Green News & Events, May 14

by Susanna Parker

Bethesda Green Introduces Energy Tool Lending Library

In partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, Bethesda Green is proud to present our Energy Tool Lending Library. This program is intended to encourage members of the community to start thinking about energy efficiency in their own homes. These basic energy tools will be made accessible, with a refundable deposit, so county residents can explore the energy needs and waste that occurs in their homes. These tools are not intended to take the place of a full energy audit, but rather to encourage residents to start thinking about areas in their homes where energy losses may occur.

For more details on the program, including tool instructions and deposit fees, please visit BethesdaGreen.org. 

Cicadas Return to DC

They’re back! A population of the 17-year cicadas known as Brood 2 will emerge from the ground shortly, and dominate all conversation from North Carolina to Connecticut. Once the ground temperature reaches 64 degrees, which should happen within the next week, millions of cicadas will burst forth in a harmless, but noisy, invasion of the East Coast. All along the I-95 corridor, the song of cicadas will be heard, reaching sound levels of up to 90 decibels – the same level as many rock concerts. The males will emerge from the ground first; they’ll mature to adulthood within one week, latch onto trees, and begin to sing for mates. Male cicadas have been shown to sing both individually and in chorus, which no doubt contributes to the overwhelming volume of cicada song. Though many consider them an annoyance, scientists are fascinated by these noisy insects. Their timing, specifically, is the cause of much scientific inquiry – no one knows how the cicadas know when to emerge! Though some theorize that cicadas track time via the tree roots the larvae attach themselves to, there is still the question of how they time their movements so accurately – how do they know when 17 years exactly have passed? For those who are bracing for a miserable time, take some solace in the shortness of their presence above ground. They’ll mate, lay their eggs, and disappear for another 17 years, all in less than 2 months. Invest in ear plugs and look forward to July!

For more information on the cicadas, please watch the Washington Post video here.

Bethesda Green Events

• APPLICATION DEADLINE: Investor Pitch Training Program, Friday May 17

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to hone your pitch and get expert feedback from our panel of investors. Open to green businesses in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, this educational program is part of Bethesda Green’s efforts to foster the green economy in the DC Metro region. The program is open to tech and non-tech early stage businesses that have both sustainable products/services and a growth-oriented business model. The deadline is this Friday, so don’t delay! For more details and to apply, please visit BethesdaGreen.org.

Upcoming Partner Events

• Bike to Work Day 2013, Friday May 17, 6:30 am – 8:30 am, corner of Woodmont and Bethesda Avenue.

Biking in to work on Friday? Swing by the Bethesda Pit Stop, located at Woodmont and Bethesda Avenue. Presented by Bethesda Commuter Solutions, the pit stop will feature DJ entertainment, state and local dignitaries, raffle prizes & giveaways, bike maintenance checks, and plenty of food and drink to fuel your bike ride into work! Register at Bike to Work Day 2013!

• 5^th Annual Volunteering for Business Day, Saturday May 18, 8:30 am – 1 pm, Button Farm Living History Center, 16820 Black Rock Road, Germantown

Gather your colleagues, invite your clients, call on your customers, and join us for this incredible morning of networking and service. Come prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work; you will be instrumental in providing much needed help to this historic venue in Seneca Creek State Park. There is no charge to participate in this great team-building event; a hearty lunch will be served. For details on the planned projects for the day, and to register, please visit the Corporate Volunteer Council.

• Montgomery County Green Business Certification Program, May 22, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Crossway Community, 3015 Upton Drive, Kensington

Do you want to certify your business or organization as “green” but don’t know where to start? GreenWheaton and Silver Spring Green are proud to present this FREE Green Business Certification workshop to learn more. Offices, congregations, faith-based organizations, retail stores, and landscape companies are all eligible for County certification as a green business/organization. Featured speakers will include Doug Weisburger of the Department of Environmental Protection, Dave Taghipour of All Eco Center, Jon Widrick of Ascensus Law, and Gary Skulnik of Clean Currents.

Register for FREE at http://greenbuscertification.eventbrite.com/

Susanna Parker is a recent college graduate and volunteer with Bethesda Green. Her interest in sustainability leads her to look for green solutions in uncommon places.

 

Investor Pitch Training Program: Applications Due May 17

by Susanna Parker

Bethesda Green is excited to present the Investor Pitch Training Program for entrepreneurs in the green sector. This event is the culmination of our six-month finance workshop series and will put highly qualified entrepreneurs in front of active investors to receive sophisticated feedback on their readiness to seek investment.

Approximately six tech and non-tech early-stage businesses based in Maryland, DC and Virginia will be selected to present. The companies applying should have sustainable products or services and a growth-oriented business model. The Investor Pitch Training Program is ideal preparation for those getting ready to seek financing or for participation in accelerator programs such as CleanTech Open. The selection process for participating companies will be based on feasibility, scalability, business model and sustainable criteria.

The application requirements are as follows: A one page “teaser” company profile; a 3-5 page executive summary including product/service description, competitive advantage, market, revenue generation, team and sustainability; financials; a pitch presentation of up to 10 slides. Because sustainability is a key component of our judging criteria, please be sure to describe the net positive environmental and social impact of your product or service.

This program is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to perfect their pitch through experience and expert feedback. Bethesda Green’s objective with this and our Finance Workshop series has been to promote the growth of the green industry sector in the region. Robert Snyder, Bethesda Green’s Incubator Manager, points out that a major part of that growth is preparing entrepreneurs to successfully access financing. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity — submit today!

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS IS MAY 17. For more information on applying, including application materials, visit the Bethesda Green website. For questions, email Robert Snyder, Bethesda Green’s Incubator Manager, at rsnyder@bethesdagreen.org.

 

Joyful Bath Co. — Luxuriously Sustainable

by Susanna Parker

Rochel Roland is firm in her belief that taking a bath is one of the best ways to relax your body and mind. The founder of Joyful Bath Co. has had a life-long love affair with hot baths but was always disappointed by the bath products available. Some had too much fragrance, others left an oily residue, and all were filled with unnatural chemicals. Rochel began creating her own formulations mixing organic salts, pure essential oils and healing food-grade ingredients, unlike any other bath products on the market. That’s when she realized she’d found her niche, and Joyful Bath Co. was born.

Starting out small, Rochel sold her products at schools, churches, fundraising events, and military facilities all over the area. She was able to interact directly with customers, get immediate feedback and realize the extent of the customer demand for her products. During that time, she also established her supply chain and prepared for growth. In 2010, Rochel exhibited at the natural products industry’s national trade show and began receiving her first large retail orders.

Rochel cares about more than a good bathing experience – sustainability is a big focus at Joyful Bath Co. Rochel selected her manufacturers based on their concern for quality and sustainable sourcing. She strives to balance environmental concerns with product freshness, and deliberately uses glass jars as packaging to encourage recycling and re-purposing. Whenever possible, Rochel uses recycled paper and paper products. The all-natural ingredients that go into all Joyful Bath Co. products are truly 100% natural. Rochel believes that cutting corners doesn’t work if it means acting in a way that harms the environment. Rochel is also concerned about saving water – Joyful Bath Co. gives their customers instructions on how to take a “Power Bath” that provides all the wellness benefits of taking a bath without using any more water than a shower. Joyful Bath Co. soaps are all biodegradable.

Rochel and Joyful Bath Co. joined the Bethesda Green Incubator in October 2012. Since then, Rochel has made business connections through the Incubator and had access to educational resources that have helped her expand Joyful Bath Co. The monthly Incubator meetings allow her to share experiences and tools with the other Incubator companies, and the lunch talks have featured speakers well-versed in starting small, sustainable businesses.

When asked about the overarching goal of Joyful Bath Co., Rochel responds, “Our mission is simple. We just want to help clean up the world one bath or shower at a time.” She smiles, and adds, “And everyone needs to bathe – if not daily, at least every once in a while!”

Joyful Bath Co. products are available at Whole Foods Market, Dawson’s Market, and online at joyfulbathco.com. For bath lovers, Rochel recommends the Bath Variety Six Pack that includes one each of the six signature salts. Soap lovers can try out a variety of soaps by purchasing the travel/trial size bars, available in all six scents.

Susanna Parker is a recent college graduate and volunteer with Bethesda Green. Her interest in sustainability leads her to look for green solutions in uncommon places.

 

Green News & Events, April 9

by Susanna Parker

Committing to Sustainability

Zack Kline, whose company A.I.R. Lawn Care is a member of the Bethesda Green Incubator, has decided to make sustainability his full-time job. Two weeks ago, Zack quit his former job at a payroll company in order to focus on getting A.I.R. Lawn Care on the map. The landscaping company is different from most others due to Zack’s eco-friendly methods. A solar panel mounted on the company truck charges the electric blowers, mowers, and trimmers that he uses to transform neighborhood lawns. Unlike conventional equipment, Zack’s don’t emit either noise pollution or gas fumes, which is especially appreciated during the hot Washington summers. Zack plans to focus on growing his business and cornering the market on eco-friendly lawn care. To learn more about Zack and his company, read Aaron Kraut’s full story on Bethesda Now.

Multiple Oil Disasters Throw a Shadow on the Keystone XL Pipeline

The Exxon Pegasus pipeline incident is not the only spill that has occurred in recent weeks. The same day of the Pegasus spill, the West Columbia Pipeline, operated by a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, was reported to have a potential release of 700 barrels of crude oil. The release, which equals nearly 30,000 gallons, was detected by the U.S. National Response Center. Last Thursday, Coast Guard representatives confirmed that at least 50 barrels of oil had entered into Vince Bayou, a waterway connected to the Gulf of Mexico.

The spill is only the most recent in a series of oil disasters. The Arkansas incident is ongoing, with residents still evacuated from their homes as clean-up workers attempt to clear oil from the small town. Additionally, two rail car derailments in Minnesota and Canada released a combined spill of almost 50,000 gallons. These multiple disasters are giving backing to those who protest the potential Keystone XL pipeline. Michael Brune, the executive director of the Sierra Club, said “Transporting toxic crude oil – and tar sands in particular – is inherently dangerous… This is why Keystone XL… must never be built.”

To learn more about the Texas spill, read Carol Linnitt’s article on DeSmog Canada.

Beekeeper Draws Attention to Colony Collapse

Darren Cox, the national beekeeper of the year, is attempting to use his status to raise awareness of the plight of the honey bee. In a Huffington Post article, Cox explains that colony collapse disorder affects honey bee hives, causing the bees to suddenly disappear and die. The disease is spreading nationwide, and regularly destroys colonies at a rate of 30% a year. However, 2012 saw an extreme rise in bee death, and Cox reported 70% die-off in his hives. Before colony collapse disorder became so widespread, bee death generally held steady at 15%, usually caused by pests and diseases. No one has discovered the cause of colony collapse disorder, but scientists point to a combination of pesticide contamination, poor nutrition, and bee diseases.

Colony collapse disorder has the potential to wreak havoc on the nation’s food supply. Honey bees are the main pollinators of our agricultural crops, and a dramatic population decline could have a major, negative effect on crop output. The cost of having humans do the work that bees do naturally, for free, would be staggering, and the effects would be felt worldwide.

There are ways to mitigate the disorder. Cox urges farmers to spray pesticides at night, when bees are less active, while homeowners and gardeners are encouraged to grow a variety of pollinator-friendly plants, which will provide food and habitat for honey bees.

Upcoming Green Events

• Learn About SCRAP DC, Tuesday, April 9, 7:30 – 9 pm, Bethesda Green, 4825 Cordell Avenue, Suite 200
  

SCRAP DC is a small “creative reuse” nonprofit that diverts useable stuff from local waste streams, affordably offering it for arts, crafts, and education. Join its co-directors for an information session at Bethesda Green. Come hear what SCRAP’s been up to, discuss activities you might do together, and envision bringing a SCRAP location to Maryland.

• Cleantech Open Briefing, Wednesday, April 10, noon – 1:30 pm, Bethesda Green, 4825 Cordell Avenue

Join us for a business and informational lunch briefing in support of the Cleantech Open with special remarks from Joshua C. Greene, Southeast Regional Director. Lunch and refreshments to be served. To RSVP, email Robert Snyder, robertgsnyder@msn.com, or call 240-396-2440 x-103.

• Take a Bite Out of ALS with Gator Ron’s, Sunday, April 14, 11:45 am – 2:30 pm, BlackFinn, 4901 Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda

Support Gator Ron’s, a Bethesda Green incubator company, as it launches a partnership with BlackFinn. Enjoy Gator Ron’s zesty sauces and Bloody Mary mixes. Proceeds help support ALS research.

• Home Energy Workshop in Bethesda, Sunday April 14, 1 – 2:30 pm, Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Lane

This Saturday, Interfaith Power and Light will be teaming up with Groundswell and Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church to teach neighborhood homeowners how to save energy at home. Did you know that proper weatherization could save you 15-35% of your heating costs? Learn about this an other ways to save energy, create green jobs, and shrink your carbon footprint! Food and refreshments will be provided by members of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church. Please RSVP to program@gwipl.org.

• Green Volunteering: Earth Day, Every Day, Monday April 15, Silver Spring

1. Tour of Shepherd’s Table, 4 – 4:45 pm, 8210 Dixon Avenue
2. Green Volunteering Fair, 5 – 6:30 pm, Eggspectation, 923 Ellsworth Drive

Join the Corporate Volunteer Council for our Earth Day, Every Day event in Silver Spring! The afternoon will start with a tour of Shepherd’s Table, which has provided food and services to Montgomery County’s homeless population since 1983. Following the tour, we’ll head over to Eggspectation in Downtown Silver Spring. Learn about green nonprofits in Montgomery County that are focused on environmental stewardship, reuse, recycling, and the protection of natural resources. To learn more about the event, and to register, visit the Corporate Volunteer Council of Montgomery County.

• Bethesda Big Train Fanfest and Celebrity Softball Classic, Saturday, April 20, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Shirley Povich Field, 10600 Westlake Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817

Bethesda Green supporters take note: For every ticket that is purchased online using the promotional code [GREEN], the buyer will receive 20% off each ticket and Big Train baseball will donate $2 back to Bethesda Green for every ticket purchased! All you have to do is enter the promotional code [GREEN] at the checkout page.

Susanna Parker is a recent college graduate and volunteer with Bethesda Green. Her interest in sustainability leads her to look for green solutions in uncommon places.

 

Green News & Events, March 26

by Susanna Parker

Climate Change Could Cause Major Shift in Coral Reef Communities 

Climate change and the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere may result in conditions less favorable to reef building stony corals. The buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has had the effect of increasing oceanic acidity worldwide. When carbon dioxide reacts with water, atmospheric carbon dioxide transforms to carbonic acid. That acid damages hard corals, which secrete calcium carbonate to form a protective outer shell. Softer corals, cousins to the reef building corals, lack the hard outer skeleton that is damaged when the water turns acidic. The changing conditions could lead to a change in the makeup of coral communities. When you combine the less favorable conditions with the softer corals’ ability for rapid colonization, softer corals may out-compete hard corals.

Stony corals are an important member of the underwater ecosystem. Their protective outer layers help provide shelter and habitats for many reef organisms, such as clownfish. Though it covers less than 1 percent of the ocean floor, hard coral reefs support about 25 percent of all marine life. Soft corals do not provide the same shelter to marine organisms, and their dominance could result in a major shift in the underwater environment.

For more information about carbon dioxide and coral reefs, please read the full Huffington Post article.

Obama to Designate Five New National Monuments

Sources from several prominent environmental groups say that President Obama will designate five new national monuments, including one in Maryland commemorating Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railway. The other four monuments are the First State National Monument in Delaware and Pennsylvania, the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico, Washington state’s San Juan Islands National Monument, and Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Ohio. The Antiquities Act, which allows the president to protect federal lands without congressional approval, was rarely invoked by President Obama during his first term. After an internal Interior Department list of potential monument sites became public, House Republicans threatened to repeal the act. Obama therefore kept his first four national monument designations to areas of cultural or historical significance.

Two of Obama’s new designations – San Juan Islands and Rio Grande del Norte – are ecologically valuable. Environmentalists have shown vocal support the president’s move, and local communities near all five monuments support additional federal protections. In Maryland, Governor Martin O’Malley, and Democratic Senators Barbara Milkulski and Ben Cardin had all lobbied President Obama to establish a monument commemorating Harriet Tubman’s work. Brian O’Donnell, the executive director of the Conservation Lands Foundation, praised Obama’s actions, saying “…we are grateful for President Obama’s leadership in advancing conservation at a time when it’s desperately needed.”

For more information, please read the full Washington Post article here.

Upcoming Green Events

• Bethesda Green Finance Workshop Series for Green Business, “Due Diligence: Evaluating a Potential Investment”, Thursday March 28, 8am – 10am, 4825 Cordell Avenue, Second Floor

The fourth installment in Bethesda Green’s Finance Workshop Series will address the substance and process of the due diligence investment evaluation. Advice will also be given on how entrepreneurs should conduct due diligence on the potential investor. Speakers include John May of New Vantage Partners, Mahesh Konduru of Potomac Energy Fund, and David Levine of Geostellar. For more information, and to RSVP, please visit Bethesda Green’s Program Page.

• Non-Native Invasive Plant Removal Class, Wednesday April 3, 6:30pm – 9pm, 3030 12^th Street NE

Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Casey Trees for an educational session on non-native invasive plants. Learn how to identify and control species of non-native invasive plants, including garlic mustard, mile-a-minute, and bush honeysuckle. Once you’ve learned all about invasive plants, you’ll be ready for the Rock Creek Clean-up on Saturday April 6^th! For more information, and to RSVP, please visit here.

Susanna Parker is a recent college graduate and volunteer with Bethesda Green. Her interest in sustainability leads her to look for green solutions in uncommon places.

 

Gov. O’Malley congratulates MD green businesses

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Bethesda Green board member Anthony Millin at the Annapolis Green Business Night, March 13.

by Jennifer Roe

The Maryland state capital was the place for local green organizations to gather Wednesday night, March 13.  The annual Annapolis Green Business Night, a networking event organized and hosted by Del. Tom Hucker, featured a presentation by Gov. Martin O’Malley.  The event was teeming with representatives from numerous green companies, including a few Bethesda Green Business Incubator Companies, such as John Jabara of Savenia Labs, Zack Kline of A.I.R. Lawn Care, and Peter Doo of Doo Consulting.

Bethesda Green board member Anthony Millin spoke on behalf of Bethesda Green and was joined by representatives from Annapolis Green and Silver Spring Green, discussing their mission and current programs. In addition to green business leaders, the event brought other community members such as students who are interested in learning more about Maryland green businesses.

Gov. O’Malley spoke about the importance of green job creation and congratulated the crowd for developing successful green businesses in the state.

Jennifer Roe is a recent graduate of the University of Edinburgh where she received her Master’s in Environment and Development.  She is passionate about building a just and sustainable food system where every individual has the opportunity to lead a successful, healthy life.

 

Altenera Technology: Catching Good (Wind) Vibrations

BreezBee® Wind Panels (Photo by Altenera Technology)

by Dan Kulpinski

Wind does more than make turbines spin: It also causes objects to vibrate. What if the energy in those vibrations could be tapped to generate electricity, using a method that is silent and has no moving parts?

Altenera Technology, a Bethesda Green incubator company, is developing a new device to do just that. Their modular BreezBee® Wind Panel prototype holds many “reeds” that vibrate in the wind. By utilizing a magnetic field, the device transforms the vibrational energy into an electric current.

The reeds can be assembled in panels of any shape and size, which can be connected together like Legos. The panels are light and have no moving parts — both big plusses in cities.

“It’s really the first, practical wind solution that’s good for residential locations because it doesn’t have rotating parts,” said Chase McCarthy, chief business development officer. “You can use sites that never would have been considered for wind before with this wind panel, because it’s small, light and silent.”

Because tall buildings create unusual wind patterns, there’s plenty of opportunity for small-scale wind power in urban areas. “You have very turbulent wind conditions in cities,” said McCarthy.

Altenera’s wind panels could go atop roofs, or form a kind of webbing in the framework of municipal sites such as bridges and water towers, or be used in mobile arrays for military or other purposes.

Chief Technology Officer Morris Kaplan proved the concept when he built a reed-like power source for sensors in remote, hard-to-access industrial equipment. Since beginning work on the technology, he’s filed two patents for Altenera and registered the BreezBee® trademark.

Solar house with BreezBee® Wind Panels. (Image by Altenera Technology)

“Although we’re competing with small turbines, our model is really closer to solar’s,” said Kaplan, who is an internationally recognized researcher in the modeling, design and fabrication of various mechanical and electro-optical components. “We use the same infrastructure and same electronics as solar. We think of the panel as a missing link between utility wind farms and the residential, solar panel market.”

In fact, the wind panels complement solar panels and could be easily installed by solar power companies at the same time they put solar on a roof.

As a start-up company, Altenera seeks to put some financial wind in its sails. “We’re building early-stage prototypes and looking for funding to take it to the final stage,” said McCarthy.

Dan Kulpinski is a freelance writer who covers environmental science and sustainability topics.

 

Green News & Events, Feb. 19

by Susanna Parker

The State of Green Business 2013 Released

The 6^th annual State of Green Business report, created by GreenBiz.com, was released last Wednesday. This year, the report has undergone changes, both in appearance and focus. GreenBiz.com partnered with TruCost to rework the indicators and metrics used to assess progress and have created a new set of metrics that are comprehensive and global in scope. The new metrics also account for changing technology, the vast improvements in engagement & sustainability efforts, and natural capital – the natural resources provided by the planet that are essential for human survival and economic growth. The report asks the question, “What is positive changes are actually taking place?” and provides the trends and indicators to allow readers to analyze the changes for themselves. The State of Green Business 2013 is available for free download at GreenBiz.com.

The Tower Companies Plan Redevelopment of Silver Spring Community

The Tower Companies are planning to launch a multi-billion dollar redevelopment of The Blairs in Silver Spring, a 50-year-old housing community in downtown Silver Spring. The Blairs, which were built before the Metro extended out to Maryland, covers 27 acres and represents a time when shopping centers were dominated by miles of asphalt. The redevelopment will include the removal of some of the older buildings in the community, the construction of several new mixed use buildings, and a focus on green space, with a series of trails and walking paths used to connect the site to the surrounding community. The parks and green spaces will make up more than three acres of the site and are a part of the Tower Companies’ development philosophy that puts emphasis on sustainable design. The project could take up to two decades to complete, and construction will be staggered to minimize inconvenience for the residents and surrounding community. For more information on the redevelopment plan, please read the full article in Washington Business Journal.

Upcoming Events

• Secrets of Scandinavian Sustainable City Planning, Wednesday Feb. 20, 8 – 9:30 am, Bethesda Green, 4825 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda.

Don’t miss out! Doo Consulting presents an exclusive event discussing sustainable communities in Malmo, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark. Christopher Jakubiak, principal and owner of town planning consulting firm Jabukiak and Associates, Inc., will go over the techniques, best practices, and innovations being used to transform old industrial areas into modern, sustainable communities. To purchase tickets and RSVP, please visit the event page.

• Renewable Energy Potential on Tribal Lands Webinar, Feb. 27, 1 – 2:30 pm.

American Indian land makes up 2% of all U.S. land and comprises 5% of all renewable energy resources. Presented by the Department of Energy and partner organizations, this webinar will introduce the recently released National Renewable Energy Laboratory and ICF International studies on tribal renewable energy resources. Learn about location, siting, and transmission issues, along with opportunities for feasible renewable energy development on tribal lands. If you’re interested in promoting tribal energy self-sufficiency and economic development, this webinar is a can’t-miss event! The webinar is free, but registration is required. Please visit the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to register.

• Bethesda’s Sustainable Dodging Diabetes Charity Dodgeball Tournament, Sunday March 10, 9 am – 3 pm, Champions Field House, Rockville

Time to form teams and sign up for the 8^th Annual Dodging Diabetes Charity Dodgeball Tournament! Last year more than 40 teams competed, and raised over $25,000 for diabetes research and treatment. This year, the event is proud to announce its status as the first sustainable dodgeball tournament in the world! The tournament has achieved sustainability through carbon offsets from a Bethesda Green incubated company, organic cotton t-shirts, food composting, and trophies made from recycled materials. So recruit 6 – 10 people for your team, and vie for glory – tournament champions will not only get bragging rights, but have their team’s picture on a box of Wheaties! For more information, visit www.dodgingdiabetes.org.

Susanna Parker is a recent college graduate and volunteer with Bethesda Green. Her interest in sustainability leads her to look for green solutions in uncommon places.

 

Green News & Events, Feb. 12

by Susanna Parker

Green Entrepreneurs Explore Financing Options

Going through a slow economic recovery, some start-ups are finding it difficult to secure investors, with green industry entrepreneurs  having a harder time than most. According to a recent Gazette.net article, Tom Matzzie, CEO of Ethical Electric, was able to land a green energy venture capital deal late last year — but he was the only one in Maryland to do so. Clean venture funding has fallen 28 percent over the last year, but there is hope; clean technology companies accounted for five of the top 10 deals of 2012.

It can be difficult to secure investors without ceding control; investors are trying to get the best deal they can, which may include increased involvement in company operations. The key to finding investors is having the right product, and knowing how to pitch it.

Bethesda Green’s Green Business Incubator is helping new companies become investor-ready, which includes finance and investment workshops as well as helping local investors become more familiar with the green mission. The next session of the Finance Workshop Series & Venture Forum, coming up on February 28, will address the different types of investments that can be utilized by early stage companies, and the financing structures related to each.

A Pledge to Stop Deforestation

Asia Pulp & Paper Group, one of the largest paper companies in the world, has pledged to stop its suppliers from from cutting down natural Indonesian forests. The move, geared toward the preservation of endangered species’ habitats, was created in conjunction with Greenpeace and the Forest Trust. The paper company had been pressured by environmental groups to change its practices, which included cutting down old growth forests to create farmed tree plantations. Their plan will work to retain carbon in two ways:

• The rainforests act as a carbon sink, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and emitting oxygen
• The soil in Indonesian forests is peat-heavy, so by preserving the sanctity of the soil, less carbon will be released from the ground.

The plan went into effect February 1. To read the full article, and for pictures of Indonesian deforestation, please visit The Huffington Post.

Fracking Moratorium Bill Introduced in Maryland House of Delegates

Last Thursday, Maryland legislators unveiled a three-point plan to establish a moratorium on hydrofracking. This legislation came the same week that Baltimore City voted against fracking, and new federal studies highlighted the potential harms of hydrofracking. Delegate Heather Mizeur, lead sponsor of the bill, said that the legislation would “ensure the General Assembly’s role in reviewing the study results before any final drilling decisions are made.”

The co-lead sponsors of the bill are Baltimore County Senator Robert Zirkin and Montgomery County Senator Jamie Raskin. For the full story, along with details of the three-point plan, please read the Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s press release.

Upcoming Events

• The 8^th Annual Spring 2013 Film Series, Wechsler Theater, 3^rd Flood, Mary Graydon Center. American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC.

Hosted by Chris Palmer and presented by the American University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking and Filmmakers for Conservation, this series of environmental films and discussions is offered free to the public with no reservations required.

February 12 @ 7 pm: Animal Planet’s Battleground: Rhino Wars

Battleground: Rhino Wars takes the viewer into the conflict between rhino poachers and a South African anti-poaching unit. The unit, which includes former members of U.S. special forces, finds itself fighting a bloody war as they struggle to put a stop to the cruel, illegal, and highly lucrative trade of rhino horns. Animal Planet’s Senior Director of Production & Executive Producer Erin Wanner will discuss the series, premiering March 7, and reveal the back story of the miniseries’ creation.

More details about the film series can be found here.

• The Next Generation of Transit: the Key to Montgomery County’s Green Future, Wednesday February 13, 6 – 8 pm, Silver Spring Civic Center

Join the Coalition for Smarter Growth, Smart Growth America CEO Geoff Anderson, and Montgomery County Council member Roger Berliner to discuss the future of Montgomery County public transit. Future transit infrastructure should preserve open space, cut our emissions, and reduce our air pollution – and we can take action to make that future a reality. For details and to RSVP please visit the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

• Forward on Climate Rally, Sunday Feb. 17, noon, The National Mall

Join fellow environmentalists on the National Mall to tell President Barack Obama that the time to act against climate change is now – starting with the prevention of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. For more details and to RSVP, visit the event page.

• Secrets of Scandinavian Sustainable City Planning, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 8 – 9:30 am @ Bethesda Green

Doo Consulting presents Chris Jakubiak on “Secrets of Scandinavian Sustainable City Planning,” summarizing his fact-finding tour of Malmo, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark from the perspective of a certified and accomplished City Planner. RSVP — limited seating – breakfast fare will be served.

• 2013 Green School Summit, March 2, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm, Mary Graydon Center, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington DC.

Are you a building professional interested in green development? Or are you a K-12 teacher that wants their school to become more environmentally friendly? Join the U.S. Green Building Council for the 2013 Green School Summit, and learn best practices for sustainable schools, including administrative policies, technical advancements in green building, and how to include sustainability in your school’s curriculum.

The event agenda can be found here and tickets can be purchased through the U.S. Green Building Council.

Susanna Parker is a recent college graduate and volunteer with Bethesda Green. Her interest in sustainability leads her to look for green solutions in uncommon places.

 

Finance Workshop attendees learn investment reality

by Jennifer Roe

Last week, Bethesda Green hosted the second in its Finance Workshop Series for green businesses.  A panel of investment-sector experts — Casey Berman, Jason Shrensky, and Greg Merril — moderated by Anthony Millin discussed what investors are looking for and how to successfully pitch a business.  Each panelist highlighted the do’s and don’ts of presenting to an angel investor with real, honest advice.

Many attendees were surprised with the openness of the panel as participants were encouraged to approach angel investors with caution.  Loren Hurst of Loren Hurst & Associates believed the take away message was that unless you need to, “don’t go to them,” adding that the frankness of answers spoke to the integrity of the event.

Entrepreneur Zack Kline of A.I.R. Lawn Care agreed.  He has always believed it is best to keep control of his business and focuses on building the brand rather than looking for investors, however, he found the workshop thought-provoking.

For Laura Yochelson of Inviting Movement into Life, this was her first finance event and a little out of her comfort zone. Nevertheless,  she found it a great opportunity to begin learning what local businesses are trying to do.  Full Plate Ventures’ Cheryl Kollin thought the panelists did a great job of speaking about the realities of investing, however, she is more interested in social enterprise investment and hopes to learn more about it in future workshops.  Overall, the workshop provided a great opportunity for small, local businesses to come together to discuss challenges they share and how to overcome potential investment hurdles.

Plan to join us Thursday, February 28 for the next installment of the Finance Workshop Series: “Sources of Financing and Deal Structure.”

Jennifer Roe is a recent graduate of the University of Edinburgh where she received her Master’s in Environment and Development.  She is passionate about building a just and sustainable food system where every individual has the opportunity to lead a successful, healthy life.