WeatherizeDC Blog

As a newcomer to D.C., I am eager to explore all this city has to offer. Despite the sprawling National Mall and the throngs of tourists, D.C. is also a network of communities. This blog explores the ways that D.C. residents are banding together to strengthen communities, and building an inclusive green economy from the bottom-up.

I’m sitting in San Francisco.  It is a few hours before my flight back to D.C., and I am feeling tired, windblown, and happy.

Forgive me if I lapse, just once more, into California revelries, but I have just returned from backpacking in the Sierras.  Although it was a short trip, the four days spent in the Desolation Wilderness area of the El Dorado National Forest were a perfect reminder of why I believe it is the duty of our generation to be stewards for this planet.

I have been going camping in the Sierras almost every summer since I was five years old.  The tall, spindly pine trees poking out of cracks in the smooth stone, the Manzanita bushes bordering sections of slippery scree, snow-melt streams running into mountain lakes, and the ridges covered in meadows bursting with wildflowers feel like my second home.

My mom fell in love with the Sierras 30 years ago when she spent the summer building and maintaining trails there.  So it seemed wonderful and appropriate that she, my father, and I would celebrate her 60^th birthday this year by throwing our gear into our backpacks and heading out into the Mountains.

When I was little, I was amazed that if we hiked up high enough we could find snow in the middle of the summer.  I would spend hours and hours hiking to the top of a snow patch and then sliding down it—on my belly, on my back, or headfirst into a half-frozen lake.

While helping me identify plants, my mom explained to me the reason there are wildflowers in the Sierras all summer long: as the snow melts little by little, it thaws and waters a little section of earth that then bursts into bloom as if it were the first day of Spring.

Wildflowers are just a small piece of what depends on that high-altitude snow for summertime survival.  The whole delicate ecosystem of that pristine and gorgeous wilderness area will be altered if we do not mitigate the effects of climate change.

My excursion into the Desolation Wilderness helped remind me how very crucial it is that we ramp up our efforts to promote energy efficiency in DC and create a model green city to be replicated across the nation.

Not only is it good for today’s economy, and tomorrow’s environment, weatherizing homes now helps preserve these treasured wilderness areas…and I know I, for one, would like to slide down a snow bank in the Sierras in celebration of my own 60^th birthday.

 

As a newcomer to D.C., I am eager to explore all this city has to offer. Despite the sprawling National Mall and the throngs of tourists, D.C. is also a network of communities. This blog explores the ways that D.C. residents are banding together to strengthen communities, and building an inclusive green economy from the bottom-up.

This week, I am visiting my parents at my childhood home in California.

I grew up in a very small town, right next door to the commune that my parents lived on until I was born.  The apple orchard that my mother planted 30 years ago is laden with tiny apples, just weeks away from a bountiful harvest, and the garden that my parents have been cultivating for years is overflowing with squash, lettuce, berries, beets, carrots, cherries…you name it.

I consider myself exceptionally lucky to have been raised in a way that so strongly emphasized community.  In addition to the network of friends and neighbors that my parents created living on the Salmon Creek Farm commune, I had an opportunity to create my own network.  My 65-person high school, The Mendocino Community High School, was based on principles of mutual respect and collaboration and echoed the values that I was taught as a child.  My experience is that communities are organic, supportive, creative, and empowering.

Now, coming here for a week, I still feel very connected to the people and the familiar landscapes that I grew up with.  And yet I know that, right now, the communities that I feel most involved with are thousands of miles away in D.C.

Coming back to California has been a reaffirmation of my belief in the power of community.  My parents and their neighbors moved to this rural area 30 and 40 years ago to create a society that reflects their values and beliefs.

Seeing their success makes me encouraged and eager to get back to D.C.  I am excited to continue building upon shared values and harnessing the power of community to create a society that reflects our values and beliefs: a society fueled by a clean energy economy that promotes responsibility and environmental justice.

As a newcomer to D.C., I am eager to explore all this city has to offer. Despite the sprawling National Mall and the throngs of tourists, D.C. is also a network of communities. This blog explores the ways that D.C. residents are banding together to strengthen communities, and building an inclusive green economy from the bottom-up.

On Saturday I had the opportunity to complete my first ever Volunteer Energy Assessment (VEA).  I completed Volunteer Energy Assessment Training a month and a half ago, where I learned to do a preliminary assessment of a home in order to:

• Provide the homeowner with information about home science and WeatherizeDC.
• Give the homeowner do-it-yourself techniques for improving home energy efficiency.
• Advise the homeowner whether he or she is a good candidate for a professional energy audit.

I met my fellow volunteer energy assessors, Abby and Winston, in Takoma Park, and the three of us walked to the house together to meet the homeowner (let’s call her Jane).

Jane welcomed us into her home, a home that she and her family had lived in since she was a child.  She reckoned the house was about 60 or 70 years old, and as far as she knew, there hadn’t been much done to improve energy efficiency over the years.  We sat in Jane’s living room, and spoke with her and her mother for a while about home science and some of the principles behind weatherization.

Jane’s main interest in weatherization stems from the economic benefit that it can provide.  She said there were multiple months last winter when her family was unpleasantly surprised by their energy bill, and that it was an economic hardship she wanted to avoid next winter.

Taking action now will save Jane money and make her home more comfortable next winter.

As part of the VEA, we measured the dimensions of the conditioned space in the house, and collected information from Jane about her energy and gas bills.  We will use this information to provide Jane with a follow-up report that will give her an idea of how her house compares with other houses in energy efficiency.

We did a walk-through of Jane’s house, to look for tell-tale signs of air leaks, which we pointed out to her along the way.  We found a few spider webs in the corners of doors and windows.  Spiders strategically place their webs in spaces with high air flow to increase their chances of catching insects; this helps draw our attention to specific spots in the house that are leaking energy.

We noticed that some of the pipes carrying water from the hot water heater were hot to the touch, suggesting that they are uninsulated and letting heat escape into the room.  We pointed out doors without weather stripping, and mentioned to Jane that the addition of weather stripping would be an easy, do-it-yourself way to start down a path toward improved home energy efficiency.

We left Jane with a few immediate do-it-yourself suggestions for improving her home’s energy efficiency, a packet of information about home science, and a promise to follow-up with her completed report.  VEAs are a great way to help homeowners feel informed and empowered to improve their homes, and help them decide if they want to take the next step towards a professional energy audit and weatherization.

Are you interested in receiving a VEA, or becoming a trained volunteer energy assessor?

As a newcomer to D.C., I am eager to explore all this city has to offer. Despite the sprawling National Mall and the throngs of tourists, D.C. is also a network of communities. This blog explores the ways that D.C. residents are banding together to strengthen communities, and building an inclusive green economy from the bottom-up.

Some people dream of the day when they will meet their favorite musician or movie star. In D.C., people live in anticipation of catching a glimpse of President Obama, or of shaking the hand of a favorite Congresswoman. This very same sense of giddy excitement is what I felt last Tuesday night when I went to hear one of my heroes give a speech at a fundraiser for The Green DMV.

After an enjoyable half hour meandering through the LongView Gallery where the fundraiser was held, perusing the art, and striking up conversations, I had almost forgotten my nervousness. Then, entirely unexpectedly, my mouth half-full of miniature mushroom tart, I caught a glimpse of the very person I was so excited to see.

I recognized Van Jones from photographs, countless articles, and the jacket of his book, The Green-Collar Economy.  Despite my attempted nonchalance, the little start I gave coupled with a muffled squawk I let slip as I grabbed my friend’s arm most definitely gave me away. If that wasn’t enough, I am almost positive I blushed as Van looked in my direction. I tried to play it cool, but he had noticed my reaction, and as I passed by him Van reached out and introduced himself.

As if he needed an introduction.

I pulled myself together enough to shake his hand, tell him my name, and that my time interning at Green For All—an organization that he founded—fundamentally changed the way that I think about the environmental movement.  Phew…

Later, as he gave his speech, I was impressed by the way he balanced wit, an appeal to common sense, and a call to action. But I have read interviews and speeches by Van Jones before.

Meeting Van Jones had an entirely unexpected effect on me. It reminded me that he’s just a person—albeit a motivated, passionate, and exceptionally intelligent person, but a person nonetheless. He helped found a movement that is restructuring our economy, but he didn’t have to be superhuman in order to effect large-scale change. Each one of us has the potential to make just as big an impact on society.

Van’s core message had taken on a new meaning. “Not green for some,” he concluded his speech, “green for all.” I had always taken this to mean that everyone deserves a chance to be a part of the green economy. I now understand that it also means that responsibility for making change does not belong to only some of us, it belongs to us all.

My first impression of D.C. was one of grey monuments and meticulously manicured lawns. That was fifteen years ago on a road trip, but as a newly arrived transplant living in the city, I’m beginning to notice the quirks that make so many people proud to call this place home. My blog entries will explore people at the forefront of creating equitable job opportunities and investing in a local, green economy.

A blustery wind and sideways rain gave way to a gorgeous evening, and we met Bernadine Prince, co-director of DC’s FRESHFARM Markets, at the Penn Quarter farmers' market. She’s teaching us about local food, and my first lesson is that this is not just an outdoor grocery store.

The soapmakers grow their own herbs and flowers, the bakers use only local flour, and the wool started out on sheep in Maryland. In fact, everything sold here came from within 200 miles. By keeping our business local, Bernadine explains, we keep our neighbors employed, our food fresh and our community strong.

There’s more to it than just great produce, though. To reach children and convey the importance of nutrition, the farmers' market adopted Watkins Elementary and built a school garden. Three hundred first and third graders learn science, math, social studies and English lessons integrating the school’s green space.

Last year, the farmers' market also donated $25,000 in food to local charity partners. “It’s a way to build community,” said Bernadine. “After September 11, there was a disagreement about whether to hold the farmers' market that week. We were hurting; the city was very raw. We held it because people needed to come together here, needed to have that backbone of community. And we had record turnout.”

Again, it’s not just an outdoor grocery store.

 

A major component of the market is sustainability. "A sustainable food system is making the farmer more connected to the shopper," she explained. "That's the great thing about a farmers' market - you can talk with the grower." Talking with farmers eager to sell delicious food sounded like a pretty good idea, so we meandered over to a table piled high with fruit. I once taught summer school in Atlanta and have had a weakness for peaches ever since, so I picked up a quart of the best peaches I'd ever sampled and had two with breakfast this morning.

"Every day you eat," Bernadine concluded her lesson, "you can make a difference in the world, just by supporting local farmers."

As a newcomer to D.C., I am eager to explore all this city has to offer. Despite the sprawling National Mall and the throngs of tourists, D.C. is also a network of communities. This blog explores the ways that D.C. residents are banding together to strengthen communities, and building an inclusive green economy from the bottom-up.

On Wednesday, July 7, I hopped on my bike at lunchtime and rode down to the Mall to attend a talk at the National Museum of American History entitled Hip-Hop Humanities: A Day on Earth. The talk was hosted by the 9^th Annual DC Hip-Hop Theater Festival, and was part of an amazing week of events that included live theatre, concerts, and B-Boy jams.

This particular event first caught my eye because one of the panelists, Majora Carter, impressed me immensely when I first saw her speak at Otelia Cromwell Day during my senior year at Smith College. I was excited to get another opportunity to hear her speak—especially regarding such a compelling issue. A Day on Earth addressed “the relationships between ‘Green the Ghetto,’ Hip-Hop culture, the work being done in the environmental sector and how people can get involved on a personal and professional level.”

Ms. Carter joined Rha Goddess, a performance artist and activist, Kymone “Papi” Freeman, director of the National Black LUV Festival, and Kari Fulton, campus campaign coordinator for the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative on the panel. Each panelist introduced themselves and gave some background about the environmental justice work that they have done. They then proceeded to have a discussion about the things that they have found to be most important during their organizing careers.

Despite their different media and experiences, all four panelists agreed that movement building starts with communities, and the way to involve community members is to present ideas in ways that are socially and culturally relevant.

“I really felt you did not have to move out of your community to live in a better one,” said Majora Carter. These words really resonated with me, and made me proud of the ways that DC residents and WeatherizeDC are working to make DC a stronger, healthier, more energy efficient community.

As a newcomer to D.C., I am eager to explore all this city has to offer. Despite the sprawling National Mall and the throngs of tourists, D.C. is also a network of communities. This blog explores the ways that D.C. residents are banding together to strengthen communities, and building an inclusive green economy from the bottom-up.

I have celebrated the 4^th of July in many U.S. cities and towns across the country. Commemorating the holiday in D.C. this year felt different. For days beforehand, the whole city was buzzing as people made plans to join the crowds down on the National Mall to watch fireworks, or to perch on a rooftop and enjoy the impressive display. Red, white, and blue were smattered about the city. People hung American flags from balconies and car windows. Children and adults painted their faces. Patriotic anthems lauding the beauty and strength of the land of the free were heard in the distance, rising up from crowds of friends who walked, arms linked, through the streets of our nation's capital.

July 4^th can represent many things. For many, it is a time to celebrate triumphs and appreciate our freedoms. For me, the holiday's greatest significance is as a time to remember that, as Americans, we are empowered to determine the future of our country. On the 234th anniversary of U.S. independence, we still have the power to change the fundamental direction in which we are headed. 

As I lay on my back on the Mall looking up at the explosions of light and color, I realized that what struck me as truly awesome and powerful was the fact that so many had gathered to celebrate our continued efforts to “form a more perfect union.”

To me, a more perfect union would be one that no longer tolerated irresponsible use of energy or depletion of resources. A more perfect union would be built on the foundation of an inclusive green economy, one that truly supports the idea that “all [people] are created equal.”

Given that we are lucky enough to live in a country that welcomes bold new ideas and actions, we are faced with a very important task:

We must build a movement that will effect fundamental changes in our society.

What would you like to see change by July 4, 2011?

As a newcomer to DC, I am eager to explore all this city has to offer.  Yet despite the sprawling National Mall and the throngs of tourists, DC is also a network of communities. This blog explores the ways that DC residents are banding together to strengthen communities, and building an inclusive green economy from the bottom-up.

On Thursday, June 24, I joined a group of interested community members at the WeatherizeDC office to learn how to conduct volunteer energy assessments.  A volunteer energy assessment is a walkthrough of a home conducted by a trained volunteer in order to:

• Get to know the homeowner and build a personal relationship.
• Educate the homeowner about home efficiency and home science.
• Provide the homeowner with actionable recommendations for do it yourself measures.

Home energy assessment fills a necessary gap.  It allows interested parties who are not ready to receive an energy audit a chance to learn more about the benefits of weatherization, and get some immediate do it yourself energy saving tips—all for free!  Moreover, it gives volunteers a chance to learn more about home science, and engage with community members.

The training takes about an hour and a half, and includes home performance statistics, role-playing, and a virtual walk through a house to learn to identify areas of energy inefficiency.  The training was conducted by WeatherizeDC Field Director, Sam Witherbee, and Jacob Weiss of Ardently Green—a home performance company that partners with WeatherizeDC to provide low-cost audits and weatherization in the DC metropolitan area.  This was the second training of its kind, and there will likely be more to come.

Trained volunteers will be frequenting Farmers’ Markets and other community events providing information about home energy assessments.  If you are interested in receiving a volunteer energy assessment of your home, or if you wish to volunteer, please send inquiries to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Last Saturday, June 19th, I had my first experience working in the field with WeatherizeDC. A team of us went out to the Chevy Chase Farmers' Market to speak with people about weatherizing their homes. We also provided information about how to get involved with the organization and how to help D.C. form a more green, energy efficient economy.

As soon as we arrived, I saw the vibrant colors of the locally grown vegetables and flowers. I was also immediately struck by the delicious aromas of the fresh made waffles and paella drifting around the market. After vowing to discover if the food tasted as amazing as it smelled, I started to scan the area for potential people to talk with about WeatherizeDC.

I was nervous about approaching complete strangers on a Saturday morning while they were doing their weekly grocery shopping. Additionally, I have zero canvassing experience and I was worried that I would not be received well by others. However, I knew it was important for me to overcome these apprehensions because I wanted to be a part of a larger plan to educate the D.C. community about the numerous rewards of home weatherization.

My first conversation started with one of the local vendors, Richard, who was selling farm raised oysters. He was interested to hear about WeatherizeDC and our impact in the community. To my delight, he was interested in exchanging ideas about reducing the community's carbon footprint while also creating sustainable, local, green jobs. Our conversation ended on a high note, and I wrote down Richard’s information to contact him about future involvement opportunities. After one of our fellows, Leah, promised to return to Richard’s booth at the end of the day to buy oysters as a Father’s Day gift, I continued onward into the market to find more D.C. residents.

I spoke with many different people, and our conversations further convinced me that the mission of WeatherizeDC is both vital and achievable. I began to realize that this is what makes the organization so unique; it offers realistic solutions to the growing problems of carbon emissions and urban unemployment. It seems that almost every day I hear another story about investment into green job creation. WeatherizeDC offers the community the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in this green job formation because every time a community member elects to have their home weatherized, a demand in that job market is created.

My experience at the Chevy Chase Farmers' Market was more enjoyable and successful than I could have ever imagined! Other than the fact that I did not apply nearly enough sunscreen, the event was wonderful because it allowed me to educate and excite the community about WeatherizeDC.

The experience I had reminded me of something I heard in school a few years ago; which is that the best way to truly learn something is to teach it to others. I found this to be completely accurate because I also learned from each of my conversations about WeatherizeDC and its effect on our environment and local employment.  I am looking forward to attending future WeatherizeDC events where I can continue that dialogue that inspired me at the Chevy Chase Farmers' Market. I am also happy to report that the food at the farmers' market did not disappoint! I am still thinking about those astounding homemade waffles. Hopefully, at the next event I will see you there and we can enjoy the delicious food and progressive conversations together!

 

I feel like every time I read the news, there is another terrifying revelation about the magnitude of the oil spill in the Gulf.  Tonight was no different.  “Efforts to Repel Gulf Spill Are Described As Chaotic,” reads the headline of the New York Times article, and it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed and despondent.  I fight back that pit-of-your-stomach ache that I get every time I hear more bad news about the Gulf, and I try to focus.

I have to concentrate on what I can do.  This spill should make us all reevaluate our energy use. Are we engaging in what Saleem H. Ali referred to as responsible consumption?  Rather than let each new piece of news about the spill get me down, I let it fire me up, pushing me to decrease my own carbon footprint, and encourage others to do the same.

I’m not in the Gulf Coast. I can’t get on a boat and help lay out booms. I certainly don’t have engineering expertise to design a quick fix to the oil that continues to flow unabated … but that doesn’t mean that my reaction to the spill does not serve a purpose.

The reason BP was out there drilling 5,000 feet below sea level in the first place, is because oil is in such high demand. So let's start by decreasing our energy consumption. Retrofiting 75,000 homes would save as much energy as was wasted in the BP oil spill ... that seems like a good place to start. 

Has this environmental disaster inspired you to change your day-to-day life? If so, how?