12-03-2025
This month’s issue includes a Sustain Fairfax Challenge tip of the month; how to Salt Smart this winter; expiring energy tax credits; a county conversation podcast on Fairfax Energy Compass; the Green Business Partners Social; a Virginia Climate Assessment; a Great Falls Library energy project; a groundbreaking for the Gunston Fire Station; an EV Readiness Strategy; the Route 29 Active Transportation Study; Fairfax Connector’s Winterfest; a Textile Recycling pilot project; the Noman M. Cole Jr Recycling Facility Open House; extending Food Scrap Drop off at Farmers Markets; results of the Tree Distribution to Community Organizations; the 2025-2026 Winter Weather outlook; the Crisis Assistance Program for heating costs; and much more!
TAKE ACTION
Sustain Fairfax Challenge Tip of the Month: Talk about Climate Solutions
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What Is It? Climate solutions are practical actions and alternatives that reduce the activities causing climate pollution, such as burning fossil fuels, agricultural practices, and waste production, while promoting cleaner air, local jobs, and a sustainable future.
What Can You Do? You can take action by adopting climate solutions such as switching to renewable energy, using energy-efficient appliances, driving less or switching to an electric vehicle, eating less red meat, reducing waste through recycling and composting, and sharing information about climate solutions to inspire others.
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Holiday gatherings provide an opportunity to have positive and inspiring conversations about climate solutions.
Most people are concerned about climate change and want to know how they can help, but they may not be aware of the practical actions they can take to make a difference. By sharing simple solutions — such as reducing fossil fuel use, eating less red meat, and cutting down on waste — you can inspire others to take action, improve their quality of life, and contribute to cleaner air, local jobs, and cost savings.
Use this time with friends and family to spark meaningful discussions and highlight that together, we can protect our future.
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Be Winter Salt Smart: Protect the Environment While Staying Safe
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What Is It? Salt is a material used during winter to melt ice and improve safety on roads and walkways, but its overuse can harm the environment, wildlife, infrastructure, and drinking water.
What Can You Do? You can minimize salt use by shoveling snow early and often, applying only the necessary amount of salt after clearing snow, choosing environmentally friendly salt or traction materials, and sweeping up excess salt for reuse after the storm.
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Salt is an effective tool for keeping roads and walkways safe during winter storms, but excessive use can harm the environment, raise sodium levels in drinking water, and damage infrastructure. Just one teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water, so it’s important to minimize its use.
As winter approaches, be sure to prepare by stocking up on the right type of salt, shoveling snow early and often, and applying salt only where and when it’s truly needed. After storms, sweep up unused salt for reuse. Making informed and intentional choices about salt use helps protect the environment, wildlife, and our drinking water while still keeping sidewalks and roads safe.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Act Now to Take Advantage of Expiring Clean Energy Tax Credits
Federal home energy tax credits, including those for heat pump water heaters, high-efficiency windows and doors, and solar panels, are set to expire on December 31, 2025 — making this to act before these savings opportunities disappear.
Even though the credits are going away, Fairfax County can still help you make the switch to cleaner energy with programs like Fairfax Energy Compass which provides homeowners with expert guidance and support every step of the way. Don’t miss this chance to save money and make a positive impact— review the tax credits and sign up for Energy Compass today by calling 703-324-3721 or emailing energycompass@fairfaxcounty.gov.
County Conversation Podcast: Helping Homeowners Navigate Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Speaking of Fairfax Energy Compass, Program Manager and Senior Community Specialist Maya Dhavale appeared on a recent County Conversation podcast to explain how the program works and who can benefit from it.
Fairfax County Achieves Significant Emissions Reduction Since 2005
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At the most recent meeting of the Board of Supervisors Environmental Committee (BOSEC), OEEC Director John Morrill shared the draft results of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) 2023 greenhouse gas inventory for Fairfax County. Fairfax County shows a 28% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions between 2005 and 2023, reflecting broad progress across sectors such as energy, transportation, and waste. Although emissions across the region, including in Fairfax County, are up slightly since 2020, the overall trend highlights the effectiveness of county-wide efforts to improve efficiency, transition to cleaner energy sources, and promote sustainable practices, even amid population and economic growth. The small increase from 2020 to 2023 was due to vehicle traffic rebounding from the pandemic. Still, the growth in emissions from transportation was smaller than the growth in travel miles due to increasing efficiency (and electrification) of vehicles.
The MWCOG's greenhouse gas inventories play a vital role in tracking progress towards emissions reduction goals and informing regional climate policies. COG completes the community-scale inventories for all 24 local government members in the metropolitan Washington region. The last inventory was completed for the year 2020. A final version of the 2023 inventory will be released at the end of the year.
Green Business Partners Program Plans Social Event on December 4
Let’s celebrate businesses committed to sustainability, foster new connections, and spark inspiration!
The Fairfax County Green Business Partners Program is hosting its 2025 Social event, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at Spaces Reston Station. This gathering is an opportunity for Fairfax County businesses to connect, share achievements, and honor the businesses whose sustainable practices continue to drive environmental and economic growth in Fairfax County. The event is free and light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required.
Join us in advancing the mission of building a more sustainable Fairfax County!
Explore the Latest Energy Programs: Green Breakfast Event Recording
In case you missed it: A recording of the November 8 Green Breakfast event featuring Fairfax County’s Energy Programs is now available for viewing!
Hosted by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, this virtual event featured OEEC’s Rama Mitry and Maggie Beetstra sharing insights into three impactful energy programs: Charge Up Fairfax, offering incentives for EV charging access; the Energy Conservation Assistance Program, providing grants and expert guidance for energy efficiency and resilience updates; and Fairfax Energy Compass, a free resource to help residents improve home energy efficiency. Catch up on the discussion and explore these programs at your convenience.
NVSWCD facilitates these bi-monthly events to discuss environmental topics in a casual setting on a Saturday morning. For information on past and future events, visit the Green Breakfast page.
OEEC Staffer Honored with County Award
Community Specialist Maggie Beetstra was the latest staffer from OEEC to be recognized with an Outstanding Performance Award from Fairfax County Government.
Maggie was honored on November 7 for her work supporting the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC), including organizing its first ever retreat. The event was praised by participants as valuable to enhancing EQAC’s future effectiveness.
Outstanding Performance Awards are presented two times per year to county employees who perform the duties and responsibilities of their positions in an outstanding manner, and whose work is well above expectations.
Congratulations Maggie!
GMU Releases First Comprehensive Virgina Climate Assessment
George Mason University has released the Virginia Climate Assessment, the Commonwealth’s first comprehensive, science-based evaluation of how past, current, and anticipated climate conditions have and will impact Virginia and its people.
Developed and extensively peer-reviewed by technical and scientific experts across Virginia and beyond, this inaugural report synthesizes decades of research specific to Virginia into a unified, evidence-based resource. It establishes a critical baseline against which future changes, impacts, and adaptation effectiveness can be measured and understood.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Great Falls Library Energy Upgrades Promote Sustainability and Efficiency
The Great Falls Library is now more energy-efficient and sustainable thanks to a recently completed energy project that supports Fairfax County’s climate goals.
The project replaced boilers and pumps and upgraded lighting, water fixtures, and building controls. The work also included improvements to the building envelope that enhance the library’s energy efficiency while making the space more comfortable for staff and visitors. By modernizing key systems, the upgrades are expected to lower energy consumption at the library by 15%.
The Great Falls Library project showcases the vital role energy efficiency plays in protecting the environment while enhancing public spaces. “Projects like this are a testament to the county’s commitment to the goals outlined in our Operational Energy Strategy,” said John Morrill, Director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “The upgrades at Great Falls Library demonstrate how targeted energy performance projects can reduce carbon emissions, lower utility bills, and create healthier spaces for the community.”
New Gunston Fire Station Designed for Sustainability and Safety
Fairfax County leaders broke ground on October 22 at the site of a new Gunston Fire Station facility in Lorton.
The groundbreaking signaled the formal start of construction on the new LEED Gold-certified, 17,600 square-foot, two-story, four-bay facility, which is expected to be completed in fall 2027. It will be built next to the current Station 20 that serves residents of Mason Neck area and conducts Fire and Rescue Department’s marine-based operations.
The construction of net zero-energy buildings is a critical component of Fairfax County’s plan to achieve energy carbon neutrality in its operations by 2040. Under the Operational Energy Strategy, all new buildings and major renovations greater than 10,000 square feet are designed to achieve a minimum of LEED Gold® rating.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
County Releases EV Readiness Strategy to Drive a Sustainable Future
Fairfax County is paving the way for an electrifying future with its first Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Strategy — a roadmap to support the growing number of electric vehicles on our roads. From public charging stations to building codes, this strategy will help shape how the county prepares for an EV-friendly future.
Partnering with consulting firm AECOM, county staff commissioned the study to identify gaps in the current charging network and suggest ways to add more charging options. It also looked at possible funding sources to help pay for any improvements. The project included a transition study for the county’s vehicle fleet and a community EV readiness strategy.
Staff held a town hall, convened multiple stakeholder involvement sessions, and invited community feedback through a public comment period. The ideas and comments shared by Fairfax County residents were included in the final strategy which was submitted to the Board of Supervisors in November.
Community Feedback Requested for Route 29 Active Transportation Study
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is seeking community feedback for an active transportation study of Route 29. The study will look at possible opportunities for providing and improving sidewalks, crosswalks, cycle paths and bus stop amenities.
After holding an initial community meeting in November, FCDOT is requesting that residents provide comments through an online survey by Dec. 19, 2025. To see an overview of the study, along with a recording of the community meeting, visit the Route 29 Active Transportation study webpage.
Fairfax Connector’s Winterfest is Back on December 6
Fairfax Connector invites the community to its third annual Winterfest on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Springfield Community Business Center (CBC) Commuter Parking Garage, 7039 Old Keene Mill Road.
This free event will open at 9 a.m. with a sensory-friendly hour for neurodivergent children and their families. The event will then be open to everyone from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All three of Fairfax Connector’s specially designed holiday buses will be featured at Winterfest, along with arts and crafts, games, a visit from Santa and Ms. Claus, music and more!
For planning purposes, attendees are asked to register for a free entry ticket in advance.
WASTE REDUCTION
Fairfax County Tackles Textile Waste with Helpsy Recycling Pilot
Fairfax County is addressing the growing issue of textile waste with the Helpsy Textile Collection Pilot, making it easier for residents to recycle unwanted clothing, footwear, accessories, and household textiles.
Launched in early 2025 at the West Ox Transfer Station, the program collected over 60,000 pounds of textiles in its first six months, with items sorted for resale, donation, upcycling, or recycling. Building on this success, the program has expanded to the I-95 Landfill Complex and will continue adding locations, helping the county move closer to its zero waste goal of diverting 90% of waste from disposal while giving textiles a second life.
From E-Waste to Eyeglasses: Fairfax Recycles Day Delivers Results
Matt Adams and Supervisor Jimenez with our Trash Truck Art Contest winners: Arya Pribadi, Siri Neelapala, and Jessica Reyes.
Fairfax Recycles Day, held on November 15, 2025, was a great success as the county’s Solid Waste Management program oversaw the collection of 16 cubic yards—nearly 3 tons—of electronic waste, along with hundreds of batteries, books, glass bottles, and eyeglasses.
The Springfield Masonic Lodge delivered three carloads of items gathered from Greenspring Retirement Community residents. ECHO collected over 22 large bags filled with gently used winter jackets and clothing, while the Lions Club received nearly 300 pairs of donated eyeglasses to benefit those in need.
Adding to the excitement, the winners of the annual truck art contest were announced. The creative designs by student artists will be featured on recycling trucks starting in 2026, highlighting the area's commitment to sustainability and artistic talent.
Explore Water Recycling at Noman M. Cole Jr. Facility Open House
Come see the science, engineering and hard work it takes to clean water and keep the public and environment healthy! Join the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services on December 6, 2025 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Noman M. Cole Jr. Water Recycling Facility, 9519 Richmond Highway in Lorton.
The Open House is a day when the public is invited to tour the fascinating and award-winning wastewater treatment facility. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities, and there will be a Touch-a-Truck event for kids, as well as bus, tunnel and walking tours of the facility. Festive drinks and snacks will be provided. There’s also an educational component so attendees can learn what happens to their water when it goes down the drain.
Food Scrap Collection Still Available at Select Farmers Markets
The Fairfax County Farmers Market food scrap collection has been extended beyond the markets closing!
By dropping off your weeks’ worth of scraps at a local farmers market, you are reducing landfill waste while also contributing to richer, more nutrient dense soil for agricultural and landscaping purposes.
Check out the updated schedule below:
- McCutcheon/Mt. Vernon, December 3 - 31, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.*
*No collection on Dec 24
- Oakmont, November 5 – December 31, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.*
*No collection on Dec 24
- Wakefield Market, November 5 – December 31, 2 - 6 p.m.*
*No collection on Dec 24
- McLean, November 7 – December 26, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.*
*No collection on Nov 28
- Burke, November 29 - December 27, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Please note there is no extended collection scheduled at Annandale, Herndon, Kingstowne, Reston and Lorton Farmers Markets.
Embrace the Outdoors This December: Clean Fairfax Encourages Daily Nature Activities to Boost Health and Community Connection
Submitted by Clean Fairfax
As the days continue to get shorter this month, Clean Fairfax encourages you to get outside each day and soak up as much sunlight as possible! Spending time outside helps to energize you, combat seasonal mood dips, improve your health, socialize with your community, and maintain your connection to the environment. You can set a daily reminder, or plan out various activities such as walks with friends, exercise events, or community cleanups. It’s a free and healthy practice you can implement today and continue through the end of the year and beyond.
Here are a few ideas:
- Meet a friend for a 30-minute walk around your community or work neighborhood. Level up: bring along a trash bag and gloves and pick up litter as you walk.
- Make a holiday decoration for your home crafted from natural materials. Go outside and collect dried leaves, invasive vines, and fallen pinecones for a wreath or tabletop feature. Level up: gather items to add to your recycled, repurposed, or reusable gift wrapping for holiday gifts.
- Plan a family, friend, or neighborhood cleanup one weekend in December. Fill out the Cleanup Supplies Request Form on the Clean Fairfax website and we will send you free cleanup supplies!
- The next time you go outside, make a point to notice natural happenings. Do you see or hear any birds? What is the weather doing? Can you see the moon? Keep a daily journal with your nature noticings for every day in December. If you have artistic leanings, try sketching one thing each day.
Clean Fairfax encourages environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement. Learn more on our website at www.cleanfairfax.org and follow us on social media: IG/X: @CleanFairfax and FB: @CleanFairfaxCouncil.
Waste Wizard: A Guide for Residents to Manage Waste
If you are having difficulty finding what things in your home can be thrown out in the trash or recycled, Fairfax County's Waste Wizard helps you figure out what goes where. Whether it’s furniture, cutlery, Christmas trees, or microwaves, this searchable tool helps you identify the best way to recycle something and how to do so.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Distribution Program Delivers Trees by the Truckload
It’s tree planting season and thanks to the Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) and its partner, Casey Trees, quite a few new ones will take root in the county. They completed the first deliveries for recipients who applied and were approved for the Tree Distribution to Community Organizations program.
The initiative prioritizes tree-planting sites within or adjacent to Fairfax County-designated highly vulnerable communities; however, all community organizations are encouraged to apply for tree delivery, regardless of where tree planting is proposed. UCFD reviews and approves applications and coordinates with Casey Trees for delivery. The 152 trees were taken to nine approved application sites for planting on private property.
Given the success of the program this fall, it’s the hope that the application process will be opened again next year for deliveries in spring of 2026.
Fairfax Tree Rescuers Save Over 1,500 Trees During Week of Action
Fairfax Tree Rescuers Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management’s (PRISM) inaugural Week of Action resulted in 1,518 trees rescued across 26 events. More than 480 volunteers participated across 26 across Fairfax County from November 8-16.
Whether the events drew 40 people or a small-but-mighty team of four, PRISM was able to share its mission, educate people about the threat invasive species pose to our ecosystems, have some fun, and most importantly, SAVE TREES!
Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM is hoping to keep the momentum going with numerous volunteer opportunities— visit their website for additional details.
RESILIENCY
Stay Prepared: NOAA Predicts Warmer Winter, But Storms Still Possible
The 2025-2026 winter weather outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts warmer-than-average temperatures and near-normal to slightly below-normal precipitation for Fairfax County due to ongoing La Niña conditions.
While snowfall may be less frequent, winter storms and ice events remain possible, making it essential to prepare in advance. Winter readiness includes checking heating systems, insulating pipes, and stocking emergency supplies like food, water, medications, flashlights, and car kits.
Keep informed by signing up for Fairfax County emergency alerts and monitoring weather updates. A warmer winter doesn't mean a storm-free season, so take action now to stay safe and prepared.
Get Help with Heating Costs with Crisis Assistance Program
Crisis Assistance helps those who are in a “no heat” situation in their home, such as broken equipment or receiving a disconnection notice.
You could receive assistance for payment of a security deposit, purchase of heating fuel, repair or replacement of broken heating equipment, or supplemental heating equipment. Crisis Assistance applications are accepted until March 16, 2026.
To apply, visit CommonHelp or call 855-635-4370.
Don't Be the Last to Know: More Environmental, Climate, and Energy News Online
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's monthly "Environmental, Climate, and Energy" e-newsletter is dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate action plans, programs and policies. To see past issues of this newsletter, visit our website!
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