Focus Areas

Bethesda Green is an information resource for members of the community creating a local model for sustainable living.  Volunteers are organized in Working Groups around key topics of sustainability to plan and implement programs and events.  Groups meet monthly at the Bethesda Green Center. Consult the calendar for details.   

Find a topic of interest and join the efforts to create a sustainable community.

Sustainable Food and Agriculture
Seeks ways to strengthen relationships in the local producer-consumer food chain by organizing and promoting activities such as:  

• Farm tours

• Farmer's markets
  

• Healthy school lunches
  

• Partnerships with healthy food stores
  

Recycling and Sustainable Materials
Identifies, recommends and manages the implementation of projects that reduce landfill waste, pollution, and toxic materials by optimizing the use of reclaimed, recycled and environmentally friendly materials.  Programs and events include:

• Recycling bins in downtown Bethesda

• E-cycling day, an electronics recycling event
  

Green Schools
Seeks to connect with public and private schools, as well as environmental educators, to encourage the introduction of green programs to school-aged children.

Sustainable Transportation and Land Use
Identifies ways to improve transportation efficiency, reduce gridlock and energy consumption, and create a pedestrian and bike friendly lifestyle by:

• Serving as an information hub about Bethesda Transportation Solutions and other resources

• Expanding the number of bike racks throughout the downtown business district
  
  

Energy Efficiency
Educates local businesses and residents about new products and services to become more energy efficient and save money.  Projects include:

• GreenerLiving Bethesda – track your energy usage and discover ways for improvement

• Biodiesel fuel initiative – surveying restaurants about repurposing waste vegetable oil
  

Education, Outreach and Marketing helps tell Bethesda Green’s story by:

• Designing educational programs

• Collecting and sharing best practices

• Using traditional and social media to engage and educate