Sustainability

Join us in taking EcoAction at an Arlington park to remove litter and trash from the stream and park in honor of Earth Day on Saturday April 11, 2026 from 10AM-12PM. This event is family friendly; all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Groups are welcome to register and attend. Please register each individual attendee in accordance with our Service Project Waiver. Rain Date: April 12. **Guidelines & Safety:** * Please wear sturdy shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. * Gloves, trash and recycling bags, and other supplies will be provided. * Bring a reusable water bottle (no single use plastics, please!) * Bring a friend & have fun! **Directions & Parking:** Parking is available on-site. We encourage you to other explore transit options such as public transportation or trails. **We are seeking sponsors for this event!** Please see the sponsorship ticket options available and reach out if you have any questions. **Questions?** Contact our Program Manager at volunteer@ecoactionarlington.org *While donations are not required to attend this event, your donations secure our efforts to be leaders in climate action.* **Registration is required due to limited supplies and details of this tally event.** * **If you are registering for a group, please register each attendee. This information is required in accordance to our service project waiver.** **[>>>REGISTER HERE<<<](https://ecoactionarlington.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F38069%2Fstorefront%2F192149)**

🌱 Origami Seed Pot Workshop Saturday, April 11 10:00 AM Many gardeners start seedlings in small plastic containers that eventually get thrown away. In this workshop we’ll learn a simple and practical alternative: folding biodegradable planting pots from ordinary paper grocery bags. Using a traditional origami-style fold, we’ll turn brown grocery bags into sturdy seed-starting pots that can go directly into the soil when it’s time to transplant. The folded shape holds soil surprisingly well and breaks down naturally in the garden. This technique is simple, practical, and easy to repeat at home throughout the growing season. If you're curious about the folding method ahead of time, you can watch a short demonstration here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dlGQP81yfo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dlGQP81yfo) During the gathering we’ll: • Learn the folding method step-by-step • Make several planting pots together • Talk about seed starting and spring gardening • Share ideas for reducing waste in the garden After the workshop, those who’d like can continue the conversation over a casual lunch nearby. If you have **brown paper grocery bags**, please bring a few if you can. If not, no worries—I’ll have extra bags available for anyone who needs them. — 🥾 Difficulty — Very easy. No experience with gardening or origami required. — 💲 Cost — Free. — 📍 Location — Rockville Memorial Library (Rockville, MD) The library is about a 7-minute walk from the Rockville Metro (Red Line), with parking available nearby. We'll be in room Rockville 1 at Rockville Memorial Library. — 📝 Registration — Please RSVP on Meetup so we know how many people to expect. — 🎒 What to Bring — • Brown paper grocery bags (if you have extras) • Scissors • Garden curiosity • Optional: seeds you may want to start this spring — 🚗 Carpooling — Once the location is confirmed, we can coordinate optional carpooling through the Meetup event page.

Africa is entering a defining economic decade. Rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, agricultural modernization, and digital transformation are reshaping markets across the continent. Yet many professionals and members of the diaspora in the United States lack structured, grounded insight into how development actually works — beyond headlines and social media narratives. The **Africa Development & Capital Forum** invites you to our in-person gathering in Washington, DC. This session will explore: • Key macro trends shaping African markets • Infrastructure and real asset development opportunities • The evolving role of diaspora participation • Risks, realities, and responsible engagement • What disciplined, long-term development looks like This event is educational in nature and designed to foster meaningful dialogue and relationship-building among professionals interested in Africa’s long-term economic trajectory.

Come join us on the Anacostia and then join us afterwards at [Streetcar 82](streetcar82brewing.com/) (with [Pizza Paradiso](https://www.eatyourpizza.com/) next door) in Hyattsville (this is meant as a social event; each attendee is responsible for their own check). We'll plan to head back to the dock around 4 so there's time for everyone to pack up and head to drinks (we'd love for you to join us for this part, but if you can only come for the paddle, that's ok too). We'll start from the Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Hyattsville, MD. We'll meet at the kayak dock near the park office. The park rents out kayaks and canoes if you need one (advanced [sign up online](https://www.pgparks.com/parks_trails/bladensburg-waterfront-park) is recommended). We'll depart promptly at 2pm and head south on the river towards DC, picking up trash as we go along. We'll plan to travel around 1-2 miles round trip. Please plan to carry all trash you pick up with you on/in your kayak/canoe/paddleboard. This stretch of the river is quite calm, though the strength and direction of the current depends on the tides. Please bring your own: - Kayak/canoe/paddleboard (or rent one at the park) - Personal flotation device (PFD) (or rent one at the park) - Dry bag for any personal items - Plenty of drinking water - Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc - Trash pickup tools (grabber, net, etc) - Rubber gloves (the Anacostia is not yet swimmable; we recommend gloves for handling river trash) We'll bring the trash bags, and we'll be able to leave all the trash with the park authorities at the end of our trip. Note: Neither this group nor this event are associated with any particular organization or volunteer event. Each participant is 100% responsible for their own participation in the event and any risks associated with their participation.

In the first 30 minutes of class, Qi Gong(5 organ and spirit enlivening)exercises are taught. In the last hour, the class is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups and are taught Lao (old) Yang Tai Chi Chuan.

Please join us for our fun and friendly monthly VSDC Vegan Potluck in North Bethesda MD, on Sunday, April 12th. It will start at 5 pm and go until 8 pm. There is no charge to attend the event but you will be expected to bring vegan food or drink to share. ***\*\*Note: you must provide your 1st and last name plus your contact email to receive the specific location. If you do not, then you will not be provided the location and allowed to this event - NO EXCEPTIONS.\*\**** **Items to bring to the potluck:** \- Vegan potluck dish \(no animal products of any kind\) to share\. For food quantity\, please bring 4 to 6 times the number of servings times the number in your party\. \- A serving utensil for your dish \- Ingredients list or recipe for your dish \- ***Please print or write it out in advance*** \- Beverage for yourself or one to share \- To help reduce waste\, bring your reusable plate\, cup\, and utensils [VSDC will provide drinking water.] Please Note: \- Be sure to help leave the space clean before leaving the potluck and take the containers and utensils you brought with you\. *\- Vegans do not consume any animal products or byproducts \(no meat\, chicken/poultry\, fish/sea animals\, eggs\, milk or dairy products\, honey\, etc\)\.* **LOCATION** About 0.4 miles from the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station in North Bethesda MD. The exact location will be provided to Attendees who follow the directions above about 2 days before the event. The host prefers not to make the location public - only for registered attendees. **PARKING** Yes, there is free parking in a lot next to the event space as well as street parking on Sundays in this area. *Please read and follow all parking signs.* **METRO** This location is accessible by public transport. It is about 0.4 miles from the Grosvenor-Strathmore metro station on the Red line. ***Please plan your trip in advance and ask any questions the day prior. The organizers will do their best to answer questions but ones on the day of the event will be difficult for responses.*** Email potluck@vsdc.org for questions or to help plan future potluck events. VSDC Thanks our host for arranging this wonderful space! ***Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.*** **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

What Happened to the Energy Transition? To land a ship on a moving target, the moon, for example, from a moving object, the earth, requires an enormous attention to facts and a mastery of detail. Getting any of these wrong can lead to disaster. Climate science tells us we must transition to a zero carbon society—and fast. But are climate-deniers the only obstacle to that transition? We will discuss the work of economic historian Jean-Baptise Fressoz who suggests that even as we move to solar panels and electric vehicles, rather than “transitioning” to a zero carbon world we will continue to consume more, and more, and more and produce more carbon dioxide. Is there a way out of here? As harrowing as it sounds, its best to pay attention to the facts and master the details so we can discuss real solutions. Perhaps, a solution that depends on a transition in our ethical thinking. In-person and available on Zoom When: Sunday, April 12, 2026 Coffee available at 10:45 AM, Speaker begins at 11:00 AM Where: Green Hedges School 415 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA It's more fun in person (and the coffee is free), but you can participate by Zoom at [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83422695892](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83422695892) Jim Ball and his family are longtime members of Ethical Culture. In his retired life he writes, gardens, and rewilds his small corner of the world with native plants.

Michelle Waldman, founder of [Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary](https://rosiesfarmsanctuary.org/), will join [Pro-Animals DC](https://proanimaldc.org/) and the [Veg Society of DC](http://www.vsdc.org/) for a deeply personal talk about how heartbreak over animal suffering became the doorway to action. Michele is both the Founder of Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and a licensed Psychotherapist. She shares how she transformed her grief into a vision for Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. This talk will explore how grief became a blueprint for healing and real-world change, and how her vision became a reality. Coffee, bagels, and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share. Veg Society of DC is pairing up with Pro-Animals DC to offer occasional educational programs, so watch for more presentations. After registering here, please [register on their site](https://stampede.proanimal.org/event/1764634382939x246683721837576200) as well. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at all of our events. **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Guest Speaker: Michelle Waldman, founder if Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary A deeply personal talk about how heartbreak over animal suffering became the doorway to action. Michele is both the Founder of Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and a licensed Psychotherapist. She shares how she transformed her grief into a vision for Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. This talk will explore ways in which grief became a blueprint for healing and real-world change, and how her vision became a reality. Please be sure to RSVP here! https://stampede.proanimal.org/events Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

Come take a mindful and sensory meander along Big Hunting Creek in Catoctin Mt. Park, Thurmont, MD with the forest & water as our guides. This is a nature connection experience. Pace of this 3.74 mile round trip hike along the white & orange blazes toward the Lewis Property will be unhurried along dirt and rocky trails that move between the tree canopy and creek's edge. There are some small hills to navigate with no more than 500 ft elevation but still require aerobic capability. We will have time to be social while also experiencing social silence, gentle forest invitations and a short nature meditation by the creek. **Bring**: water, snacks, bug repellant, sunblock, something to sit on, good walking footwear & appropriate clothing for the weather. **Fee**: There is no fee for this hike, but SCPRO appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support the costs of Sierra Club's many volunteer-led activities. Please bring cash or donate at **www.sierraclub.org** where you can also join our national club or state chapters. **Participants limited to 20.**

5th annual Earth Day Celebration! This year (2026) the Celebration is scheduled for April 25th with activities running from 10am-2pm. This is a non-ticketed event. Everyone is welcome! We will have food trucks, Birds of Prey, kids crafts, live music, raspberry plants, apple trees, and of course NATIVE PLANTS! Where: Lynd Fruit Farm, 9399 Morse Rd, Pataskala Ohio 43062 Time: Activities will be from 10am- 2pm. The Market will remain open until 5pm.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

Soccer + vegan deli eats = the perfect Saturday ⚽🌱🔥 We’re kicking things off with soccer (all levels welcome!) and then heading to Vida’s Plant-Based Butcher for some seriously good food—Vida’s Reubens, Philly cheesesteaks, Chipotle Cheddar Melt and classic deli sides. Whether you’re playing, socializing, or just here for the food, this is a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy the day! Game → Food → Good vibes 📍 Soccer - Park of Roses 3923 N High St Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Vida’s Plant Based Butcher 1724 Northwest Blvd Unit C Columbus OH, 43212

Join us again this Saturday for drinks and sweets at this delicious Vegan co-op bakery. Mingle with likeminded Columbus Vegans. We will aim to sit outside after purchasing items and hopefully taking in cooperative weather. Special note on parking: Please try to park along Acton, Richards and/or Chatham streets so as to free up the lot at the back of the building for pick-up orders. Thank you. 😊 Patty Cake offers everything from cupcakes, cookies, cakes, muffins, whoopie pies, as well as gluten free goodies. They also have coffee, oat milk and cold brew

Community Seed and Plant Swap Do you love gardening? Want to expand your collection of plants and seeds without breaking the bank? Join MOFB for their free community-based event. Sunday, April 19th 4-6 pm at Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop 116 N Wheatland Ave Columbus OH, 43223 To RSVP for free in-person attendance: https://forms.gle/t6Ppoc5WnRFPTJMZ

Get ready for a fun night with amazing food, great energy, and even better company! 🥰✨ 🍽️ Portia’s Café — 6:30PM 🛼 Skate Zone 71 — 8:30PM Come join us for delicious vegan food and/or roller skating — it’s totally up to you! Whether you come for the food, the skating, or both… you’re in for a great time 💗 📍 Portia’s Café 4424 Indianola Ave Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Skate Zone 71 4900 Evanswood Dr Columbus, OH 43229