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Eco-Coach, Inc. is one of CarbonfreeDC's business partners for the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover. This eco-consulting firm specializes in helping businesses and individuals become more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and healthy. For the Makeover, Eco-Coach will conduct eco audits in our deserving homes so we know the best way to make the biggest impact.

Back in November, Eco-Coach's founder, Anca Novacovici, gave a presentation at a CarbonfreeDC workshop on Energy Efficiency. If you're interested in greening your own home alongside the work CarbonfreeDC is doing in Deanwood & Shaw, follow some of Anca's tips below.
  • Seal air leaks: Using caulk, spray foam and weather stripping to seal air leaks around doors, windows, in crawl spaces & in basements will keep outside temperatures out and inside temperatures in. Most leaks are easy to detect, simply use your hand to feel for differences in temperature around these areas.
  • Manage air temperature: Installing a programmable thermostat will allow you to schedule temperature changes in your home so the A/C or heat is only working while you're there. Keep the A/C set at 78 degrees in warm months and at 73 degrees in cool months. Clean or replace your A/C filter on a regular basis. Use a fan when air conditioning is unnecessary.
  • Improve Your Appliances: If you're running old appliances in your home, consider replacing them with Energy Star rated ones. Run the dishwasher and laundry machine full. On the dishwasher, turn off the "heat dry" setting and on the laundry machine, wash clothes in cold water. Vacuum the coils on the back of your refrigerator. Air dry clothes when possible.
Learn more about energy effeciency and Eco-Coach on their website!
 
Why DC? Why Now? 08/13/2009
 
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Here in DC, our Congressmen and women debate climate policy and our energy future - yet they live and work in a city that produces more global warming pollution per capita than almost any other in the world.  And while plenty of powerful people live in the District, our nation's capital has the third highest poverty rate in the country. 

These two facts alone are sufficiently convincing reasons to launch the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover in DC, but let's not forget the many inspiring activities happening in our community that make this the perfect moment for this project.

One of CarbonfreeDC's community partners in the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover is locally founded, GreenDMV. At a time when the economy is in turmoil, Green DMV is creating green jobs and helping green businesses thrive in struggling areas of DC. GreenDMV also hosts training seminars and classes on green job skills that help create a pathway out of poverty. Many of GreenDMV's program graduates will be working with CarbonfreeDC to green the deserving homes.

Deanwood, one of two neighborhoods chosen for the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover, is on the cusp of a green revival. Groundwork USA, an initiative launched by the EPA and the National Parks Service, recently launched the Groundwork Anacostia River DC. This project aims to bridge the communities on both sides of the Anacostia River and provide eco-education, community restoration, installation of new parks and more. CarbonfreeDC is excited to be a part of the many green initiatives taking shape in Deanwood.

It's not just by chance that the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover is taking shape in Washington. The need is here because of carbon emissions and poverty levels, and the time is now because of our incredible organizations and initiatives.

Join us!
 
 
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The Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover is not just about greening 20 deserving homes, it's also about educating our community on individual actions that will reduce DC's environmental impact.

To that end, CarbonfreeDC is planning several ways to make this project a learning experience for everyone.

Before we launch these programs, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the many eco-friendly shops in DC that carry all the supplies you'll need to green your home.

The following are not only great eco-shops in our area, but they're also sponsors of the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover!
 
 
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We're super excited about the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover. Judging by the response around DC, you guys are excited too.

To give everyone an opportunity to be involved in this project, we're hosting the Extreme Green Gala on Friday, October 9 at The Mott House. The Gala will feature dynamic speakers, organic food, a bar, music and an environmental art sale benefiting the WVSA youth art program. This is also an incredible networking opportunity.

All the proceeds from this incredible event will benefit CarbonfreeDC's work and the families participating in the Makeover. At $25 per ticket, this is a fun and affordable way to help make this project a huge success.

Learn more about the Extreme Green Gala and purchase tickets by clicking HERE.
 
Get to Know Shaw 08/10/2009
 
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Nestled along the U street corridor, south of Howard University and bordered roughly by N Street NW to the south and New Jersey Ave NW to the east, the Shaw neighborhood has a vibrant past and a bright future.
 
 
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CarbonfreeDC's "Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover was chosen by a panel of judges. One of those judges was Dave Haft, the Group Vice-President for Sustainability and Productivity at Frito-Lay.

Dave released some post-contest observations and look what he said about our proposal:

My top pick is 'Launch Green Extreme Neighborhood,' which would upgrade 20 homes to be more energy efficient in a low income Washington, D.C., neighborhood. For a relatively small investment we can reduce environmental impact and educate people on how they can reduce their personal environmental footprint while reducing household expenses. Expanding this concept to broader community education can have a 'pebble in the pond' effect where hundreds or even thousands become interested and engaged in environmental sustainability.

His top pick! Thanks Dave.

You can read more about Dave Haft on the Green Effect website
 
 
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At the extreme eastern corner of the District’s diamond, Deanwood embodies a calmer, small-town feel that is often missing from the fast-paced bustle of the more central neighborhoods. The neighborhood’s charm can be attributed to the influence of well-known African-American architects W. Sidney Pittman and Howard D. Woodson. Deanwood’s residents have also been responsible for designing and building many of the neighborhoods' homes.
 
 
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CarbonfreeDC is super excited to announce that the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover will take place in the neighborhoods of Shaw in eastern Northwest and Deanwood in Northeast DC.

Thanks to Pastor and Mrs. Newell of the New Covenant Evangelistic Center and Commissioner Sylvia C. Brown for their compelling nominations that lead to our decision to choose these neighborhoods.

We can't wait to announce the deserving families from Shaw and Deanwood. Keep an eye on this blog for more information on these neighborhoods!
 
 


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Come help.  Take part in the community.  Gain recognition for your business! 

 On July 22, 2009, CarbonfreeDC was chosen as one of five winners of Green Effect, National Geographic’s high-profile competition that grants $20,000 to implement green ideas in local communities.  With our awarded $20,000, we hope to green 20 low income homes in DC and WE NEED YOUR HELP!  

With only $1000 for each home, we are asking you to help up leverage our dollars and reach our goal of making 20 homes more energy efficient and eco-friendly.
 
 
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Check out some of the awesome volunteers who came out for the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover planning meeting. Over 50 volunteers are involved in helping us green 20 local homes. Thanks for your help everyone!