On Saturday, September 27th, 30 volunteers descended on the Small’s home in Landover Hills, MD to show what could be done to reduce energy costs by making some affordable improvements that in this case could translate into $1000 to $1500 in energy savings each year. Operating in teams with lead home improvement experts, the house was transformed in several hours. There were teams of volunteers who caulked windows, insulated pipes and the hot water heater, installed solar screens and a solar dryer, and created a backyard raised garden bed to grow vegetables. Earlier in the week the attic was insulated. Greenmodeling Inc. conducted a free energy audit two weeks earlier in order to pinpoint what needed to be done in the house. Donations were solicited from local businesses. Senator David Harrington contributed $500, and several companies donated services and materials (such as Community Forklift, A.C. and R. Insulation, Saving the Green, LLC and Bill’s Hardware). Jwanzza Youth Partnership of Prince George’s Community College brought 8 children, ages 5 – 18, and parents who wanted the opportunity to see first hand what Green Jobs could mean for them in terms of jobs. Flyers were distributed in English and Spanish around the neighborhood explaining the event and pointing out what people could do to make their homes more energy efficient. We took photos of the group holding up Green Jobs Now banners and signs. And, we signed Green Jobs Now petitions. On behalf of Green Jobs Now, Progressive Cheverly presented the homeowner with an “Energy Efficient Home” certificate. Everyone had a great time and the homeowners were thrilled with the effort. Joining Progressive Cheverly as sponsors of the event were Jwanzaa, Senator David Harrington, Greenmodeling, Community Forklift, Mayor Adam Ortiz of Edmonston, and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

MD State Senator David Harrington said “This was a fantastic demonstration of bringing the "green" movement to practical application. Let's continue to work together to change our economy and bring practical applications to our communities.”