Bethesda Green Is “A Local Model for Sustainable Living”
CommunitiesPublished September 7, 2011 at 6:35 pm No Comments
Bethesda, Maryland has a green champion on its side. Bethesda Green is a non-profit organization comprised of individuals, businesses and government entities dedicated to promoting sustainable living and green thinking. It is a unique idea with a big local impact. The education, support and awareness offered by Bethesda Green has created a community that works together to support green business, promote green initiatives and create green change on every level, from family activities to government policies. It is a concept that shows how easy it is to incorporate green living into your community when you have a group of dedicated and enthusiastic people at the helm.
The Bethesda Green initiatives focus on three areas: incubate, educate, and initiate. Here is how those areas have helped Bethesda become a greener place to live:
Incubate
Bethesda Green incubates green business ideas and growth. The Bethesda Green incubator began in 2009 and remains focused on encouraging and supporting the creation of green or energy efficient companies. Companies interested in the incubator must apply and submit a business plan to Bethesda Green’s incubator program, and those that make it in are carefully selected on a basis of sustainability and positive local impact, among other criteria. Businesses that are accepted are given a large dose of support, from shared office space and supplies to marketing assistance. In this manner, Bethesda Green is supporting and encouraging the formation of businesses that are focused on community, support the local economy and promote environmentally sound practices. It’s a win for everyone involved.
Educate
A large portion of Bethesda Green’s efforts are focused on educating the people of Bethesda on all things green, from recycling to sustainability. Since the organization’s formation in 2008, Bethesda Green has worked to help the local community by offering and promoting educational events and programs such as local farm tours, a farmer’s market and green-themed street fairs offering information and products.
Initiate
Bethesda Green’s initiatives are far reaching in that they are designed to support every aspect of green living and change within the local community. Bethesda Green is also unique because it can implement successful programs due to the participation of people, from business owners to government officials, who can put plans into action. It’s a model that makes sense, as more good can be done with diverse people working together toward common goals. Examples of the work this group has successfully brought to life include partnering with the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection to recycle electronic items and microwaves, creating community recycling initiatives and conducting surveys and research projects to gather information that can lead to sustainable change.
The Bethesda Green organization was recognized by Montgomery County as one of the first local organizations to receive a Green Business Certification. Bethesda Green in turn recognizes local green champions with its annual Bethesda Green Gala, to be held this year on October 5, 2011 at the Round House Theater in Bethesda, MD. The purpose of this event is to recognize and reward all of the local people and businesses who work hard during the year to promote green living. The gala offers a chance for these groups and individuals to celebrate their accomplishments and receive recognition for being the agents for sustainable, local change in the community.
