Category: Environment

Connecting with Nature: Walking in the Rain

Connecting with Nature: Walking in the Rain

With pots on the stove and dinner underway, I realized that we were out of barbecue sauce for our pulled pork. With a grocery store just a couple of blocks away, my typical response would have been to hop in the car, especially since it was raining. It would take just a few (dry) minutes […]

Great Green Escapes: Mt. Vernon Trail

Great Green Escapes: Mt. Vernon Trail

A version of this story originally appeared in my Green and Simple column on the Old Town Alexandria Patch. During the school year, I had a standing date with a friend whom I met 10 years ago at a new mom’s group at Alexandria Hospital. I had just had my first child and was in full-scale panic mode, […]

Feeling a Little Batty? Head to the Bat Festival

Feeling a Little Batty? Head to the Bat Festival

If you live in the DC metro area, here is a family friendly event that is sure to drive you batty. From the folks over at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington: Enjoy a thoroughly batty evening and add to your knowledge of local night life at this bat conservation and appreciation program. See a […]

Make Your Own Compost Tumbler

Make Your Own Compost Tumbler

Want to start composting but don’t want to deal with a compost pile? If you are local to the DC metro area, here is a great opportunity to make your own compost tumbler. Much like the make your own rain barrel programs, you pay a fee, show up and use the materials and tools supplied […]

Collateral Damage from Spraying to Kill Mosquitos: Is It Worth It?

Collateral Damage from Spraying to Kill Mosquitos: Is It Worth It?

Last week there was a very timely letter to the editor in the Washington Post concerning the business profile of the owner of a Mosquito Squad franchise. Mosquito Squad which sprays yards against mosquitos and other insects and the franchise owner is on target to make a handsome profit this year at the expense of these […]

From Mini-Farm Preschool to Traditional Kindergarten

From Mini-Farm Preschool to Traditional Kindergarten

A version of this story originally appeared in my Green and Simple column on the Old Town Alexandria Patch. Last week the youngest in our clan graduated from preschool, and I find myself feeling conflicted about the transition ahead. Our son has been at this school for his entire preschool life and has been pretty content for the […]

Great Green Events in June

Great Green Events in June

June is a great month to head outdoors. Here is a guide to great green events happening this month. June is Great Outdoors Month Celebrate the occasion by taking advantage of all that our great city and nearby areas have to offer. From bike trails to farmers markets to parks and playgrounds, there are plenty […]

Eco-Friendly Events in May

Eco-Friendly Events in May

Lots of great green ways to get involved. Check out this list of upcoming events, activities, and observances happening this month: Statewide Invasive Plant Removal Day Saturday, May 5 Join volunteers from across the state for the 4thannual state-wide invasive plant removal day. Alexandria is hosting three sites across the city at Chinquapin Park, Dora […]

Earth Day Trashion Show Featuring Students' Handmade Designs

Earth Day Trashion Show Featuring Students’ Handmade Designs

Tomorrow is Alexandria’s the big Earth Day celebration at Ben Brenman Park and one of the key events is the 2nd Annual Trashion Show. Public school students from across the city will participate in the Trashion/Upcycling Show, where students sashay across a stage in handmade designs made from trash and recyclables. My kids participate in […]

Make an Earth Day Pledge Today!

Make an Earth Day Pledge Today!

Earth Day is just a few days away. What commitment will you make to have a more positive planetary impact? (My commitment for this year is to reduce food waste  — more on that soon!) Need some ideas? We’ve got you covered with the following suggestions: Learn More Read a book. The Green Book: The […]

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