D.C. Briefs

Capitol Hill Businesses Target Cigarette Litter

The Capitol Hill Business Improvement District will focus on reducing cigarette butt litter in areas of Capitol Hill with a high concentration of smokers.

The initiative is part of a nationwide Keep American Beautiful campaign, partially funded by the tobacco company Philip Morris USA. Campaign strategies include placing receptacles at building entrances, stepping up enforcement of anti-littering laws and distributing pocket ashtrays, which are small, reusable pouches with fireproof linings and that snap shut.

The effort will be concentrated in the southeast corner of Eighth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue SE; on First Street SE in front of the restaurants Bullfeathers and Tortilla Coast; and on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Fourth streets SE.

"There is a real need to change smokers' littering behavior and raise awareness about the environmental impact," said Patty Brosmer, president of the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District. "Cigarette litter is not only unsightly and costly to clean up but also harmful to waterways and wildlife."

Simple actions such as installing receptacles and distributing pocket ashtrays will make a big difference in decreasing litter and keeping Capitol Hill beautiful, she said.

For information on the program, go to http://www.preventcigarettelitter.org.

Business improvement districts are nonprofit organizations dedicated to keeping commercial areas clean and safe. They are funded through assessments on commercial property owners. For information on the Capitol Hill business improvement district, go to http://www.capitolhillbid.org.

Pepco Sponsors Discounts On Energy Star Light Bulbs

D.C. residents can purchase compact florescent light bulbs, which use less electricity than regular bulbs, at reduced prices through a Pepco-sponsored program.

More than 40 hardware, drug and food stores are expected to offer a discount of $1.50 on select single bulbs and $3 off multi-packs of Energy Star bulbs through 2011.

Pepco also plans to offer rebates on selected high-energy efficient appliances, such as window air conditioners, refrigerators and electric water heaters.

The initial participating retailer is Home Depot. Rite Aid, CVS, True Value and Safeway are expected to offer discounts by the end of the month. Giant and several local hardware stores will participate in the program in early fall.

For information, go to http://www.pepco.com.