This summer, join Maryland LCV Education Fund as we take actions, big and small, to make sure everyone in Maryland enjoys a healthy environment. Complete our Bingo card below and submit a photo of your completed card to edfundinfo@mdlcv.org by September 22 for your chance to win a swag bag of goodies! Remember! A Bingo can be made in one line horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and must include five spaces.
Additional (and useful!) information for each of the Bingo squares can be found following the Bingo card below.
This signs you up to receive text alerts from Maryland LCV Education Fund. We don’t send them often, but when we do, it’s usually for a quick action you can take to support an important priority.
Did you know that Maryland does not have any natural lakes? And we have 16,000 miles of freshwater streams? Creek size varies a lot, from tiny streams of water a person could jump across, to rivers like the Susquehanna that delivers 19 million gallons of fresh water every minute into the Chesapeake Bay. Your local stream may even be connected to a group working to protect its water quality. Maryland LCV Education Fund is the State Lead for the Choose Clean Water Coalition, an organization that supports and amplifies the efforts of those many watershed organizations in their efforts to have clean water throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (Of course, in Maryland we’re also home to the beautiful Atlantic Coastal Bays and the wild Youghiogheny River.)
Many scientific studies have shown reducing meat production significantly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production. Because it requires greater inputs, uses more water, and takes up more land than producing edible plants, meat production causes greater strains on our natural resources. Luckily, there are also many more options for finding alternative food and, as an added benefit, swapping that meat for more plants in your diet is likely to be good for your health, too.
In Maryland, although we had an option for electricity choice, many of the previous suppliers are no longer offering their products to residential consumers. You can read more about why that is here. One option that is still available is community solar. Companies set up solar arrays around the state and then sell “shares” of the energy produced to you at a lower cost than your regular utility energy rate, then the amount you purchase from the community solar project shows up on your utility energy bill as a credit. Click here to learn more about subscribing to community solar projects in Maryland.
Maryland LCV Education Fund is celebrating our 25th anniversary this year. Please consider a donation of any size to help us continue to provide environmental policy education and bring people together in Maryland for a healthy environment for all.
Taking a nature walk in a park helps deepen our appreciation for local ecosystems and the wildlife that depends on them. When people connect with nature, they are more likely to support conservation efforts. These walks also promote mental and physical well-being without generating pollution. By choosing outdoor recreation, we reduce reliance on energy-intensive entertainment. Find a park closest to you.
Shopping at a farmer’s market supports local agriculture, which often uses fewer chemicals and less packaging than industrial farming. Buying locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. Seasonal and sustainable food choices help protect soil health and water quality. It’s also a great way to build community around sustainable practices. Find your local farmers market here.
Learn where and how to recycle your old electronics (eCycling)! Benefits of eCycling include
- Reduce the amount of toxics entering the waste stream (lead, mercury and arsenic)
- Save landfill space
- Conserve natural resources.
- Reduce the rate of electronic waste generated each year
Participating in a Conservation Conversation fosters dialogue around local and national environmental issues. These events empower individuals to learn from experts and each other, promoting community driven solutions. Shared understanding builds momentum for change and stronger environmental policies. It’s an opportunity to collaborate, listen, and lead.
Volunteering at a cleanup directly reduces pollution in local parks, streams, and neighborhoods. It prevents trash from entering waterways and harming wildlife. Cleanups also raise public awareness about litter and waste management. Every small action contributes to healthier ecosystems and more beautiful public spaces.
Communicating support for wind energy shows elected officials that their constituents care about clean, renewable power. Wind energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Civic engagement influences legislation and drives investment in sustainable technologies. It’s a simple act with a long-term impact.
Learn more here.
Planting a pollinator garden provides vital habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators essential to our food supply. Native plants improve soil health and require less water and fertilizer. These gardens also increase biodiversity and help stabilize ecosystems. Supporting pollinators is key to a healthy planet.
Sharing a personal #WhyNow story spreads awareness and inspires others to take action. Storytelling helps humanize environmental issues and builds a culture of urgency and hope. When people see peers taking action, they’re more likely to get involved. It’s a powerful way to create collective momentum.
Biking instead of driving reduces carbon emissions and air pollution. It also eases traffic congestion and lowers noise levels in urban areas. Choosing active transportation supports public health and lowers our dependence on fossil fuels. Every bike ride is a vote for a cleaner, greener future. Check out the MDOT Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and learn about how to contribute to the Statewide Transportation Trails Strategic plan at https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=24
Attending a community event helps build local networks committed to sustainability and environmental action. These gatherings often spark collaboration, idea-sharing, and collective organizing. Community engagement strengthens the social fabric that supports environmental advocacy. When people connect face-to-face, movements grow stronger.
An energy audit identifies ways to reduce energy waste, which can lower utility bills and carbon emissions. Small upgrades like insulation or efficient appliances can make a big environmental impact over time. The less energy we use, the fewer fossil fuels are burned. Energy efficiency is a win for both the planet and your wallet. Learn more today!
Pledging to be a conservation voter signals a commitment to electing leaders who prioritize the environment. It helps ensure that climate, clean water, and clean energy are on the ballot. Voting with the planet in mind is one of the most powerful actions citizens can take. It holds elected officials accountable to future generations.
Carpooling and using public transportation significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce traffic congestion. Fewer cars on the road directly improves air quality through reduced emissions. Shared transportation decreases our dependence on fossil fuels. It’s a sustainable and often more affordable way to get around.
Switching to paperless billing cuts down on paper waste and reduces deforestation. It also lowers the carbon footprint of mail delivery and paper processing. Digital statements are a small but effective way to reduce everyday environmental impact. Every household that makes the switch helps protect trees and water resources.
Test driving an electric vehicle helps people explore cleaner transportation options and consider switching from gas-powered cars. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and are more energy-efficient overall. Learning about EV technology can empower more informed choices. Trying it firsthand helps break down myths and builds support for clean mobility.
Registering to vote ensures your voice counts in elections that shape environmental policy. Having up-to-date voter information means you’re ready to act when it matters. Civic participation is essential to protecting the planet through laws and leadership. Voting is one of the most direct ways to drive environmental progress.
Where you bank can either support or harm the planet, depending on whether that institution funds fossil fuels or clean energy. Researching a values-aligned bank ensures your money supports sustainable investments. Ethical banking promotes a greener financial system. Choosing wisely helps reshape the economy to prioritize climate and equity.
Learn more: https://bank.green/
Using a traditional, low-energy search engine reduces electricity usage and the carbon footprint associated with AI-powered searches. While AI can be powerful, it also requires more data centers and energy to run. Choosing simpler tools for everyday tasks helps conserve resources. It’s a small shift that contributes to digital sustainability. Maryland LCV Education Fund staff use the search engine Ecosia because it doesn’t use AI and it supports tree planting and renewable energy.
Composting diverts food waste from landfills, where it would release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Instead, organic waste is turned into nutrient-rich soil that supports healthy plant growth. Use of compost also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. It’s one of the most effective ways to close the loop on food and yard waste.
Learn more here.