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The Lower Potomac Tributary Team is partnering with the Green Building Institute to offer Green Building Classes at the Charlotte Hall Library throughout 2009.

“As Kermit said ‘It’s not easy being green,’” said Bob Boxwell, Tributary Team Chair. “These workshops are designed to make it easier. I expect to see immediate benefits in my job and home environment by applying what I learn. I’m even thinking they’d make a nice gift for that person who has everything.”

These workshops will show participants how their homes and other living spaces can be turned into energy efficient, healthy areas. There is a wide array of classes emphasizing environmentally sound and cost-effective ideas. Topics include information on how to build a rain garden, using solar for hot water and electricity, composting kitchen scraps to organically create rich soil for a garden - even how to do a total green makeover. All of the classes will focus on incorporating green infrastructure and meeting the challenges of environmental responsibility.

Workshops will be offered every other month starting in January, 2009. The two-hour workshops begin at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Charlotte Hall Branch Library located at 37600 New Market Road in Charlotte Hall. Participants completing all six classes will be recognized by the Tributary Team and receive a Green tool kit, courtesy of Mirant Power and other local vendors of green products.

Scheduled class dates and topics are:

Jan.15: How to Be Green: Efficient and Healthy Buildings

March 19: How to Grow a Rain Garden

May 21: How to Be Green: Solar Energy & Hot Water

July 16: Home Energy Efficiency

Sept.17: Composting at Home

Nov.19: Principles of Green Home Renovations

Registration information is available online at greenbuildinginstitute.org. A fee coving the cost of instruction and materials will be charged for each class.

Comprised of citizens, businesses local and state government representatives, the Lower Potomac Tributary Team works to reduce nitrogen and sediment pollution and restore habitat in the Potomac River’s southernmost watershed through community participation. The team’s next monthly meeting will be held on Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in St. Mary’s County.