Image courtesy Honda

 A recent survey by J.D. Power and Associates showed  before the market price is revealed, 72 percent of consumers say they are “definitely/probably” interested in having hybrid-electric technology in their next new vehicle. Dealers are already running out of hybrids, but it's worth waiting if necessary. You might also consider looking for a used hybrid. You can check dealers' used inventories using autotrader.com or carmax.com. Particularly good hybrids are the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Summer is a great time for a big yard sale. Put your old stuff to good use in this form of recycling. Have a neighborhood yard sale and donate the proceeds to a good charity. Don't throw it away, put it to good use! Check out Backlick Storage Charity Yard Sale on July 19, 8 AM - 4 PM, benefiting The Duffy House, a 200 room safe house offering long term care to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children.

Casey Trees has a good program to encourage DC residents to plant a tree and get a rebate.

Free concerts will be given throughout the summer at the outdoor amphitheater at National Museum of the American Indian.

Free outdoor movies on the National Mall this summer

Jazz in the Garden concerts at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden this summer

photo credit: Catherine Wanek