Provided by the Recreation and Welfare Association (R & W)
The Recreation and Welfare Association (R & W) is an organization designed to provide employees of the National Institutes of Health and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with a variety of social, athletic, wellness, educational and special interest activities. The R&W Association has a variety of programs that provide members with opportunities to meet people with similar interests, pursue a favorite hobby, participate in athletic events, and enjoy many other social activities. There are travel opportunities also available. In addition, the R&W provides a variety of convenient services and products from five NIH gift shops that are located both on and off the main NIH campus and one at NOAA.
Additional information about these and other R&W programs can be found at the R&W Website: http://www.recgov.org/r&w/r&w.html
Effective January 1, 2012
Montgomery County, Maryland 5-cent Carryout Bag Tax
Effective January 1, 2012, a 5-cent charge on all carryout plastic and paper bags will be implemented within all of the Food/Concession/Retail establishments located on and off the NIH Campus. Included as part of your purchase(s) will be a separate charge on your receipt for each plastic or paper bag you obtain.
Did you know that plastic bags are a significant component of litter in our streams and rivers?
As part of the 2009 Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Anacostia Trash TMDL Baseline Study, plastic bags, food packaging, Styrofoam and plastic bottles account for over 62 percent of the total trash items found in our streams and storm water controls.
Is a Carryout Bag Tax Effective?
In our neighboring jurisdiction Washington, DC implemented a bag bill over 1 year ago. Since enacting the bill, DC has seen an estimated 80% reduction in the use of disposable carry out bags (from 270 million bags in 2009 to 55 million bags in 2010). Reports from the 2010 Potomac River Watershed Clean up in the region estimates a 66 percent reduction in the number of plastic bags picked up (after 4 months).
For additional information on the new bag tax, please visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bag
DATS Responsibilities
The DATS works in cooperation with the R&W to support many services provided to enhance the work life of NIH employees, patient & visitors through the oversight and management of the contractual use agreement for the R&W stores, fitness centers and food services.
To report any problems, concerns or comments concerning the R&W programs, space or other issues, please contact Mr. Chris Gaines or Ms. Pamela Jenkins at (301) 402-8180.