Date: May 14, 2008

Getting Green on the Green: Chaney Enterprises Hosts Environmental Open House

For the first time, Chaney Enterprises will host an Environmental Open House on June 14, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., on the grounds of its Waldorf Mixing Facility.

Many green-focused businesses and organizations from Southern Maryland are participating in this free event. Visitors can learn how to save energy and protect the environment right now without breaking the bank.

Participating businesses and organizations include Waldorf of Toyota, who will display three hybrid models; The Appliance Source; Bob Fox Heating & Air Conditioning; Charles County Master Gardeners; MLP Enterprises; and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. Our Open House advisory members are SMECO, the Alice Ferguson Foundation, Charles County Government Department of Public Facilities, Maryland State DNR Park Service, Waste Management, Inc., the Port Tobacco River Conservancy, ABB Services and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy.

Even the food vendors, Apple Spice Junction and Famous Dave’s, are jumping on the green bandwagon by providing plates and utensils that can be composted. Single-stream recycling bins will be readily on hand for use, courtesy of Waste Management, Inc.

While getting the latest on green products and services, kids will learn how reptiles and crawly things are important to the environment when Maryland DNR presents its Scales and Tales program and Project WILD activities. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Mobile Ecology Lab will have exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.

Various green-focused seminars will be held in the Eugene Chaney Training Center on the facility’s campus. Topics covered include home energy auditing, Baywise landscaping, green building practices, recycling and more.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., tours of the Gardiner Road mining site will be conducted every 30 minutes. The last tour will be conducted at 1:30. Tour guides will discuss the efforts of Chaney Enterprises to ensure sound and environmentally-conscious mining and reclamation practices. Visitors can also learn about the environmental benefits of concrete. To schedule a tour time, e-mail info@ChaneyEnterprises.com, or call 301-645-5000.

The Environmental Open House is free. Apple Spice Junction and Famous Dave’s will offer summertime fare at family-friendly prices. The Waldorf Mixing Facility is located at 12165 Acton Lane, Waldorf. Parking is available on site, with overflow parking and shuttle service from the Chaney Enterprises corporate office.