Issue #010

Upcoming Local Events

The Month of January

• National Bath Safety Month

• Financial Wellness Month

• Get Organized Month

• National Hot Tea Month

• National Mentoring Month

• Self-Love Month

• Teen Driving Awareness Month

• January 8 to 30: Recycle live cut Christmas trees, placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on their regular yard trim collection day or drop off at Brown Station Road Public Container Pad and Recycling Center, located at 3601 Brown Station Road in Upper Marlboro Monday to Saturday, between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

• January 13: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art Contest Program, 10:00-12:00, Bowie City Hall

• January 15: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday - Holiday 

• January 16: Single and Parenting Virtual Workshop, 7:00 - 8:30

• January 20: 8:00 - 2:00: Electronics Recycling Event, The Public Works Department, 16500 Annapolis Road.

• January 20: 12:00, Ballin' with the Badge, Benjamin Tasker Middle School, 4901 Collington Rd, Bowie, MD 20715

• January 21: 11:00 and 3:30 Outlet Dance Complex Presents: Dancin’ Through Winter, Winter Recital

• January 22: 7:00-8:30, Old Town Bowie Revitalization Community Meeting at the Huntington Community Center, 13022 8th Street

  Bowie, MD

• January 26: 7:00, On Kee Jazz Presents: Jazz in the Black Box, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts

• January 27: 1:00 - 3:30 - Candle Making Workshop at 6600 Laurel - Bowie Road Bowie, MD 20715

• January 27: 7:00pm and 9:30pm, Joe Clair Presents: Bangin’ in Bowie featuring featuring comedians Brooklyn Mike, Timmy Hall, and Cool Bubba Ice, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts

• January 31: 7:00pm - Free virtual Workforce Development Program Information Session ages 15 - 25

• Send us an email if you would like to share a local Bowie event inside of the Bowie Insider; include all of the details.

Bowie is Named One of the Nation's Most Trusted Towns

Have you heard? Fox 5 DC reported that Bowie was been named as one of the nation’s most trusted towns in the nation. Known as a family friendly place to live, Bowie has a lot to offer the community. Our city is not perfect, just as no city can make such a claim. However, overall community does offer a level of comfort for our residence.

Waste Not, Want Not, A Quick Guide to Composting

In the heart of every thriving garden, there's a secret ingredient that often goes unnoticed, yet plays a crucial role in nurturing and sustaining life: compost. At its core, composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste — like food scraps, leaves, and yard trimmings — into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. This age-old practice, embraced by gardeners and environmental enthusiasts alike, represents a simple yet powerful solution to managing household waste while contributing positively to the environment.

As we delve into the world of composting, it's essential to understand both its benefits and challenges. Here's a look at the upsides and downsides of embracing composting in our daily lives.

The Upsides of Composting

1. Reduces Landfill Waste: Composting is an effective way to reduce the amount of garbage sent to landfills. Organic waste, which makes up a significant portion of household trash, can instead be composted. This not only lessens landfill burden but also mitigates methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas produced when organic waste decomposes anaerobically in landfills.

2. Enriches Soil: Compost adds vital nutrients back into the soil, improving its quality. It is packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are beneficial for plant growth. This natural fertilizer helps maintain soil health, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

3. Promotes Water Conservation: Compost has a remarkable ability to retain moisture. When mixed with soil, it can help retain water, thus reducing the need for frequent watering. This is particularly beneficial in arid regions or during dry seasons, making gardening more sustainable and water-efficient.

4. Supports Biodiversity: Healthy soil, bolstered by the addition of compost, becomes a hub for beneficial bacteria, fungi, and insects. This biodiversity is crucial for nutrient cycling and helps plants resist diseases and pests naturally, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

5. Climate Change Mitigation: By composting, we can play a part in mitigating climate change. Composting organic waste prevents the release of methane in landfills. Additionally, enriched soils can sequester more carbon, thus helping in reducing the overall carbon footprint.

The Downsides of Composting

1. Time and Effort: Composting requires a commitment of time and effort. It involves collecting organic waste, maintaining the right balance of green and brown materials, and regular turning of the compost pile to ensure proper decomposition.

2. Potential for Pests and Odors: If not managed properly, compost piles can attract pests like rodents and insects. They can also emit unpleasant odors, particularly if the balance of materials is off or if it becomes too wet.

3. Space Requirements: Composting needs space, which can be a constraint for those living in apartments or houses with limited yard space. While there are solutions like community composting programs or compact compost bins designed for small spaces, these limitations can still be a barrier for some.

In conclusion, composting is a practice with numerous environmental and agricultural benefits, offering a simple yet effective way to contribute positively to the planet's health. While it comes with its challenges, the advantages far outweigh the downsides, making it a valuable practice for those looking to live more sustainably.

Where to get a compost bins in Bowie?

Bowie residence can purchase a $20 compost bin from Bowie City Hall.

Joke: Why did the computer go to the doctor in Bowie?

Answer: Because it had a virus and heard Bowie has the best tech support in Maryland!

How did we do in this issue of Bowie Insider?