Baltimore Office of Sustainability

08/20/2026

☀️🎒 Back-to-school season is here—and clean energy is part of the lesson!

The Maryland LCV Education Fund, in partnership with the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability, is hosting the 2026 Solar-Powered Back-to-School Fair this Saturday, August 22, from 11 AM–2 PM at Patagonia in Baltimore!

Stop by for:
🎒 Free backpacks and school supplies
☀️ Community solar information
💡 Resources for families, students, and teachers
🥪 Lunch and community connections

The Office of Sustainability will be there tabling with sustainability resources and information for students, teachers, and families.

Want to lower your BGE electric bill while supporting clean energy? Visit the Ampion booth to learn how Maryland's Community Solar Program can help you save money each month—no rooftop solar required!

Bring a copy of your most recent BGE bill, and Ampion representatives can answer your questions and help you sign up for a community solar subscription at the event.

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
⏰ 11 AM–2 PM
📍 Patagonia, 700 S Caroline St, Baltimore, MD 21231

Come for the fun, grab some school supplies, connect with local resources, and learn how you can save with clean energy! 🌱

🔗 Register: https://www.marylandconservation.org/event/2026-solar-powered-back-to-school-fair

08/19/2026

🌳🎉 IT'S TIME TO MAKE TREE HISTORY! 🎉🌳

Join TreeBaltimore for its semi-annual Tree Gathering on Thursday, August 27, from 5:30–8:30 PM at Cylburn Arboretum!

Twice a year, TreeBaltimore brings together Baltimore's tree advocates, planters, maintainers, researchers, volunteers, and conservation professionals to celebrate our city's urban forest. This free, public event is a chance to connect with fellow tree lovers, enjoy food and entertainment, and celebrate Baltimore's trees. 🌿

After 52 years of the Bradford pear, Baltimore is choosing a new native, climate-resilient Official City Tree! 🌿

🌳 6 tree candidates
🏆 1 winner

Come dressed as the tree you voted for, bring your flags and noisemakers, and show your team spirit! 🎉🌳

Enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, and connect with the people who care for, study, plant, and advocate for Baltimore's trees.

🚗 Parking is limited, so carpool, bike, or take public transportation if you can.

🌱 RSVP: https://www.treebaltimore.org/gathering

Let's celebrate Baltimore's urban forest and the next chapter of our city's tree history!

08/06/2026

🌱 Join the Baltimore Commission on Sustainability for our monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 18th from 4–6 PM.

The meeting will continue our series topic of Progress on Big, Audacious Commitments, with August’s subtopic focused on the 2019 Sustainability Plan Commitments.

We hope to see you there! Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baltimore-city-commission-on-sustainability-monthly-meeting-tickets-163557788749

08/05/2026

🍃 Calling all Baltimore City Public Schools teachers! 🍃

Do you have an idea to help your students make a positive impact on their school and community? The 2026–2027 Green, Healthy, Smart Challenge (GHSC) is now accepting applications!

GHSC provides funding for student-led sustainability and greening projects that inspire environmental stewardship and hands-on learning.

Past projects have included:
🌱 School gardens
♻️ Recycling and composting programs
💧 Water quality testing
🐠 Field trips to the National Aquarium or Great Kids Farm
🌎 Earth Day events

Have another sustainability idea? We'd love to hear it! The Baltimore Office of Sustainability welcomes creative projects that help students build a greener, healthier future.

🗓️ Applications are open now through October 2!
🔗 Apply today: bit.ly/ghscSY27

Need help developing your project idea? Reach out to Ebone Smith at [email protected].

📢 Stay tuned for upcoming virtual information sessions!

07/17/2026

Be sure to follow these suggestions to stay safe and cool during these Code Purple conditions

07/17/2026

Stay safe and cool, Baltimore!

AIR QUALITY ALERT for July 17: There is a Code Red (Unhealthy) air quality alert for most of the state and Code Purple (Very Unhealthy) in Western Maryland. Marylanders should avoid intense activity outdoors. Learn more about air quality: bit.ly/457OEAT.

07/02/2026

🚨 CODE RED EXTREME HEAT ALERT EXTENDED 🚨

Based on forecasted heat indices, Dr. Michelle Taylor, Baltimore City Health Commissioner, has extended the Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Sunday, July 5.

Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, but it poses an even greater risk for pregnant people, infants, older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning.

If you're pregnant, take extra precautions during this period of extreme heat:
💧 Stay hydrated
❄️ Spend time in air-conditioned spaces
🏠 Keep your home as cool as possible
🌡️ Avoid prolonged outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day
❤️ Listen to your body and seek medical care if you experience symptoms of heat-related illness.

Please review the graphic below for additional heat safety tips and resources.

For Code Red information, cooling center locations, and other resources, visit:
https://health.baltimorecity.gov/coderedinfo

Together, we can help keep Baltimore safe and healthy during extreme heat. Check on your family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who may need extra support.

06/19/2026

🌳🎶 As Baltimore celebrates AFRAM this weekend, the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability recognizes Druid Hill Park as more than a festival venue—it's a vital community asset that supports climate resilience, public health, and cultural connection.

Parks help reduce urban heat, improve air quality, manage stormwater, and provide spaces where communities can gather, celebrate, and thrive.

As we work toward a more sustainable Baltimore, we use an equity lens that considers how past decisions have shaped our communities, who has a voice in planning processes, how resources are distributed, and how today's actions impact future generations.

This weekend, we celebrate African American culture, community, and the shared green spaces that help make Baltimore stronger and more resilient.

06/18/2026

🌳 Baltimore's Climate Heritage Starts with Trees 🌳

The Baltimore City Office of Sustainability is excited to help TreeBaltimore and Baltimore City Recreation & Parks spread the word: the voting period for Baltimore's next Official City Tree has been extended!

Trees are an important part of Baltimore's climate heritage. They provide shade during extreme heat, improve air quality, reduce flooding, and create healthier, more beautiful neighborhoods. For generations, trees have shaped the character of our communities—and now you can help shape their future.

Since 1974, Baltimore's official tree has been the invasive Chanticleer (Bradford) pear. It's time to choose a native, climate-resilient tree that reflects Baltimore's values, history, and future.

🗳️ Voting is open through June 28 at 11:59 PM.

Learn about the six finalist species and cast your vote:
https://www.treebaltimore.org/official-city-tree

Help grow Baltimore's climate legacy for generations to come.

06/12/2026

📄♻️ DPW Shred Event – June 13 ♻️📄

Safely dispose of sensitive paper documents at the Baltimore City Department of Public Works' next Shred Event!

📅 Saturday, June 13
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Johns Hopkins University at Eastern
1101 E. 33rd St., Baltimore, MD 21218

This FREE drive-through event is open to Baltimore City residents. Bring up to two 32-gallon bags of paper documents for secure shredding.

Please note:
✅ Paper documents only
❌ No cardboard, plastic, or trash

Additional resources available:
🌳 GROW Center Pop-Up (free mulch, trees & gardening guidance)
⚡ BGE Appliance Recycling
💻 Electronics Recycling with PCs for People
👕 Textile Recycling with Helpsy

Take advantage of this one-stop opportunity to recycle, reuse, and declutter responsibly!