Want to learn more about how to join in the sustainability movement in DC? We have assembled a round-up of some of DC’s most useful resources to learn about the environment and sustainability in DC. You can jump to a specific section using these links:

Green Guides
Environmental Resources for Educators
Legislation and Policy

Green Guides

Here you can find DC-focused environmental guides.

DSLBD Green DC Restaurants Action Manual

The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) created this guide to help food service businesses become more sustainable with tips, strategies, free tools, overview of DC policies and examples of other DC Green businesses.

http://dslbd.dc.gov/sustainablefoodbusiness?utm_source=Sustainable+DC+Listserv&utm_campaign=77d4a948fe-May_2016_Newsletter5_12_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_563ec47ce3-77d4a948fe-77684209

Get DC Trees

Residents can suggest new planting locations to DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration on this app. UFA will then prioritize requested areas in its Fall planting season.

http://getdctrees.org/

Environmental Resources for Educators

Are you an educator looking to teach a class, school group, or home-school children about the environment? Here you’ll find environmental lessons and activities catered toward teachers.

Green Classroom Professional Certificate

The GCP certificate program provides pre K-12 educators and school staff with the knowledge to identify what supports or impedes healthy, resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable learning spaces.

http://www.usgbc.org/classroom/gcp

Nature Works Everywhere

Nature Works Everywhere gives teachers, students and families everything they need to start exploring and understanding nature around the globe alongside Nature Conservancy scientists. The interactive lesson plans align to standards and can be customized for each classroom.

https://www.natureworkseverywhere.org/home/

Project Learning Tree

Environmental education program, which includes curriculum, lesson plans, and resources designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.

https://www.plt.org/teacher-training-in-environmental-education

U.S. Green Ribbon Schools program

The U.S. Department of Education environmental recognition award program that honors public and private schools for K-12 schools. This program also has environmental resources and best practices to share.

http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.html

Legislation and Policy

Are you a policy wonk, journalist, or informed citizen trying to understand legislation, regulations, and policies affecting the environment in DC? We’ve brought together summaries and full-text of the some relevant ordinances here.

DC Environmental Literacy Plan of 2012

Summary: http://doee.dc.gov/service/dc-environmental-literacy-plan

Policy: http://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddoe/service_content/attachments/DCELP_Final_June_2012.pdf

Chesapeake Bay Executive Order 13508: Strategy for Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Summary: https://www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/restoring/index.html

Executive Order: http://executiveorder.chesapeakebay.net/file.axd?file=2010%2F5%2FChesapeake+EO+Strategy%20.pdf

DOEE Foam Ban

The Sustainable DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2014 bans the use of food service products made of expanded polystyrene, commonly known as foam or Styrofoam^TM. The ban began on January 1, 2016 and applies to all District businesses and organizations that serve food.

http://doee.dc.gov/foam