Del Ray Greens, which will be located at the corner of Mt Vernon Avenue and Hume, is holding a mural design contest. The contest is open to students in Alexandria Schools and a pdf with all of the contest details can be downloaded here. The contest deadline is January 15, 2010.

Del Ray Greens is being touted as Del Ray’s first privately-owned LEED certified green building and promises to have an organic farm on the roof! This should be an exciting project to watch.

Although Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment is obviously an Arlington-focused organization, all members of the public are welcome at their 31st Annual Meeting, which is being hosted by Andy Shallal (owner of Busyboys and Poets, which opened a Shirlington location last year).

31st ACE Annual Meeting, Think Local – Act Green. How Local Businesses are Promoting Environmental and Community Values. Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. - Refreshments and Mingling, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. - Program, NRECA, 4301 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA. Everyone is welcome to join us for an overview of ACE programming for 2009. The keynote address will be by Andy Shallal, founder and owner of Busboys and Poets. The meeting will also include welcoming remarks by Arlington County Board Chair, Barbara Favola; the kickoff of the 2009 Green Living Challenge; ACE awards, volunteer recognition, and board elections; a table featuring Gators, Gourdheads, and Pufflings by Susan Jewell; and light refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods Market. More information: 703-228-6427 or office@arlingtonenvironment.org.

Want to know more about Eco-City Alexandria?

The City of Alexandria and the Environmental Policy Commission invites you to the Environmental Action Plan Open House on Monday, November 17, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St.

If you’re wondering what an Eco-City is, the Alexandria website gives a brief definition:

Eco-Cities are places where people can live healthier and economically productive lives while reducing their impact on the environment. They work to harmonize existing policies, regional realities, and economic and business markets with their natural resources and environmental assets. Eco-Cities strive to engage all citizens in collaborative and transparent decision making, while being mindful of social equity concerns.

You can learn more about what this means specifically in our community by attending the open house.