Bethesda Green was created in January 2008 to serve as a living model to sustain the current and future development of Bethesda by promoting energy efficiency, recycling and a community-wide environmental ethic. A collaboration of residents, businesses and government, the organization was formed to educate, share information and promote sustainability initiatives with the multiple stakeholders of Bethesda and Montgomery County, Maryland.

Much of the work of Bethesda Green is accomplished through seven volunteer working groups that serve as a forum for citizens to come together, define a common vision and contribute to the creation of programs that help make the community a better place to live and work. More than 150 volunteers from the Bethesda community have participated in monthly meetings and have helped identify issues, develop strategies and participate in projects. Each working group is comprised of subject matter experts, community leaders, local business owners, and engaged citizens.

The active working groups are:

• Education, Outreach and Marketing – Create educational programs and events, share information and best practices, gather and distribute feedback and promote Bethesda Green and partners in collaboration with all stakeholder groups.
• Recycling and Sustainable Materials – Conduct projects that reduce landfill waste and pollution by optimizing use of reclaimed, recycled and environmentally friendly materials.
• Energy Efficiency, Renewables and Carbon Reduction – Promote energy efficiency programs that reduce the carbon footprint of Bethesda by introducing sustainable living practices, products and services to commercial and residential customers.
• Sustainable Transportation – Establish local and regional programs that improve transportation efficiency, reduce gridlock, create a pedestrian and bike friendly lifestyle and leverage local assets like the Capital Crescent Trail and Metro.
• Sustainable Food – Encourage biodiversity, promote environmentally friendly and humane farming methods, local food, and healthier eating
• Greening Business – Help business integrate environmental and social responsibility principles into their operations and strategy to strengthen the bottom line, minimize impact on the planet and build a more sustainable community.
• Green Planning and Design – Smart growth and green development of Bethesda. Focus on green building, greenscaping and urban planning.

Bethesda Green’s first significant environmental project was the introduction of recycling bins within the business district. Bethesda Green offered sponsorship opportunities to secure funding for the bins. Each bin included a plaque with the name of the sponsor(s) along with an environmental “educational fact” to increase public awareness of the importance of conservation. To date, Bethesda Green has procured 15 recycling bins, and in partnership with Bethesda Urban Partnership, placed them next to existing trash receptacles in three areas of Bethesda’s commercial district.

Other successes include:

• Introduced green initiatives with partners to purchase clean energy, conduct home energy audits, recycle crayons for kids and recycle toner cartridges for businesses.
• Hosted an e-cycling day in partnership with Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and collected 100,000 lbs. of electronics such as TVs, microwaves, and computers.
• Negotiated two-year rent-free license agreement from Chevy Chase Bank for 3,000 sq. ft. which will become a green education/demo center showcase for local sustainability solutions and an incubator to encourage the launch of local green initiatives. The Bethesda Green Incubator is a public-private partnership, the first of its kind that Montgomery County Department of Economic Development has entered.
• Hosted a ‘Be Green’ Showcase on September 24, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda with more than 40 tables and 60 green vendors and exhibitors. Over 400 people attended to learn how to make a difference in their homes, business and community.
• Kicked off a monthly “best practices” themed program that weaves tips, resources and educational links into monthly newsletters, an interactive website, local events and green initiatives. Topics include Energy Efficiency, Recycling and Reuse, Green Purchasing, Alternative and Green Transportation, Greening the Home and the Local Green Economy.

Check out the Bethesda Green website and learn more about our latest activities