Three years ago today, Mark Mebus and Ryan Moylan opened Blackbird Pizzeria, a (that’s right you guessed it) 100% vegan restaurant specializing in pizza that dabbles in sandwiches, salads, and wings (okay, maybe you did not guess the vegan part).  More than just a niche market endeavor, Mark and Ryan set out to create an extension of themselves as individuals.

Blackbird Pizzeria began to manifest itself about 15 years ago when Mark made the decision to become vegan.  He also attended the Natural Gourmet School in New York and has worked in two vegan restaurants over the last decade.  His partner, Ryan Moylan, a graphic designer educated at the School of Visual Arts in New York is also vegan–so there was really no question in their mind that their restaurant would be vegan.

There was also no question of whether or not Blackbird would run on clean, renewable energy.  With a commitment to sustainability, and a little peer pressure from their circle of friends, Mark and Ryan now run Blackbird on 100% wind power.  In addition, the restaurant sources from local farms, uses compostable packaging, turns used fry oil into biodiesel, and recycles and composts when possible.  “We feel as though everyone should be considering the environment”, Mark explains.
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The Alpert Family Aleph Bet Jewish Day School has some really fantastic sustainability initiatives on campus! Head of School Nan Jarashow spoke with us, familiarizing us with this impressive new member of the Clean Currents family.

Aleph Bet is a tight-knit community, educating fewer than 40 elementary students. In 2011, they moved into a new facility, and sustainability started taking precedence. They immediately strove for Maryland Green School certification, which they achieved in 2012. This program assesses factors such as facility construction and operations, curriculum, and school practices.

Aleph Bet dove head first into involving the young student body, getting them excited for clean practices and sustainability. The school focuses on waste, educating students to separate everything between trash, recycling, and compost. Nan told us of a particularly feisty first grade girl who is now “the recycling police” and heartily reprimands anyone who even considers incorrectly disposing of something!
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Customer Choice in a Deregulated Electricity Market

Nineteen states – including Maryland, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania – have deregulated electricity markets.  Deregulation segments the three main components of electricity service (Generation, Transmission, and Distribution) and allows competitive suppliers like Clean Currents to take part in the process.  The competition that results from deregulation benefits customers by offering new electricity products (like wind power) and various price options.  Customers still have the option of remaining on their utility’s Standard Offer Service (SOS), but as more people realize they have a choice when it comes to their electric supplier, more are taking the initiative to make the switch.

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It’s nice to be recognized for our leadership in empowering businesses and individuals to support clean energy. Here is where we brag a little:

B Corp – 2013 Best for the World, Environmental Impact

Green America – People & Planet Award Fall 2012

Renewable Energy Markets – Best Marketing Campaign by a Green Power Supplier 2011

#196 in Inc. Magazine’s 2011 List of 500 Fastest Growing Companies in America

The Gazette of Politics and Business 2011 P&B53 List of Exceptional Companies

B Corp, Rookie of the Year and Double Dip Award 2011
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Clean Currents notes four major rationales for supporting renewable energy:

Energy Security & Independence:

Supplies of fossil fuels that power our automobiles and electric generators come from increasingly unstable parts of the world.  Although most coal power that is used to generate electricity in the United States comes from domestic sources, a large percentage of the oil, diesel, and natural gas that is used to supply our electric generators comes from abroad.  Abundant and free wind and sun grace our country and we should harness it in order to secure a more stable energy future.

Decrease Air Pollution & Ecosystem Destruction:

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Tucked away on Columbia Road behind the bustling main drag of Adams Morgan’s 18th Street sits Bedrock Billiards.  This neighborhood favorite is constantly bustling with patrons venturing in to enjoy the craft beers on tap, shuffle board table, large TVs playing whatever sports are in season, and of course the billiards tables.

Keeping this show running is no easy task. It  requires a lot of energy both in the form of General Manager Ben Fiske’s attention, and in the kind that keeps the lights on and the beer cold.

At Clean Currents, we monitor our customers’ energy use patterns to help identify large changes. We noticed a large drop over a 2-year period in Bedrock Billiards’ energy use and decided to investigate.

Turns out Bedrock Billiards was tired of wasting money on high energy bills and chose to do something about it. Through a mix of big and small changes, they were able to bring down their electricity bill by about $200 a month.
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At Clean Currents, we believe that businesses have a responsibility to protect and improve the natural environment while conducting their operations.

Our commitment to environmental stewardship runs through all facets of our operations, including:

• Offsetting all of our electric, operational, and travel-related greenhouse gas emissions
• Purchasing environmentally friendly products
• Providing a green benefits package to employees
• Maximizing energy-efficiency in the office
• Recycling all office-related materials
• Supporting sustainable business partners and associations
• Lobbying for positive environmental legislation

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When speaking with Anthony V. Wojnar D.D., RMT, founder and Senior Teacher & Practitioner at Life Holistic Center, the tranquility of the man is immediately apparent. He is deliberate and insightful, revealing layers of meaning throughout our conversation.

Anthony is a reiki master. Reiki is a spiritual practice that connects the human consciousness with the energy of the universe by drawing it through the crown chakra and channeling through the palms. Reiki can promote healing on many levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, while also helping with relaxation, stress and pain relief.

In our conversation with Anthony, there was plenty of cause for reflection. He described his journey to self healing when conventional medicine was ineffective against his chronic fatigue. Anthony now runs his practice from his newly constructed Violet Studio- which is attached to his residence- not only working to heal individuals, but also taking on students with whom he shares the teachings of reiki.
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A staple of the Silver Spring community will soon celebrate its tenth anniversary. Adega Wine Cellars & Café opened its doors in August 2003, and has been satisfying customers’ cravings for tasty food and spectacularly curated wines and beers ever since. In honor of this exciting milestone, we spoke with manager Jarrod Jabre.

Immediately upon entering the café, I could tell that this was different than any other place I have been. The atmosphere is open and spacious, yet quaint. Their extensive selection of wine and beer is displayed throughout the dining area, resulting in a very cool, laid-back vibe. The chalk-written menu indicates fresh food made with care, and many of the wines represent local Maryland vineyards.

Jarrod is the face of the company. With the support of owner Walter Rhee, he is a driving force behind much of Adega’s efforts. Not only did he spearhead the process of converting both his home and Adega to Clean Currents wind energy, but he also oversaw the café’s switch to entirely biodegradable to-go materials.
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