Jared Littmann applies his background as environmental engineer and environmental lawyer to the business and he has brought in hundreds of environmentally-friendly products, ranging from organic fertilizers for plants and lawns, to chemical free household cleaners, to paint solvents, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), and much more. Last year was the store's first annual Earth Day celebration and it will be expanded upon this year over the weekend of April 19 & 20. They will celebrate by giving away tree saplings for free, offering sale prices on environmentally-friendly items, giving away free popcorn, and offering live demonstrations on tankless water heaters. Meanwhile, K&B has started to improve or reduce its environmental impact by improving energy efficiency and expanding recycling activities. Jared is always looking for new ideas on products to offer customers and projects he can undertake (like a green roof).
The store is now carrying degradable plastic shopping bags. Here's how they work: Essentially, the company addsan additive to the plastic that accelerates the break down by 100% to 1000%, depending on the conditions. Although the chemistry is not new, the ability to control it so that the plastic serves its useful life is the manufacturer's achievement. Instead of taking decades or centuries to break down, the degradable plastic bags break down over a few months to a couple of years. They are considered degradable, as opposed to biodegradable, because they break down when exposed to light and oxygen, rather than from the action of naturally-occurring micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. Extensive studies and tests confirm that the bags do not leave harmfulor toxic residues to the environment.
The store was named an Annapolis Certified Environmental Steward by earning more than 100 points from a checklist of categories including a wide range of efforts such as recycling, native landscaping, installing energy efficient systems, conserving water, and more, consistently showing initiative to decrease its negative impacts on the Chesapeake Bay and increase awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship. K&B sells and uses its own brand of low-VOC paint which has VOC levels that meet Green Seal’s product standards. K&B changed lighting fixtures to more efficient fluorescents in 100% of its fixtures.

Uptown Redesigns features custom "upcycled" leather and denim bags designed and made by Sandy Philpott. All of her bags are made of previously used leather coats, jeans, and other materials. These treasured items are cleaned and then redesigned into beautiful and unique products. Using as much of the former materials as possible in the new designs, almost every scrap has its purpose in the product and process. Capitalizing on a garment’s original pockets, stitching and trim is part of the fun, and these details are incorporated into the new the designs as much as possible. The bags are also all lined with vintage silk scarves/clothing or discontinued fabric/upholstery remnants saved from going to the landfill. Each bag is individually designed and handmade and is completely unique.

Vivo features regional artists, independent designers, and others who cherish the earth and all of its inhabitants. Its goal is to help you express your individuality ... in your clothes, your home, and your gifts. Location: 6 Fleet Street
The store was named an Annapolis Certified Environmental Steward by earning more than 100 points from a checklist of categories including a wide range of efforts such as recycling, native landscaping, installing energy efficient systems, conserving water, and more, consistently showing initiative to decrease its negative impacts on the Chesapeake Bay and increase awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship. 100% of Vivo's items for sale are Fairtrade and are made from sustainable materials. On average, Vivo! recycles 75% of its total refuse.

How to...

Select sustainable seafood at a restaurant or to prepare at home, courtesy of the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Green Your Holidays - A Tip Sheet

Green Boating
Here's a quick list of "21 Simple Steps to Cleaner Boating" from the BoatU.S. Foundation.

Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program
From the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, in cooperation with the Maryland Clean Marina Program and the Chesapeake Bay Trust with support from Anne Arundel County Waste Management, Mid-shore Recycling and Cecil County Waste Management.

annapolis logo How to start recycling in the City of Annapolis
recycling routes & dates; where to get free bins, yard recyling tips, residential refuse tips & more

green dog How to be a "Green Pet" Owner

How to Start a Pet Waste Station Program in your community

Test Case: Starting a Pet Waste Station Program in Arundel on the Bay

How can you tell if the fruits and vegetables you're buying are really organic -- that is, pesticide-free?
Click here for a handy video that will help you tell if it's conventional, organic, or genetically modified.

From the Spa Creek Conservancy ... but applicable to concern about any body of water

How to Wash and Service Your Car for a Clean Creek - Keep Trash, Oil, Solvents and Toxics Out of Our Creek
How to Control Erosion/Restore Your Shoreline with Natural Vegetation and Habitat - Bring Back Life to Our Creek's Shoreline
How to Manage Your Lawn, Garden, Pets & Work Site for a Clean Creek - Make Our Creek Fishable & Swimable
How to Wash and Service Your Boat for a Clean Creek - Keep Trash, Oil, Solvents and Toxics Out of Our Creek
How to Reduce/Improve Runoff from your Roof, Driveway, Parking Lot - Keep Our Creek Clean & Alive!

Ideas for recycling from Ideal Byte

Earth911 - enter your zip and the item you want to recycle to find local recyclers.
Aerosol cans - most curbside programs will take them.
Aluminum foil - most curbside programs will take them.
Autos - donate them to nonprofits; it's tax-deductible, but there are rules. Ask your tax expert.
Caps and lids - most curbside programs will take them if you separate them from the container.
Construction items (pipes, siding) - some curbside programs take them; if not, contact a building materials reuse organization. Here's a list of them in Maryland.
Household items (appliances such as refrigerators, curtain rods, lawn chairs, pots, pans, tools) - some curbside programs will take them, but in most areas you have to drop them off at a recycling plant.
Paper clips - most curbside programs will take them if they are kept together (put them inside a small cardboard box you are recycling anyway).
Staples - hard to recycle, but note that you don't typically need to take them out when recycling paper.
Wire hangers - take them to your dry cleaner; some curbside recycling programs will take them.

Publications

Edible Chesapeake is a quarterly publication that celebrates the abundance of local and seasonal foods in the Chesapeake watershed. They celebrate family farmers, fishermen, food artisans, chefs, and other food-related businesses, as well as the consumers, home cooks and restaurant-goers who support them.

Taste of the Bay Magazine is a free, monthly cultural magazine serving readers in the Anne Arundel and Calvert counties. Ten issues are produced per year, with two joint issues; July/August and December/January. It is distributed to over 250 specifically chosen locations throughout Annapolis, the surrounding areas, and the Eastern Shore, and mailed to many Anne Arundel County residents. Topics include restaurants, antiques and shops, art and cultural points of interest, home, garden, and family, and healthy and beauty resources.

Chesapeake Bay 2006 Health and Restoration Assessment Report

Major changes in managing growth, agriculture needed to save Bay, by Gerald W. Winegrad, published in September 2007 issue of Bay Journal (publication of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay).

Natural E-Source Newsletter
Free, sent out via email monthly by the Maryland Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It contains information about the natural world and news, offers, and a Just for Kids section.
Register to receive the newsletter