Spring into Action: Green Policies in College Park
Spring is about going green!
As we soak up the sunshine and embrace the season of renewal this March, we’re encouraged to think about what we can do to make the planet more sustainable for generations to come. The City is dedicated to preserving the environments, wildlife, and waterways that make College Park habitable and enjoyable. From renewable energy sources to waste reduction, City policies ensure sustainable practices. For more information, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/sustainability.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Stations and Solar Panel installations around the City offer alternative energy sources for cars and municipal buildings.
Tree Plantings throughout the City enhance the tree canopy while beautifying our landscape. To learn how to request a tree planting on your residential lot, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/trees.
Storm Drain Murals raise awareness about water pollution by encouraging all of us to be more conscious about what goes down our storm drains. By ensuring “only rain down the drain,” we can preserve the lives of plants and animals in the Anacostia watershed.
Better Bag Ordinance restricts the use of non-reusable plastic bags to reduce waste and litter and protect the health of local waterways and tributaries. The City has customized reusable bags for City residents- visit www.collegeparmd.gov/betterbag to claim yours!
Curbside Food Scrap encourages residents to recycle their food waste to help reduce harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Register your household for the program at www.collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps.
No Mow April encourages City residents to reduce or refrain from mowing their lawns during the month of April. By letting grass grow, bees and other pollinator habitats can thrive. You can also grow pollinator-friendly plants to support the health of local pollinators. Learn more at www.collegeparkmd.gov/insects.
Electric and Manual Lawn Equipment Rebate Program offers an incentive to switch to electric or manual lawn care equipment. Gas-powered lawn equipment is highly polluting, emitting carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides (which cause smog and acid rain), and hydrocarbons (a carcinogenic gas that also causes smog). Because this equipment burns fossil fuels, it also adds CO2 to the atmosphere. This equipment is also very noisy; a gas-powered leaf blower can emit 80-100 decibels of sound, equivalent to an airplane taking off. Learn how to submit a rebate at www.collegeparkmd.gov/lawncarerebate.