Our Nation’s Capital Goes Green, Did Anyone Notice?

So at least our nation’s law makers are giving it a go….

Nancy Pelosi swept into the speakership in 2007 with an ambitious plan to reduce House energy consumption by 50 percent in 10 years. At the time, the House alone was responsible for producing 91,000 tons of greenhouse gases, an output equivalent to the emissions from 17,200 cars. Now, sugarcane plates and cornstarch cups have replaced Styrofoam and plastic in congressional cafeterias, waste is composted, and the food is often local and organic. Four hybrids have been introduced into the Capitol fleet, energy-saving vending machines have been installed, and the Capitol and House office buildings draw part of their electricity from wind power.

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2008/11/retool-wonkforce

Well, some of them have… Senators Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), both from major coal-producing states, have blocked any effort of changing the fuel source of the Capitol Power Plant, DC’s only coal plant and a serial violator of the Clean Air Act.

Preformed Rubber Mulch for Trees

I’m a big fan of the whole reduce, recycle, reuse, repurpose mantra, but this looks so incredibly unnatural….

Seriously…

Minimizing pesticides and fertilizers

Pesticides and fertilizers can cause significant harm to public health and the environment. Most pesticides contain potentially toxic chemicals that can cause negative health effects such as cancer and neurological and reproductive disorders. In addition, pesticides can migrate into lakes and streams when it rains. When fertilizers enter a body of water, they can cause oxygen levels to drop, killing aquatic life and posing risks to other species.

It is possible to have healthy, great-looking plants and grass while minimizing the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Minimizing the use of these chemicals means that you don’t need to purchase them as often, thereby saving money. Consider purchasing organic fertilizers (such as compost) or even composting your own food and landscaping wastes for use as a natural soil amendment. Remember that you can grow Giant Organic Pumpkins from Compost that are awesome and environmentally friendly.

As a reminder, here’s what does and doesn’t work in your compost pile:

What to Include

• From the Garden
  • Leaves (chopped – to speed their breakdown)
  • Grass (not wet)
  • Plants & Weeds (without ripe seeds)
  • Old potting soil
  • Soft plant stems
• From the Kitchen
  • Fruit scraps
  • Vegetable trimmings
  • Egg shells (crushed)
  • Tea bags
  • Coffee grounds with filters
  • Shredded paper

DO NOT include…

• • Meat, fish and bones
  • Plastics
  • Metals
  • Fats and oils
  • Dairy products
  • Pet waste
  • Cheese, meat or other sauces

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management is an approach to pest management that helps reduce the use of pesticides. IPM means preventing infestations before they start, and using pesticides only when necessary. There are various IPM approaches that you can adopt to decrease over all reliance on chemical-based pest control. Consider the steps below:

• Use native plants, trees, and grasses.
• Fill cracks in walls and pavement.
• Keep vegetation at least 1 foot away from structures.
• Clean food-contaminated dishes right away.
• Clean garbage cans often.
• Make sure compost bins are properly maintained.

Additional Resources

• National Coalition Against the Use of Pesticides: Beyond Pesticides
• National Coalition Against the Use of Pesticides: Gateway on Pesticide Hazards
• National Coalition Against the Use of Pesticides: Alternatives
• EPA: Pesticides
• EPA: Topical & Chemical Fact Sheets
• Pesticide Action Network: Pesticides Database
• Pesticide Education Center: Educational Materials
• Food and Agriculture Organization: Fertilizers as Water Pollutants
• EPA: Local Drinking Water Quality
• US Department of Agriculture: Water Quality Information Center
• National Institutes of Health: ToxNet
• Environmental Benefits and Cost Savings Calculator for Purchasers
• EPA: Pesticide Product Information System
• Penn State: Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program