Sustainability

Come help us weed & compost at the EGG! The EGG, or Eileen Garnett Garden, is Hands On Harvests' demonstration garden in central Annandale's Eileen Garnett Civic Space at 7200 Columbia Pike. Many helped us start & maintain the EGG for the last two years, and we have donated 100's of pounds of produce to the local community and other food pantries. Great Opportunity to learn more about weeding/composting, understand the EGG community garden project, & give back to the community! HOH provides gloves, tools, refreshments and instruction. Just bring yourself & some water! Feel free to come & go as needed, Please sign up in link below. [Sign Up Genuis](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FADA923A5F8C61-62782759-gardening#/)

Come help us end force-feeding in DC! Join us for petitioning training for Initiative 86! 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.

Please join the [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](vsdc.org) with your fellow LGBTQ+ veg and veg-curious folks for a springtime stroll to take in some of the beautiful cherry blossoms on Capitol Hill while making some new friends. We'll be **meeting at the [Union Station metro](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/union-station.cfm) exit at the front of the building at First St. NE and Columbus Cir. NE *at 12pm, and will leave by 12:15pm,*** to slowly stroll through cherry blossoms at Lower Senate Park. From there, we'll make our way over to view a very old cherry blossom tree (one of the originally gifted trees) located on the grounds of the Library of Congress. We will then walk to Eastern Market area to enjoy browsing the outdoor market vendors and maybe grab some vegan food and/or coffee, depending on how the group feels. The total distance we will be walking is under two miles. After the event concludes, people can take the metro from [Eastern Market](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/eastern-market.cfm) or make their own way back to Union Station (which would add additional distance to their walk). *[In the event of rain, we will instead meet at 12pm at the [U.S. Botanical Gardens](https://www.usbg.gov/) ([Capitol South metro](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/capitol-south.cfm) is a short walk away) and see some indoor flowers. The host will post an urgent Comment on this event page if we are moving to the indoor venue.]* **When** Sunday, March 29, from 12pm to 3pm **Transportation** Union Station is on the red line and Eastern Market is on the Orange/Blue/Silver lines. There is also street parking, though very limited near Union Station, as well as several garages, including one at Union Station. ***About the group*** *Unless noted otherwise, VSDC's LGBTQ+ events are intended for queer/questioning folks who self-identify as LGBTQ+. The events are meant to serve as a safe space to share community with other self-identified queer or questioning LGBTQ+ vegan or vegan-curious people. However, we appreciate our allies and we plan to host "LGBTQ+ & ALLIES" events approximately quarterly - to welcome non-queer allies into our events in order to share community with our fellow vegans/veg curious VSDC participants. If the event is an "& ALLIES" event, it will be clearly identified as such in the name of the event. Any person who participates in an "& ALLIES" event must be supportive of LGBTQ+ persons, their lifestyle, and their gender expression; unsupportive or combative individuals will be removed from events and banned from future VSDC LGBTQ+ events. Please note that any and all questions related to gender/LGBTQ+ issues that may arise during either LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+ & ALLIES events must be posed ONLY to event host, Susan, and not be asked of any other meetup participants in order to respect their privacy and promote their personal safety.* **Update Your RSVP** Please change your RSVP if you can no longer make it. **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.**

Join us for a fun moderate 3.5 mile hike at the **National Arboretum** then vegan Ethiopian brunch at **Ethio Vegan** (1362 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002)! For the hike, we will meet in the parking lot next to the visitor center. Don't forget to bring your water bottle, and feel free to bring a vegan snack to share! **Parking**: There's a parking lot at the Arboretum and street parking at Ethio Vegan We do encourage carpooling. Feel free to leave a comment under this event to find someone to carpool with. Any questions, call/text Ajani at 202-528-4700 or Christine Marie at 443-252-3512

​​**Let's discuss a ted talk video while taking a walk at Capital Crescent Trail Near Bethesda.** **To receive future event updates, register on Luma:** [https://luma.com/tv3fhasq](https://luma.com/tv3fhasq) Have you had your daily dose of fun? It's not just enjoyable, it's also essential for your health and happiness, says science journalist Catherine Price. She proposes a new definition of fun -- what she calls "true fun" -- and shares easy, evidence-backed ways to weave playfulness, flow and connection into your everyday life. ​​​​Here is how it works: * ​​​​​​​Prior to the event: **Please watch this YouTube video:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMBJrvEwv8s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMBJrvEwv8s) * ​During the event: * ​​3:30pm-3:45pm: meet outside of [Chopt Salad](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ThxMNixG2TG4T32X6) (Bethesda Row end of Capital Crescent Trail) for group introduction. * ​3:45pm-4:45pm: Take a walk at Capital Crescent Trail (laps between Bethesda Row and Little Falls Parkway) and Discuss. * ​(Walking Route Link: [https://scenic-walk.com/#/b712c5fa ](https://scenic-walk.com/#/b712c5fa)(During the hike, the organizer will live broadcast current location, so that people who arrive late can catch up via the [Scenic Walk Link](https://scenic-walk.com/#/b712c5fa)). * ​4:45pm - 5pm: Group Conclusion outside of Chopt Salad. *** ​​​​Discussion Questions During Walk: \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 1. **True fun is a visceral feeling of being illuminated from within rather than just a leisure activity. How can we better distinguish between activities that merely pass the time and those that truly make us feel radiant?** 2. **Playfulness involves a lighthearted attitude of doing things for their own sake without worrying about the outcome. How might our community change if we collectively lowered our guards and let go of the need for perfection?** 3. **Most peak fun memories involve a shared experience that helps us feel united with others. In a polarized world, how can the pursuit of fun serve as a bridge to connect us as human beings?** 4. **Fun requires a state of flow where we are so engaged that we lose track of time. What environments can we create together that naturally encourage us to be fully present and focused on the moment?** 5. **Prioritizing fun acts as a legitimate health intervention by reducing stress and promoting social bonding. How would we shift our schedules if we viewed joyful moments as essential to our physical and mental well-being?** 6. **Constant digital distractions interrupt our flow and prevent us from forming real-world connections. What boundaries can we set with our devices to ensure we remain available for spontaneous moments of joy?** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events: 1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question) 2. Listen to understand, not to respond. 3. Be open-minded and value differences.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Digital Device Detox,”** a guide to breaking free from the addictive and destructive powers of social media and apps, with Jillian Tucker, licensed clinical social worker in private practice, adjunct professor of clinical social work at Columbia University and New York University, and therapist with nearly 15 years of experience in addiction treatment and behavioral change. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-digital-detox](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-digital-detox) .] Many of us have had the same experience: We’re trying to get things done and stay focused on the positive in our lives, but we can’t stop looking at a cell phone that tells us that we live in troubled times, that everyone else is better looking and having more fun, and that escape awaits in the worlds of Candy Crush or Pokémon Go. Maybe it’s time to find effective ways to loosen the grip of that cell phone and rediscover the happiness that comes with using digital devices less. Join Jillian Tucker, who previously has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks related to mental health, for a crash course on how to restore balance in your relationship with digital devices to ensure they’re simply tools you use rather than instruments through which other people use you. She’ll start by discussing social and mental-health trends connected to the use of digital devices. We’ll delve into the specific ways that their overuse can be biologically and psychologically harmful and leads to division, depression, anxiety and anguish on an individual and societal level. Professor Tucker also will look at why digital habits are hard to break, citing neuroscience and what we know about behavioral addiction. You’ll learn the many ways in which devices and apps are deliberately designed to be hard to stop using. You won’t be urged to just chuck your cell phone, though. After all, such devices can keep you socially connected, be sources of joy and learning, and even save your life if you need to summon help in an emergency. Instead, we’ll look at effective strategies for reducing digital device use, considering approaches that treat the overuse of such devices as “addiction” but moving beyond them to consider more nuanced ones as well. We’ll explore how to find our core motivation to change and how to carry out a change plan. We’ll consider how those who failed in past attempts to reduce digital-device use can overcome impasses in their effort to change their behavior. We’ll discuss ways to minimize the feelings of inconvenience and withdrawal that might come with reducing digital-device use, and we’ll discuss strategies for regaining the social skills and reviving the in-person strategies that our device use had compromised. You’ll learn how the same conditioning and power of habit that got us using our devices so much more also can be harnessed to help us use them much less. You’ll learn how to curate and enhance the positive aspects of digital devices, to help maintain them as a source of connection, joy, humor and learning and keep them from causing you unhappiness or stress. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Photo by Japanexperterna (Creative Commons).

Cinematographer Cody Valentine’s 40-minute surrealistic vision, Purple Velvet Planet, premieres at AFI Silver, Sunday March 29th. Cody has been dcVOC fam since the early days. Let's get out, get fly and support our brother. **DISCOUNT CODE for 50%:** DCVOCFAM **BUY TICKETS** PurpleVelvetPlanet.eventbrite.com **ABOUT THE FILM:** (I'm not reading it since I want to be surprised) In a world where music is regulated, performances are monitored by the government, and musicians need registrations to perform in public venues, Light is an “undocumented” rapper with few options for success. His socially conscious lyrics aren't doing him any favors, either. Speaking to many of the issues we are facing today, this film will appeal to music lovers, film aficionados, and everyone searching for ways to be more joyous in these troubling times. Purple Velvet Planet aspires to provide a path to personal peace amidst the chaos, through a masterful blend of music and story. **TRAILER** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qd69fWFfxU If you would like to sit with the group, text Ajani at 202-528-4700

Greetings conscious black friends! I am Cody V, and I recently completed my 40 minute short film called Purple Velvet Planet. A lot of creatives here in the DMV worked hard on it, and we are excited to premier it Sunday March 29th at the historic AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring. The film is a blend of story, music, and self discovery. We've been getting tons of positive feedback so far. Tickets are available at purplevelvetplanet.eventbrite.com and they start at $7. Check out the trailer and the synopsis. I hope to see you there! **TRAILER** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qd69fWFfxU **SYNOPSIS** *In a world where music is regulated, performances are monitored by the government, and musicians need registrations to perform in public venues, Light is an “undocumented” rapper with few options for success. His socially conscious lyrics aren't doing him any favors, either. Speaking to many of the issues we are facing today, this film will appeal to music lovers, film aficionados, and everyone searching for ways to be more joyous in these troubling times. Purple Velvet Planet aspires to provide a path to personal peace amidst the chaos, through a masterful blend of music and story.*

A day in paradise. The PATC, in coordination with the Virginia Native Plant Society, will be conducting a invasive plant removal day at Thompson Wildlife Management area near Linden, Virginia from 10AM - 3:00 PM. This area is one of the most outstanding botanical sites in the Virginia Blue Ridge. Unfortunately, the native flora of Thompson is increasingly threatened by non-native invasive plant species. On March 21st, we'll concentrate our efforts on pulling garlic mustard (*Alliaria petioilata*) rosettes. No prior experience is necessary. Training will be provided on-site. Please bring seasonal appropriate clothing (never forget rain gear), gloves, water, a sack lunch and a small trowel if you have one. Be prepared to hike several miles and squat or bend over repeatedly - all with the satisfaction that you are helping to protect a truly special natural area. We will meet at the the first Thompson Wildlife parking area on the right just north of the Fox Meadow winery on Freezeland Rd. GPS Coordinates are 38.9397° N 78.039°W. Look for PATC sign. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xaPANbEa7awF6m36A Questions? Email Natural_Resource@patc.net From the east: Take I-66 West to exit18 (toward Markham). Left on VA-688 Right on VA-55W (4.2m). Right on State Rte 638 -Freezeland Rd. Parking lot will be on right (3.8m) From the west: Take I-66 East to exit 13 for VA-79 toward Linden/VA-55. Right onto VA-79S. Left onto VA-55E (1.3m). Left onto State Rte 638 – Freezeland Rd. Parking lot will be on right (3.8 m)

Come help us start planting/seedlings at the Mission Center! Many helped us get the garden up and running last fall, and we donated nearly 100 pounds of produce to the Mission Center and other food pantries. While we are working on getting families set up with plots, we don't want to lose the spring garden season, so are hosting this planting day. We'll plant spring crops: potatoes, lettuce, peas, radishes, carrots, spinach, kale, pak choi, and other greens. HOH will provide the tools. Just bring yourselves and some water. Come any time in this window. Questions? Contact Julie at julie.carpenter@handsonharvests.org. Please review the available slots & sign up in this link: [workdaysignup](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FADA923A5F8C61-63140046-mission#/) Great Opportunity to learn more about growing spring plants, understand the mission center community garden project, & give back to the community! Thank you!!

We'll check out Shaghf Cafe in Fairfax. There is a retail parking around the block and behind the building. Please have a picture profile so we can recognize you in the meetup. Please only sign up if you're sure about attending this meetup, and please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, thank you!

Families with teens &/tweens - bring a snack & come play/hang out! It's been too long! I had a few crazy months so we skipped Jan & Feb, but we miss our meetups! The Teen/Tween potluck meetup is normally monthly. We meet for eating, playing, conversation... I'm mom to 11 & 15 year olds. We've been vegan since 2012. This meetup is for vegan or vegan-curious youth & their families. All are welcome. If your family has a food allergy, please let me know & I'll share with the group. Make or buy vegan food to share and hang out/play. Bring: -vegan snack to share -your own drink -outdoor games/balls -chairs/blanket Please make sure the snack you bring to share is vegan. I'll provide paper towels. There is a basketball court, a small playground and a field. We'll have some frisbees. Please attend if your child is age 10 or older. Please note that there are no restroom facilities in the park. There is a church across the street. Turn into the parking lot between the small, white, Waves of Glory Church & the Norbeck-Muncaster Park sign. Event will be held in all weather. In case of inclement weather, we will hold the event at our home, 1 mile away, on our large covered patio.

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.

Join us for the Spring edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/895148649812928), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vegan eats, handmade goods, and the beauty of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this new chapter reflects what the event has always been — a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 local vendors offering seasonal vegan eats, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the beginning of a new season with us. Admission is Free.

**FREE LIVE WEBINAR: PRICING WITH POWER** *Charge what you’re worth, not what you fear* Ever felt like you’re working hard but still undercharging? Like you know you can offer more, but when it’s time to say your price, you hesitate? Yeah, this isn’t really about pricing. It’s about certainty. And once that shifts, everything else follows. I’m hosting a free live session where we’ll talk about how to actually fix this. No fluff, no complicated theories. Just real shifts you can apply right away. What we’ll go through: • How to stop second guessing your pricing • A simple way to price based on value, not just time • Why confidence affects your income more than you think • How to open up opportunities beyond one time income [REGISTER HERE](https://triumphtracknow.com/weekly-momentum-series) This is for you if: • You feel like you should be earning more but aren’t • You get uncomfortable when talking about money or rates • You’re tired of overworking just to make enough • You’re ready to take yourself more seriously There’s also a bonus part where I’ll share how you can move into something more sustainable, not just client to client work. No pressure, no hype Just a solid session that might change how you look at your value. 👉 Reserve your spot here: [https://triumphtracknow.com/weekly-momentum-series](https://triumphtracknow.com/weekly-momentum-series)

**The Data-Driven Brand: Using Analytics to Shape Perception** Can you use analytics to improve tacos? This being CBUSDAW, we think the answer is probably “yes”, but we’re not sure how to implement or test this theory. For our April meetup we’ve got Sara Kear, CMO of Condado Tacos, to investigate this delicious question. Sara will explore how she blends quantitative data and qualitative customer feedback to shape brand positioning and drive business decisions. We all know that marketing and analytics go way beyond attribution. Sara will show how Condado uses customer insights to inform product and pricing strategy. She’ll also highlight how Condado leverages customer feedback at scale to influence operational priorities, positioning marketing as the voice of the customer across the organization. In the last 12 years Condado has gone from one location in Columbus to 52 locations across 10 states, so we’re guessing there’s more to that growth than really good guac (though the guac probably helps). Ultimately, this talk focuses on the intersection of art and science—using data to inform creativity and build a brand that resonates with customers in a measurable way. **About Our Speaker** Sara Kear is Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos, where she oversees brand, restaurant design, menu and pricing strategy, off-premise including catering, and customer data strategy. Since joining in 2021, she has helped grow the brand from 19 to 52 locations while building a data-driven marketing organization focused on loyalty and customer insights. Condado has since been named to the Inc. 5000, recognized as Breakout Retailer by Chain Store Age, and consistently ranked among FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

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

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

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!