Local Solutions to a Global Challenge

Envisioning a Sustainable District

"The good and just society is neither the thesis of capitalism nor the antithesis of Communism, but a socially conscious democracy which reconciles the truths of individualism and collectivism."

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - The World House

In every ward of Washington, DC, citizens of all ages and backgrounds are tackling a global problem with grassroots solutions. With each initiative, locals are making a positive change in their own backyard. You’ll meet the brains behind these dynamic initiatives including the Capitol Hill Energy Co-op and Green DMV and discuss a vision for a sustainable District with Councilmember Tommy Wells. Don’t miss this inspiring talk and reception at the fabulous retro-modern Capitol Skyline Hotel.

Arrive via Metro: Navy Yard Station

Councilmember Tommy Wells, Ward 6, is a champion of transit, the environment, and the walkable city of lively neighborhoods that we hope D.C. will become. Councilmember Wells praised the efforts of the Anacostia River cleanup and Protection Initiative placing a 5-cent fee on plastic and paper bags at many stores in the district, which took effect on January 1, 2010. The measure was put in place to significantly help reduce the number of plastic bags that pollute the Anacostia River- pollution that makes up nearly half of the trash in the river’s tributaries.

Cynthia Hartley is the Executive Director of the Capitol Hill Energy Co-op, which addresses renewable energy and environmental issues that are of concern to neighbors in the Capitol Hill Area of Washington, D.C. Hartley previously served as a board member and chair of the non-profit Water for People from 2005-2010. This organization helps people in developing countries have access to safe drinking water and sanitation. She supports the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education programs in poverty-stricken areas around the world.

Rhon Hayes is the co-founder of Green DMV, which helps people out of poverty by promoting clean energy and green jobs in low-income communities across America. He wants to help influence policy changes in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region (DMV) that will create sustainable green job growth. By focusing on environmental awareness in the community, Hayes believes we can transform the disadvantaged small business community by changing our environmental values. Dubbed Washingtons “Green Giants” along with the other co-founder Philip O’Neal, Rhon Hayes was the recipient of the 2010 Green Award, which honors those who protect the environment and teach others about the importance of eco-friendly living.

For more information on The Philosophy of Green, please visit www.wdchumanities.org