05-04-2026
This month’s issue includes the Sustain Fairfax Youth Art Contest; Air Quality Awareness Week and a lawn care equipment exchange event; scenes from Earth Month events; a Fairfax Energy Compass video; a recap of the Green Business Partners Breakfast Social; converting streetlights to LEDs; the Governor’s Environmental Excellence awards; a Switch Together Heat Pump webinar; programs to save on going solar; the Building Safety Resource Fair; a Transportation Achievement award; the Capital Bikeshare expansion; Bike to Work Day 2026; a youth-led environmental art movement; sustainable tips for May gatherings; an EnviroPod on proper paint disposal; the return of the Fairfax County Farmers Markets; Virginia’s drought conditions; and much more!
TAKE ACTION
Calling All Young Artists – Enter the Sustain Fairfax Earth Month Youth Art Contest!
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What Is It? A youth art contest for Fairfax County students in grades 4–12 to create original artwork showcasing climate-friendly actions, with winning pieces featured in OEEC outreach materials and eligible for prizes.
What Can You Do? You can create and submit an original piece of art—such as a design, photograph, or drawing—based on the “My Actions, Our Climate” theme and the Sustain Fairfax Challenge, and turn it in (either digitally or in person) by May 15, 2026, at 4 p.m.
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Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is seeking original artwork from youth in grades 4-12 to help inspire residents to complete climate actions in our community.
Using the theme “My Actions, Our Climate” and actions as noted on the Sustain Fairfax Challenge, students can create and submit original artwork, including designs, photographs, or drawings, that highlight climate friendly actions they complete and their impacts.
Participants will fall into one of three categories, grades 4-6, grades 7-8, and grades 9-12. Winners will be selected from each category and will receive a $25 gift card and signed certificate. There may be one honorable mention selection picked from any of the categories that may also receive a prize.
The winning artwork will be used on OEEC’s marketing and promotional materials and may be shared in places such as on social media, websites, in email, and on in-person platforms (i.e. flyers, posters, giveaways, etc.). Submissions will be accepted physically or digitally and are due by May 15, 2026, at 4 p.m. Winners will be notified in May or early June 2026.
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Trade Your Gas Gear for Cleaner Air: Lawn Equipment Exchange Event May 30 at Fairfax Ace Hardware
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What Is It? A lawn equipment exchange event at Ace Hardware in Fairfax where residents can turn in gas powered lawn tools, learn about air quality and see the Backyard Bubble exhibit.
What Can You Do? Learn how your choices affect air quality and consider replacing your gas lawn equipment with electric alternatives.
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Air Quality Awareness Week, May 4 through 8, 2026, highlights the importance of clean air for our health and our planet — and Fairfax County is once again partnering with Clean Air Partners to tackle a major source of local air pollution: lawn and garden equipment.
Leaf blowers, mowers and trimmers can emit extremely high levels of pollution (one gas-powered leaf blower can produce nearly 300 times the emissions of a pickup truck), so Clean Air Partners is encouraging a shift to cleaner electric alternatives.
To support this effort, OEEC and Clean Air Partners will host a lawn equipment exchange event on May 30 at Ace Hardware in Fairfax. Residents will be able to recycle gas-powered gear, receive electric equipment or raffle entries, and explore the “Backyard Bubble” exhibit to see firsthand how lawn equipment choices affect local air quality.
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CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
OEEC Connects with Residents at Earth Month 2026 Events
 Fairfax County celebrated Earth Month 2026 with a full slate of community events, and OEEC was proud to be part of the festivities throughout April and early May. Staff connected with residents at the Providence Earth Day Celebration, the Vienna Green Expo, Earth Day Fairfax at Lake Fairfax Park, and Reston Association’s Spring Festival at Walker Nature Center.
We loved meeting residents, hearing about their interests and concerns, and sharing information about the county’s environmental and energy programs—from climate action and resilience to energy efficiency, solar, and waste reduction. Many visitors stopped by our tables to learn how they can reduce their carbon footprint, boost their climate resilience, energy at home, and get involved in local sustainability initiatives.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked questions, and committed to taking action. Your enthusiasm and engagement are helping build a resilient, sustainable Fairfax County for all.
Interested in having an expert from OEEC speak at your next event? Visit our Request a Speaker page to learn more and to submit your request. For more ways to stay connected, follow us Facebook and read our Climate Matters Blog.
Discover How Fairfax Energy Compass Can Help You Cut Energy Costs and Emissions
 Fairfax Energy Compass is a free program to help Fairfax County residents understand their home energy use and find ways to save money and reduce their environmental impact. The program can advise residents on home energy upgrades, identify relevant incentives, and offer a list of certified contractors. Homeowners can connect with an Energy Navigator by calling 703-324-3721 or by visiting Fairfax Energy Compass — and be sure to check out our new video that explains how the program works and how to get started.
Scenes from the Green Business Partners Spring Social
With the theme of “Rise and Shine: Bright Ideas for Greener Buildings”, the Green Business Partners Spring Breakfast Social brought together Partners for connection, program updates and peer learning. Attendees at the April 9 event at First Watch in Fairfax heard from GBP Leader Mona Kamel of M.O.L.Y. Homes on integrating sustainability into building design and operations. The team also congratulated Sewing Lab for their Bronze Medal Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award.
The GBP team appreciates the thoughtful discussions and exchange of ideas and looks forward to continuing to support Fairfax County’s business community in advancing sustainable practices.
County Nears Completion of Major Streetlight LED Conversion
A major, multi-year project to convert Fairfax County streetlights to high-efficiency LED fixtures is nearing the finish line. It was implemented to deliver significant energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to ensure lighting levels to roadways meet current standards.
Dominion Energy installs, owns, operates, and maintains about 96% of the 60,000 streetlights in Fairfax County. Under a coordinated plan with the county that started in 2019, the LED Conversion Program is converting more than 56,000 outdated mercury vapor, high-pressure sodium, and metal halide fixtures to LEDs. As of March 2026, approximately 93%—about 52,100 streetlights within Dominion Energy’s service area — have been upgraded to LED, with another 2,400 conversions in Dominion’s queue for estimating and construction. Combined with other streetlight conversions within the NOVEC service area, these upgrades have reduced energy use for streetlight operations by an estimated 56%.
Three Fairfax County Programs Honored with Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards
Three familiar spaces in Fairfax County are reshaping how Virginia thinks about energy, waste and environmental responsibility, and they have been recognized among the commonwealth’s best.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has honored three Fairfax County–based initiatives with 2026 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, highlighting local efforts that cut greenhouse gas emissions, keep textiles and books out of landfills and bring practical sustainability into residents’ daily routines.
The Fairfax County awardees are:
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Fairfax County Park Authority– Spring Hill Recreation Center Energy Upgrades (Silver Medal)
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Sewing Lab LLC– Circular Fashion Education and Textile Waste Reduction Program (Bronze Medal)
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Fairfax County Public Library and Department of Procurement and Material Management– Library Book Reuse and Recycling Project (Honorable Mention)
Apply Now: 2026 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ 2026 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards are accepting applications now through June 30, 2026. The awards recognize government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and educational institutions that are advancing climate stewardship and engaging underserved communities through innovative, replicable projects and programs.
Awardees will be honored before local, regional, and national officials and receive a handcrafted, environmentally friendly award from a local artist. To submit a nomination or learn more about past winners, visit the program’s nominations and awardees pages.
OEEC Admin Honored with Sharon Bulova Award
Kelly Zitzer, OEEC’s Administrative Assistant, was a recent recipient of the Sharon Bulova Award for Exemplary Administrative Professionals. This countywide award, presented by the Administrative Resource Team (ART), recognizes administrative staff who demonstrate outstanding leadership, initiative, and excellence in supporting their agencies.
Kelly’s dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to OEEC’s mission have made her an invaluable resource to colleagues and the community alike. She plays an essential role in fostering a positive workplace culture by leading team-building activities and creating a welcoming environment where staff feel supported and valued. Behind the scenes, she manages a wide range of administrative responsibilities with a “how can I help?” approach, improving efficiencies in areas such as hiring and onboarding, records management, and support for EQAC meetings, the annual report, and the environmental awards ceremony. She was formally recognized at the ART Conference on Friday, April 24.
Congratulations, Kelly!
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Sign up for Switch Together Heat Pump Webinar on May 6
 Curious about heat pumps? Join experts from Rewiring America to learn how these efficient systems can both heat and cool your home - while helping you save energy and money.
The virtual event is Wednesday May 6, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Attendees will learn about how heat pumps work, what electrification means for your home, and potential savings and key benefits. You’ll also get an introduction to the Capital Area Switch Together Heat Pump program.
Two Programs Help Residents Go Solar with Confidence and Savings
Two regional group purchasing programs, Solarize Virginia and Switch Together, are making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to go solar while navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape.
Residents who join either program can get a free assessment and take advantage of discounted rates, access to trusted installers, educational events and ongoing support throughout the process to ensure a seamless experience — from the initial consultation to installation. Registration is free and there’s no obligation to accept an offer.
“Solar is one of the most practical tools we have to help households lower their bills, strengthen the reliability of our energy system, and cut greenhouse gas emissions at the same time,” said John Morrill, Director of the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “Group purchasing programs take the guesswork out of going solar. They give residents trusted information, vetted installers, and real cost savings — all while helping Fairfax County and the region move toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.”
New Penn Daw Fire Station and Supportive Housing Project Aims for LEED Gold
 Fairfax County is moving forward with a new co-located Penn Daw Fire Station and supportive housing facility at 2801 Beacon Hill Road—designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification as a clear demonstration of the county’s commitment to sustainable, energy-efficient public facilities.
The project will replace the 1967 fire station with a modern, building will provide emergency beds, supportive housing units for individuals and families, and onsite services such as meals, job training, and medical respite.
Shaped by extensive community engagement since 2020, the design also incorporates enhanced landscaping and buffers, sidewalk and bicycle improvements along Beacon Hill Road, and separate entrances to improve safety and traffic flow, supporting both neighborhood quality of life and the broader revitalization of the Richmond Highway corridor.
Join OEEC at the Building Safety Month Resource Fair on May 13
Spring is the time of year when Fairfax County highlights building safety—and this year, OEEC will be there to join the conversation. Visit the OEEC table at the first annual Building Safety Month Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Herrity Building to learn about energy and sustainability in buildings, as well as building safety and health standards, and permitting for decks and home improvements. We invite residents to stop by, ask questions and pick up resources.
Classes and kids’ activities offered during the resource fair include:
- Building Permits 101 at 11 a.m. in Room 106
- Deck Details Bootcamp at 12:30 p.m. in Room 106
- Storytime with a Librarian at 11 a.m. outside the Herrity Building
- A librarian will read a construction-related kids’ book to children.
- Touch-a-Truck all day, featuring a firetruck, flusher truck, and EV trash truck
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Fairfax County Transportation Advisory Commission Announces 2025 Achievement Award
The Fairfax County Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) has honored the ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan Team with its 2025 Achievement Award.
The ActiveFairfax team led a comprehensive update of Fairfax County’s active transportation planning, unifying previous bicycle and trail plans into a modern, community-driven Active Transportation and Trails Plan. The team's multi-year efforts of outreach, cross agency coordination, and development of new tools and policy guidance strengthened the County’s ability to enhance safety, connectivity and equitable access for all users.
The ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan Team will receive the TAC Achievement Award at the May 19 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Growing Bikeshare Program Provides Real Transportation Solutions
 Capital Bikeshare is becoming a go-to option for getting around Fairfax County, with riders taking nearly 40,000 trips here in 2025. With stations now at every county Metrorail station and 27 more coming in 2026 to areas like Annandale, Seven Corners, Bailey’s Crossroads, Huntington, Fort Hunt, Belle View and the Mount Vernon Trail, more residents can use bikeshare for short trips, errands and connections to transit.
Capital Bikeshare offers single rides, day passes and annual memberships, plus the Capital Bikeshare for All Program, which provides discounted $5/year memberships for income-qualifying residents. A growing network, new stations along major corridors like the I-66 Parallel Trail, and corporate membership options are helping bikeshare support cleaner commutes, reduced congestion and a healthier, more sustainable future for Fairfax County.
Fairfax County Hosts Dozens of Pit Stops for Bike to Work Day 2026
Bike to Work Day 2026 returns on Friday, May 15, 2025, from 6:30–9:30 a.m., with more than two dozen pit stops for bicyclists in Fairfax County alone.
Commuter Connections, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) and other local governments will host more throughout the National Capital Region. The first 16,000 who register and check into a pit stop by bike will receive a free T-shirt. Additionally, snacks, beverages, and giveaways will be provided at select pit stops while supplies last.
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WASTE REDUCTION
From Trash to Treasure: How One Teen Built a Youth-Led Environmental Art Movement
 National Youth Visionaries Association began as a simple idea from a passionate Fairfax County student: use art to bring people together. What started as a creative platform for her peers has since grown into a youth-led movement at the intersection of art and environmental stewardship.
In our Climate Matters Blog, we talked with NYVA’s founder, Yingxi Zhao, about how her love for creativity evolved into an environmental movement — one project, one community and one piece of art at a time.
Fix-It Clinic Offers Free Repairs at Fairfax County Public Library on May 9
Have a broken or damaged item you’ve been looking to get repaired but it’s too costly or inconvenient? Bring it by a Fairfax County Public Library Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, May 9, from 1-5 p.m. Fixers skilled in various types of repairs available to help you bring your items back to life for FREE!
Types of repair assistance offered at the clinic will include:
- Electrical repair
- Fabric mending
- Jewelry repair
- Knife sharpening
- Small appliance repair
- Bike repair
Celebrate Big, Waste Less: Sustainable Tips for May Gatherings
Submitted by Clean Fairfax
May means many celebrations: Mother’s Day, birthdays, weddings, prom, graduations, Memorial Day, and more. As you plan picnics and parties, it’s worth remembering that small choices add up. Americans spend more than $14 billion per year on disposable tableware alone – in other words, we rely heavily on single-use items for convenience. But there is good news: you can save money while creating less waste at your upcoming celebrations! Here are a few simple swaps that make a real difference:
- Use real dishes and cutlery when possible, even for outdoor events — many hosts find guests appreciate the upgrade. If dishwashing onsite is not possible, pack your servingware in a tote and bring it home to pop the dishes in the dishwasher.
- Choose reusable drink containers or clearly labeled cups so guests can keep track of theirs. Better yet: remind guests to bring their own favorite reusable cups or bottles!
- Serve drinks from pitchers or beverage dispensers instead of individual bottles or cans.
- Offer cloth napkins instead of paper napkins. You can buy them at thrift stores or make your own.
- Set up clearly marked compost, recycling, and trash collection bins so guests can help you keep waste out of landfills.
Celebrations are about connection, gratitude, and community. How we celebrate has real consequences. The waste generated from parties and gatherings adds up quickly, but so do the solutions. Let’s normalize sustainable parties. Choosing reusable items and reducing single-use plastics is one of the simplest, most effective ways to both save money and protect our environment. Clean Fairfax will soon offer a reusable party kit available for anyone to borrow - email cfc@cleanfairfax.org to get on the waitlist.
Clean Fairfax encourages environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement. Learn more on our website at https://cleanfairfax.org/ and follow us on social media: IG/Threads/Bluesky: @CleanFairfax and FB: @CleanFairfaxCouncil.
EnviroPod: Watch Paint Dry Rather than Have it Go Down the Drain
Tune in to the latest EnviroPod to listen to Lien Vu, from Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Management, to hear about the hazards of disposing improperly of paint. Learn what happens when paint goes down storm drains, what DPWES is doing to solve this problem, and what we each can do to prevent the contamination of our local waterways.
Stormwater PSA: Car Washing the Right Way
 With all the pollen visibly sticking to our vehicles, the need to clean is strong! But did you know that washing your car at home can have negative effects? This is because many detergents and cleaners have chemicals that are not eco-friendly. When the suds run down the storm drains, they flow right into rivers and streams contaminating them. Please consider taking your vehicle to a commercial carwash, which are regulated facilities that are required to dispose properly of cleaners.
For those with limited resources who are unable to afford a car wash, we recommend washing vehicles on a grassy surface. Use mild detergents, preferably those that are phosphate free. Also, turning off the hose while washing and then rinsing quickly are a good way to limit runoff.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Fresh, Local and Back in Season: Fairfax County Farmers Markets Return
Spring is here — and so are fresh, local flavors. Fairfax County Farmers Markets return for the 2026 season, bringing farm-fresh produce, baked goods and specialty foods to communities across the county. Operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, these popular markets connect residents with local farmers and food producers at 10 convenient locations, each offering a compost drop off site. Shop for seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, baked goods, and bring your food scraps from home to help turn waste into nutrient-rich compost. Also don’t forget your reusable bag — no plastic!
Virtual Green Breakfast: Water Supply and Reuse — May 9
Join Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) for a virtual discussion of the changing conditions that increase uncertainly in water demand forecasting at a virtual Green Breakfast on May 9. Greg Prelewicz, Director of Planning and Water Resources with Fairfax Water, will discuss Fairfax Water’s water supply forecast and resources, results of the recent regional water reliability study, and the important role of the Occoquan indirect potable reuse system in meeting the regions current and future water supply needs.
NVSWCD facilitates these bi-monthly gatherings to discuss environmental topics in a casual setting on a Saturday morning. Virtual events start at 9 a.m. and are hosted on Teams. The event is free and no registration is required.
To receive updates about Green Breakfast speakers, please register for the Green Breakfast newsletter. You can view past events on the Green Breakfast YouTube playlist.
Free Veggie Seedling Giveaway — May 8 and 9
Looking to grow your own fresh vegetables this season?
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting FREE vegetable seedling giveaways on May 8 and 9 across Fairfax County!
- Pick up seedlings like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, basil, and onions
- Perfect for small spaces and beginner gardeners
- Open to all residents, first come, first served
- Multiple locations available throughout the county
Friday, May 8
- James Lee Community Center | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
- Minnie H. Peyton Community Center | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Hybla Valley Community Center | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, May 9
- Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Ag | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Annandale UMC Mission Center | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Whether you’re starting a garden or adding to one, this is a great way to grow your own food and support a more sustainable community.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCY
Virginian Drought Condition is Worst in Nearly 20 Years
 Virginia is experiencing its most severe drought since 2007, and Fairfax County is now under a Drought Warning advisory — meaning a significant drought event is considered imminent. Prolonged below‑normal rainfall, low soil moisture, record‑low streamflows in some river basins, and declining groundwater levels — especially in Northern Virginia —are all contributing to the current conditions.
Residents are urged to conserve water by cutting back on outdoor use, fixing leaks, and running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines. Dry conditions also increase fire risk, particularly from improperly discarded smoking materials, so smokers should follow “Sink It or Soak It!” guidance to fully extinguish cigarette butts. Stay informed about changing conditions and related hazards by signing up for Fairfax Alerts at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts.
Stay in the Loop! 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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