Latest Posts
Budget Billing: One Way to Simplify Your Utility Costs
Managing monthly expenses can often feel like navigating a maze, especially when it comes to fluctuating utility bills. For many, these bills can be unpredictable, leading to stress and financial strain. This winter, in particular, electricity bills have been exceptionally high due to cold weather and snowstorms. Enter budget billing—a tool designed to offer more
Climate Change and Its Impact on Residential Outdoor Spaces
Guest blog written by Sinziana Spiridon, an outdoorsy blog writer with a green thumb and a passion for organic gardening. When not writing about weeds, pests, soil, and growing plants, she’s tending to her veggie garden and the lovely turf strip in her front yard. If you feel like something is different in your yard
FeBREWary 2026: Montgomery County Bulb Crawl
Join us this year for our first official 💡 BULB CRAWL 💡 It’s like a pub crawl, but BRIGHTER because we focus on bulbs! Why are we doing these events? Because lighting accounts for around 12 percent of an average home’s electricity use. If you switch out your bulbs, you can save around $225 per
Swap out your old bulbs at our Illumination Stations!
Illumination Stations & Lightbulb Exchanges are information tables that shine a light on ways to lower your utility bills, learn about energy assistance programs, and connect with trusted county and utility resources. Visit your local Montgomery County Public Library to talk with staff and partners about energy efficiency programs, Pepco services, and other helpful county
From Your Backyard to the Bay
From Your Backyard to the Bay Everything we do on land impacts our water, and ultimately, the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. This year, we invite you to explore how, together, we can protect and preserve the beauty of the Bay for generations to come! Check out how each of the following affects the bay: Montgomery County’s
Recycle Right: CFLs Contain Mercury
The Recycle Right—CFLs Contain Mercury campaign is focused on educating the public about how and why to recycle the lightbulbs that contain mercury. CFLs use one-third of the electricity, and last up to 10 times longer, than incandescent light bulbs. CFLs are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and reduce electricity bills—while lessening carbon footprints—but
Tree Montgomery Celebrates 10 Years of Greening the County — Over 18,000 Shade Trees and Growing!
Montgomery County just hit a major milestone in its efforts to stay green and cool. On April 25 — Arbor Day — County Executive Marc Elrich and the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) celebrated the 10th anniversary of Tree Montgomery at the very spot where it all began: Round Hill Apartments in Chevy Chase.
Seasonal Energy Tips: How to Prepare Your Home for Hot Summers and Cold Winters
Guest blog post written by Alissa Cassidy, a writer who lives in the Atlanta area. She’s married with three sons, is a graduate student, and is an amateur photographer. When she’s not writing or studying, she enjoys working out, listening to music, and watching true crime stories. In Montgomery County, our summers are
Top 5 Groundcover Plants in RainScapes Gardens
An impressive 133,274 plants were installed in RainScapes projects in Montgomery County from 2021 through 2023. That’s an average of 44,425 plants each year! RainScapes are landscape design techniques intended to manage stormwater. Plants are used in rain gardens, conservation landscapes, pavement removal projects, and green roofs to slow down rainwater runoff, filter out pollutants,
Project Porchlight
A new initiative is making its way through Montgomery County and it is called Project Porchlight. First known as the Porch Bulb Project, it took place in Colorado in 2008, where neighborhood activists Kevin Suchlicki and Sue Okerson did something simple but concrete: they went door-to-door offering to swap out incandescent front porch light bulbs
How Montgomery County Residents Can Cut Energy Bills with Simple Home Upgrades
This article was written by Teri Silver, a journalist and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband live on 5 acres with a vast lawn, three gardens, a farm, a pond, many trees, and a lot of yard work! The best parts of the year are summer and fall when home-grown veggies are on the dinner
Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA)
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and as a result, it significantly changes what we can expect in terms of clean energy tax credits, particularly those established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). If you are thinking about going solar, purchasing an electric vehicle, or making
What Really Works in Reducing Household Energy Use
This article was written by Teri Silver, a journalist and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband live on 5 acres with a vast lawn, three gardens, a farm, a pond, many trees, and a lot of yard work! The best parts of the year are summer and fall when home-grown veggies are on the dinner
Energy Express 2025: Powering a Colorful World
Imagine stepping into a vibrant world that mirrors the enchanting Emerald City, where innovation meets sustainability to paint a promising future. Join us for “Powering a Colorful World,” captivating presentations that bring elements of The Wizard of Oz to life through an interactive presentation hosted by P.O.W.E.R. students. These presentations promise an electrifying adventure, showcasing
No Mow May? How about Mow Better May!
No Mow May? How about Mow Better May! You’ve heard the catchy phrase about “No Mow May” and think, does that mean I can skip mowing my lawn all May?! Well, maybe…BUT… We prefer “Mow Better May”! DEP staffer Mary Travaglini has been getting questions about “Now Mow May” and has coined the term “Mow
All About Stream Restoration – Watch the Video!
Stream Restoration: A Key to Cleaner Water and a Healthier Environment At the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), we’re excited to share our new video, All About Stream Restoration! The video highlights the importance of stream restoration projects happening right here in Montgomery County and the crucial role they play in preserving and improving the
Montgomery County Expands Curbside Recycling to Include Electronics and Household Batteries
Montgomery County is expanding its curbside recycling program! The County now collects electronics and household batteries, making it easier for residents to recycle these materials safely. This phased-in service will be available to all county residents who receive County-provided recycling services. Full implementation will be by the end of 2025. Over the past few years,
Rachel Carson: Local Hero Who Helped Spring Sing!
Guest blog written by Rebecca Henson, Founder and Director of Springsong Museum. Women’s History Month and the early days of spring are the perfect time to celebrate Montgomery County resident, writer, and biologist Rachel Carson. Carson, who lived in the County for the majority of her adult life. She moved to Silver Spring in 1937
Montgomery County Launches Food Truck Generator Electrification Pilot Program
Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is proud to announce the launch of its Food Truck Generator Electrification Pilot Program. The program aims to reduce noise and pollution from food trucks by providing financial incentives for businesses to switch from gas and diesel generators to clean, quiet, and efficient electric systems. Financial Incentives: Thanks
Montgomery County Building Energy Performance Standards Update
Montgomery County is taking big steps to reduce energy use and carbon emissions from buildings. On February 26, the Montgomery County Council approved new Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) regulations, an important part of the County’s Climate Action Plan. What Are the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS)? The new regulations, known as Executive Regulation 17-23AM,
Don’t Let These 3 Plants Creep Up on You!
Invasive Species Awareness Week: Don’t Let These 3 Plants Creep Up on You! National Invasive Species Awareness Week is February 24-28! This is a time to bring attention to what invasive species are and why it’s worth the effort to prevent them. Invasive species are organisms (plants, pests) that are not native to our area
Valentines Day With a Sprinkle of “Gift Outside the Box”
Gifting Outside the Box isn’t just a campaign for the holidays, it can be a year-round goal. How can you be environmentally friendly while celebrating Valentine’s Day? Consider taking your honey on a hike in place of a boxed gift. Think of ways to support local businesses in your gift giving on Valentine’s Day and
Tips for an Eco-Friendly Party!
Hosting a Super Bowl Party? This is your opportunity to celebrate in an eco-friendly way, enjoy the company, and cheer on your team. Show your friends your spirit and dedication to protecting the planet! Learn more about the NFL’s Green Sustainability focus! From kickoff to cleanup, below are tips for hosting an eco-friendly Super Bowl
The Travel Hacker’s Guide to Sustainable Transportation
Guest blog post written and submitted by Stuart Cooke is the Marketing Manager at My Baggage, a luggage shipping service that aims to always put the environment first. Transportation shapes our modern world from personal mobility, and global commerce, to the generally seamless flow of goods across continents. This convenience indeed comes with a considerable environmental
Let’s Get Growing! – Native Plant Seeds
Let’s Get Growing! Native Plant Seeds New Year, new garden plans? If you’re looking to expand on a RainScapes garden this year or simply want to increase the plant diversity in your yard, one way to do so is by adding native plants grown from seeds. And seed-starting can begin now! Yes, in January, you
There’s Money to Make the Switch to Electric
What is Electrify MC? Electrify MC is a pilot project created to help residents transition from fossil fuels (oil, gas, and propane) in their homes. Electrify MC will provide residents with a one-stop option to help them electrify their homes. Don’t wait for your heating, cooling systems, water heaters, or kitchen appliances to break down.
Is shopping from your smartphone sustainable?
Blog post written by Lucy Jones. In her day job, Lucy works closely with businesses to help them optimize their eco credentials. Away from the office, she’s a passionate blogger, and most enjoys creating content on the topic of sustainability. For many of us, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing
Three Easy Eco-Friendly Things to Consider when Upgrading your Home
Blog post written by Lucy Jones. In her day job, Lucy works closely with businesses to help them optimize their eco credentials. Away from the office, she’s a passionate blogger, and most enjoys creating content on the topic of sustainability. As we’re all becoming more mindful of our environmental impact, there’s no better time to
New Tools Make it Easier for Home Contractors to Install Energy Saving Appliances and Lower Costs
Reposted from Energy.gov In support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released new resources to help American households and home energy efficiency contractors understand how to qualify for thousands of dollars in federal tax credits, made available by the Inflation Reduction Act, for home upgrades. The resources
Climate Change: Five Ways You Could Make a Big Impact from the Comfort of Your Home
Blog post written by Lucy Jones. In her day job, Lucy works closely with businesses to help them optimize their eco credentials. Away from the office, she’s a passionate blogger, and most enjoys creating content on the topic of sustainability. While climate change is an issue that many people are well aware of, is it
Invasive Aquatic Alert!–Two Horned Trapa
Two Horned Trapa–Please help us Monitor and Report! If you are around any ponds in Montgomery County, or anywhere else in Maryland, Virginia, or elsewhere, please report two-horned Trapa! Please help us to make two-horned Trapa observations this season. This aquatic annual has infested 78 ponds in Northern Virginia. In 2022, recent infestations were found
Bluebirds Love Stormwater Management!
Bluebirds Love Stormwater Management! Written by Susan DeFord of Friends of Sligo Creek (FOSC) and edited by Montgomery County DEP. Nestled between Georgia Avenue and Sligo Creek Parkway in Wheaton, several stormwater ponds sit in a neighborhood behind a copse of trees. Built in 1979, the Wheaton Branch stormwater ponds do more than just capture
Energy Action Month 2024
Every year since 1992, the country has made ENERGY the focus of the month of October. From energy awareness to energy action and now to clean energy action, the name of the month may slightly change but the goal stays the same. This annual tradition is a time for individuals, businesses, and communities to reflect on
Webinar: Use and Care of Battery Powered Leaf Blowers – October 24th at 7pm
Webinar: Use and Care of Battery Powered Leaf Blowers – October 24th at 7pm While battery powered leaf blowers are easy to use, there’s a lot to learn in order to maximize their efficiency, from charging and storing them properly to safe use and battery management. During the webinar, experts from the American Green Zone
DOT Holding Their Annual Bicycle Donation Drive
Give Your Old Bicycle a New Life! How? Donate it at the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s annual Bicycle Donation Drive on Friday, October 11, 2024! Donations accepted from 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Oct. 11, 2024, rain or shine. Outside of the Montgomery County Council Office Building Garage at East Jefferson and Monroe Street in Rockville. Your donation
Five Great Ways to Use Fall Leaves
It’s almost fall in North America, and many folks soon might find themselves laboring for hours raking leaves to the street for pickup or filling paper bag after paper bag with leaves. But, did you know there’s many ways to use your leaves to benefit your property, and easier ways to make them “go away”?
An Electrifying Year to Help Residents Switch from Fossil Fuels
As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Electrify MC Help Desk, this is the perfect time for us to reflect on what has happened since June 2023. Electrify MC is a pilot project, aimed at helping residents transition from fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and propane in their homes and while it
Dehumidifiers Can Slash Electricity Use
Blog post written by: Bruce Daggy, a member of the Washington Grove Sustainability Committee Technology improvements and higher minimum standards have resulted in many new home appliances becoming more energy efficient over time. For example, a new standard refrigerator today uses about a quarter as much electricity compared to one bought in 1974. The Department
How to Prevent Common Household Pests: Tips for a Pest-Free Home
How to Prevent Common Household Pests: Tips for a Pest-Free Home By Abdul Wadood Pests are a common issue in our homes, but there are many options to protect ourselves without pesticides by keeping them out in the first place.. Keeping the creepy-crawlies out of our homes can be challenging, but with the right techniques,
Bannockburn: A Cooperative, Green Community
Bannockburn: A Cooperative, Green Community Blog courtesy of Beth Rogers, Bannockburn Civic Association and Environmental Committee member. The Bannockburn community in Bethesda, established in the 1940s, has long had a strong sense of community. So much so, in fact, that in 1978, a book was self published on the community’s history and titled “Bannockburn: The
What is Green Energy and How Can You Choose a Green Energy Supplier?
Blog post written by Lucy Jones. In her day job, Lucy works closely with businesses to help them optimize their eco-credentials. Away from the office, she’s a passionate blogger, and most enjoys creating content on the topic of sustainability. Introduction: What is Green Energy? In our quest to lead more sustainable lifestyles, the term green energy
Earning the new energy-efficient home tax credit
This article was originally published on the Building Innovation Hub website as “Understanding 45L And How To Earn The New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit” on June 18, 2024, and is reproduced here with permission. It was co-authored by Building Innovation Hub, USGBC and the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 enhances
Montgomery County’s Leaf blower Law–What does it mean for Me?
Gas Leaf Blowers Are Out, Electric Are In–Law Changing July 1, 2025 Montgomery County residents and businesses are being advised to start the switch to Electric leaf blowers now! When Does the Prohibition Begin? Sales of gas-powered handheld, backpack and walk-behind leaf blowers and leave vacuums were prohibited starting July 1, 2024. Use of gas-powered
Capital Area Solar Switch: A Resident’s Experience
This blog post was written by Gerald Sharp, resident of Montgomery County for his neighborhood newsletter. Going Green—Driving on Sunshine When I added a floor to my house on Edgefield Road about 10 years ago, I had the electrician run a tube from the attic to the electric panel in the basement, thinking that someday
Be a Zero Hero! – Protecting The Chesapeake One Plastic Bag at a Time
Be a Zero Hero! – Protecting the Chesapeake One Plastic Bag at a Time Written by the Zero Hero Team of the CAPA-MC Growing & Giving Club. The CAPA-MC (Chinese American Parent Association – Montgomery County) Growing & Giving Club was formed by a group of middle and high school students in MCPS passionate
Another Opportunity for Residents to Go Solar with Capital Area Solar Switch
🎉 UPDATE!!! 🎉 The Solar Switch auction has taken place! In Maryland and Virginia, the winning solar package offers a price of $2.52/W, which is also 25% lower than current average market prices, and translates to a $7,478 discount on an average system! Personal recommendations will be sent out to all registrants by June 11, 2024. Montgomery
Energy Express 2024: Adventure Begins at the Library
What is Energy Express? Did you know that Costa Rica runs entirely on renewable energy, or that Japan is preparing to send solar panels to space? Hear all about it at Energy Express, where we will embark on a tour of renewable energy around the world. Travelers aged 5 through 12 are invited to spend