'Green' on Sustainability? Up your Earth-Friendly IQ at NBM!!

Carbon Footprint. Eco-Friendly. Sustainable. Green. These are words that within the last few years have entered into our vocabulary in a big way. It seems now, more than ever, people want to be more environmentally sensitive, from becoming less wasteful with natural resources and making greater strides to recycle, to lowering energy and fuel consumption. But if you are like most people, you may not really know what "green" and the rest of these catch-phrases really mean.

A great (and certainly fun) way to gain enlightenment is to head over to the National Building Museum (via bike, metro, or on foot, of course) and visit their 'Green Community' exhibit (currently on display through October 25, 2009). As much a feast for the eyes as for the mind, the exhibit features interactive displays and follows sustainable principles to educate the visitor about both the ways in which we use (and abuse) our planet Earth, and the various initiatives being explored to lessen our negative impact and encourage stewardship of the environment. The extensive exhibit is curated by Susan Piedmont-Palladino, professor of architecture at Virginia Tech's Washington Alexandria Architecture Center, who on a recent visit explained that the exhibit's name is singular (rather than 'communities') to emphasis the connectivity and role that we all play in the protection of our global community. While she points out that none of the initiatives featured in the exhibit are perfect answers, all are steps in the right direction. Of particular interest is a part of the exhibit which features local challenges and initiatives, which will change as the exhibit tours.

Want a sneak preview? Watch an introductory exhibition tour here.

And once you've whetted your appetite, continue your education by checking out, Gang Green, the blog where Susan muses about sustainability, design, and life as an urban ecophile.