Green DMV is a non-profit organization seeking to promote clean energy and green jobs in low-income communities across America as a pathway out of poverty. Green DMV (the DMV stands for Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia) was founded by CAP’s own Rhon Hayes, and Philip E. O'Neal in hopes of influencing policy change in the region that will spur sustainable green job growth and equitable environmental policies.

Green DMV believes that by helping low income communities to realize the true benefit of clean energy, we can increase the vitality of the small business community, educate the next generation on environmental stewardship and strengthen the effectiveness of community stakeholders by encouraging participation in the political process to make a measurable difference in saving the environment.

Earlier this week, Green DMV held an Environmental Awareness Day at Jefferson-Houston Elementary School in Alexandria, VA. The goal of the day was to expose students to several environmental issues facing us today, such as climate change, through activities that helped show them the relationship between the environment and their everyday lives. Most importantly, the students were able to take what they learned back home to their parents who will play an integral role in strengthening their interest in the environment. Green DMV’s Program Associate Adam Levine describes the day, which was a huge success:

“The day began with Green DMV Co-founder Philip O’Neal leading gymnasium full of elementary school students in the chant of “We are, we are green kids! Green kids!”, to the tune of Queen’s “We will Rock You.”  If there was a bleary eye in the gym that morning, it was wide awake by the time the students were done singing.  The affirming mantra segued into a brief introduction to the concept of climate change and a discussion about the power and responsibility that we have to make choices in our lives that consider the environmental impact of our actions.  By the end of the morning assembly, the students at Jefferson-Houston elementary were beginning to understand just what being a “green kid” meant.

The morning assembly was the beginning of a day-long fair that was held at Jefferson-Houston Elementary in Alexandria, Virginia. This environmental awareness day was the product a partnership between Green DMV, a D.C.-based environmental organization, and Jefferson-Houston elementary. The event introduced students to the environmental challenges that we face while equipping them with the tools to make smart, environmentally conscious choices in their lives.

Throughout the day, students visited various stations where they were able to start their own vegetable gardens, decorate reusable canvass tote bags, plant a tree, sign an eco-pledge, and make their own ice cream (serving the dual purpose of cooling off on an unseasonably warm spring day, and saving on packaging and shipping as compared with buying it from the store). A host of motivated and indispensable volunteers and teachers made the day a great success and an absolute joy for everyone involved.