10-01-2026
This month’s issue includes the Sustain Fairfax tip of the month; Energy Efficiency Week in Fairfax County; a call for members to join the Environmental Commission; a public hearing on the Dominion–NextEra Merger; a Green Summit and a Climate Crisis Forum this month; solar success stories; the Willard‑Sherwood Health and Community Center groundbreaking; the 2026 Exceptional Design Award winners; the Zero Waste Ambassadors program; DPWES’ new Sustainability Hub; the Library’s Free Fix-it Clinic; a reminder about recycling of batteries and gas cylinders; switching to electric lawn tools; the start of tree planting season; stopping the spread of invasive plants; a Tree Rescue Extravaganza; the Elly Doyle Park Service Award winners; building your home emergency kit; and much more!
TAKE ACTION
Sustain Fairfax Tip of the Month: New Action Category for Land and Critters and Site Improvements Coming Soon
The Sustain Fairfax Challenge recently launched a NEW action category – Land and Critters. Look for the green icon with the pine tree and the paw print. The first set of actions that help protect biodiversity and steward the land are now live, and more actions will be added over time.
More good news: site improvements are in development that will make it even easier for residents to navigate the site, pick actions and stay connected with their community.
Over 300 households have joined the Challenge already, and collectively our everyday actions are helping us reduce carbon emissions and support a healthier, sustainable Fairfax County. Join the challenge today!
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Energy Efficiency Week Shines Light on Savings and Sustainability
Fairfax County is celebrating Energy Efficiency Week, October 1–7, by encouraging residents, businesses, and community organizations to adopt simple, cost‑saving practices that reduce energy waste and lower monthly utility bills.
Fairfax County has already reduced electricity use in government operations by 13% since 2018 and expanded its portfolio to 49 LEED‑certified buildings. During Energy Efficiency Week, the community is encouraged to explore available tools and take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
As colder weather approaches, now is the perfect time to prepare your home and keep energy costs under control. A quick, do‑it‑yourself energy audit can reveal simple fixes that make a big difference. Here are a few easy ways to get started:
- Check for air leaks and seal gaps around doors, windows, and outlets.
- Add or improve insulation in attics, basements, and exterior walls.
- Maintain heating systems by replacing furnace filters monthly.
- Use heat wisely: open shades for daytime warmth, close them at night, and set thermostats efficiently.
To take your energy savings even further, Fairfax Energy Compass offers free guidance to help homeowners identify practical upgrades, compare options, and find available incentives and qualified contractors. It’s an easy way to plan smart, cost‑effective energy improvements and stay comfortable all winter long.
CLIMATE PLANS AND PROGRAM UPDATES
Fairfax County Seeks Members for Environmental Commission
 Are you a Fairfax County resident who wants to play an active role in advising the county on environmental priorities?
Fairfax County is forming an Environmental Commission, a 15-member body that will make recommendations on policies that protect and enhance our natural environment. If you’re passionate about sustainability, stewardship or community planning — or if you have expertise in forestry or natural resources — we encourage you to consider serving.
To learn more or express interest, please contact your District Supervisor by October 9. Your insight and dedication can help support a sustainable future for Fairfax County.
State Corporation Commission to Hold Public Hearing in Fairfax County on Proposed Dominion-NextEra Energy Merger
 The Virginia State Corporation Commission will hold a local public hearing in Fairfax County to receive comments on the proposed merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy. Members of the public are invited to attend and offer testimony on the proposed transaction and its potential effect on Dominion Energy Virginia customers.
The hearing is Oct. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium.To comment in person, you need to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start and notify the designated SCC staff that you want to testify. You do not need to provide comments in advance. Each speaker will have two minutes to comment.
Beyond the local hearing in Fairfax, the SCC will hold additional opportunities for public witnesses by telephone on Nov. 5, 9 and 10, and in person on Nov. 5 at the SCC building in Richmond. The public can also submit comments by mail. The SCC’s Dominion-NextEra merger updates page has more details.
Join OEEC at Fall Events to Explore Local Resources for Climate Action
OEEC loved meeting residents at events like Culmore Community Day and the Alexandria Mobile Home Park Community Day in September, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going. This month, we’ll be out in the community sharing practical, easy to use climate action resources, energy saving tips, and information on county programs that help residents take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.
Join us at these upcoming events:
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Providence Fallfest – October 10, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Jim Scott Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax
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24th Annual Reston Home Tour – October 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston
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Green Fairfax, Oct. 19, 2–6:30 p.m., MITRE Building 4, 7596 Colshire Drive, #J130 McLean, VA 22102 (More information below!)
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Asian American Chamber’s 17th Annual Business Summit – October 22, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Crystal View, 12025 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax
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.
Green Fairfax Summit to Explore Practical Solutions for a Changing County
 Fairfax County is growing fast, and how we grow will influence decisions about our climate future.
Join Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik for Green Fairfax, a free half-day summit focusing on where sustainability and urbanization meet. Showcasing practical solutions our region can actually put to work, from transit to disaster mitigation to urban greening. A networking happy hour will follow speakers + panels.
Date: Monday, Oct. 19, 2 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: MITRE Building 4 (7596 Colshire Drive, #J130 McLean, VA 22102)
Free, but registration is required. Speaker and panel lineup coming soon!
Climate Crisis Forum Set for Oct. 22
 The Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions will examine the public health consequences of extreme heat and explore local strategies at its 10th annual Climate Crisis Forum. The event is Thursday, Oct. 22 from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. at George Mason University’s Mason Square (Arlington) Campus.
In 2026 FACS launched an Urban Heat Island Mapping Project, an environmental justice and citizen science initiative in partnership with GMU’s Virginia Climate Center. The event will also feature panelists discussing urban forestry, cool roofs and other green infrastructure initiatives.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
Solar Success Stories: Fairfax County Homeowners See Real Savings
 Thinking about going solar but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Many Fairfax County residents have already made the switch and are seeing the benefits in their homes and on their energy bills.
Don’t take our word for it! Hear directly from your neighbors about why they chose solar, what the installation process was like, and how it’s changed their energy use and costs. Their experiences can help you decide if solar is right for you. And if you act soon, you can take advantage of discounted pricing and technical assistance offered through the Switch Together solar program. Registration is open through November 18.
Construction Begin on New Health and Community Center with Net Zero Vision
Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax have kicked off construction on the new Willard‑Sherwood Health and Community Center — a 100,000 sq ft joint facility — at the current Joseph Willard Health Center/Sherwood Community Center site in Fairfax City. Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the building will feature all‑electric systems, net‑zero energy strategies, energy‑efficient materials, and sustainable water and indoor air quality practices, reflecting a strong commitment to environmentally responsible development.
Celebrating the 2026 Exceptional Design Award Recipients
 This year’s James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards recipients include a new park, a distinctive workplace and uniquely designed homes.
Since 1984, the annual awards program celebrates excellence in architecture, planning and environmental design. Notably, Capital One East Park received the Honor Award for its innovative use of natural rain gardens and advanced stormwater management, creating a welcoming green space that blends sustainability with community‑focused recreation. Other winners included the Pedersen Family Foundation Office, JW Marriot, Mount Vernon Rec Center, along with several private residences.
Award recipients will be celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the Fairfax County Government Center.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Discover Your New Commute: Transit Options All Year Long
Even though Try Transit Week is in the rearview mirror, it’s always a great time to explore new, stress‑free ways to get around Fairfax County.
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Fairfax County Department of Transportation encourage commuters to keep discovering alternatives to driving along, whether that’s taking Fairfax Connector, hopping on Metro or VRE, trying slugging or vanpooling, biking to transit, or using one of the county’s free Park and Ride facilities. With nearly 100 bus routes, expanded Capital Bikeshare access, and multiple ways to combine transit and biking, commuters can find a travel option that lets them relax, read, enjoy their coffee, or simply take a break from traffic — any week of the year.
Celebrate National Drive Electric Month
 National Drive Electric Month runs from September 11 through October 12, 2026, highlighting the many benefits of all‑electric and plug‑in hybrid vehicles. Communities across the country will host ride-and-drive events, demonstrations, and educational activities that make it easier than ever to learn about EV technology and ask questions directly to owners and experts.
Here in Fairfax County, residents can also take advantage of local support programs, including Charge Up Fairfax, which helps homeowners associations and other community organizations explore and plan for EV charging solutions. Additional electric vehicle resources, guidance, and incentives are available on the OEEC website.
National Drive Electric Month is a great opportunity to see how EVs fit into everyday life — and how Fairfax is helping lead the way.
WASTE REDUCTION
Zero Waste Ambassadors: How Teens Are Learning to Lead on Recycling
 This summer marked the launch of the county’s first-ever Zero Waste Ambassadors program, an exciting new teen engagement and empowerment initiative developed by the Solid Waste Management Program at Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, in partnership with Neighborhood and Community Services.
Over 10 weeks, high school students explored how recycling and solid waste systems work behind the scenes and learned how to help their communities recycle right. Program manager Prabhjot Usmani with SWMP recently shared more about how the program came together and what the inaugural cohort experienced on the Climate Matters Blog.
Fairfax County’s Sustainability Progress in Public Works Now Available Online
 A new centralized data repository showing how Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is meeting the county’s environmental sustainability goals is available to the public. The DPWES Sustainability Hub focuses on achievements within the department's four business areas: Capital Facilities, Solid Waste Management, Stormwater Management and Wastewater Management. The hub also provides service and program opportunities for the public to get involved to make their own sustainability strides.
Bring Your Broken Items to the Library’s Free Fix-It Clinic on Nov 14
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, November 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be fixers skilled in various types of repairs, including electrical and jewelry repair, fabric mending, knife sharpening and small appliance repair, available to help you bring your items back to life for FREE! The library is also looking for volunteer fixers to help with this event.
County Urges Residents and Businesses: Never Put Pressurized Tanks or Rechargeable Batteries in Trash or Recycling
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Due to the potential for serious fires and explosion risks, the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program reminds residents that pressurized gas containers and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries must never be placed in household trash or recycling.
Residents must bring pressurized gas canisters and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to designated disposal facilities, such as I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex. Businesses should return compressed air cylinders to the supplier or equipment provider and safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries.
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Make Your Halloween Spookily Sustainable
Submitted by Clean Fairfax
 Many of us love Halloween, but it has a pretty trashy reputation: did you know that every year, Americans throw away 35 million costumes, most of which are made from cheap, synthetic fibers or plastic? We also trash one BILLION pounds of pumpkins after using them for decorations for less than a month. Want to change things around? Try some of these more sustainable strategies:
- Make your own upcycled DIY decorations, like ghosts from old sheets, decorative pierced tin can lanterns, and paper creatures. Try to steer clear of plastic decorations, especially polyester spiderweb material, which traps and chokes wild birds.
- Thrift or make your own Halloween costume out of stuff you already own, and express your creativity!
- If your house is a trick-or-treat destination or you attend a trunk-or-treat, consider giving out candy wrapped in paper, cardboard, or recyclable foil, such as movie theater boxes (or fun size) of Junior Mints, Nerds or Milk Duds. You can also distribute (paper) bags containing a small candy and other non-plastic items like pencils, stickers, or crayons.
- After Halloween, if you don’t have your own compost pile, compost your pumpkin rather than throwing it in the trash! All pumpkins (free of paint and wax) can be dropped off at Fairfax County’s I-66 and I-95 transfer stations or the Fairfax City composting center at City Hall.
- If you are throwing a party, don’t buy paper plates and plastic cups — consider borrowing a reusable party kit from Clean Fairfax to save money AND waste! Reserve your reusable party kit online at the Clean Fairfax website.
Clean Fairfax is an independent 501c3 nonprofit that 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/Threads/Bluesky: @CleanFairfax and FB: @CleanFairfaxCouncil.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Leaf Season Is Here — Choose Cleaner, Quieter Electric Lawn Tools
 As leaf‑pickup season gets underway, leaf blowers and lawn equipment will be out in force — making this the perfect time to rethink how we care for our yards.
Gas‑powered leaf blowers and lawn equipment generate significant air pollution, kicking up dust, pollen, mold, and other particles that can harm public health. Their two‑stroke engines also emit greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. On top of that, gas‑powered tools are extremely loud, often reaching 90 decibels even from 50 feet away. These are noise levels that can lead to headaches, hypertension, and long‑term hearing loss.
Fortunately, cleaner, quieter alternatives are readily available. Electric lawn equipment, including battery‑powered and corded leaf blowers, is cost‑effective, easier on the ears, and far better for the environment. Residents can also adopt natural yard‑care practices, such as leaving fallen leaves to decompose and enrich the soil or composting yard debris to create nutrient‑rich topsoil. These simple choices support healthier neighborhoods, reduce pollution, and promote a more sustainable landscape.
October Marks the Start of Tree Planting Season in Fairfax County
 October 1 kicks off tree‑planting season but it’s important that we plant resilient trees that can withstand the “warmer, wetter and weirder” conditions brought on by climate change.
Trees help cool neighborhoods, reduce flooding, improve air and water quality, and support public health. Proper planting and maintenance though are essential to protect these investments and make the most of the benefits of having trees. Residents looking to plant trees that are more likely to thrive can explore detailed guidance with the county’s Resilient Trees Guide. In addition to updated landscaping and screening requirements and extensive tree planting efforts, the guide is another way Fairfax County is advancing major initiatives to strengthen the county’s tree canopy.
Is that Green Good? Identifying and Removing Invasive Plants
 Dense green walls seen along highways or neighborhood edges aren’t healthy forests at all. They’re often invasive vines and plants that crowd out native trees and wildlife.
Invasive species like wisteria and nandina spread quickly, eventually displacing native flora, reducing food sources for songbirds and pollinators, increasing risks like Lyme disease, and even smothering trees under heavy, sun blocking vines. Residents can help restore healthy habitats by identifying invasive plants with tools such as iNaturalist, safely removing them using county guidelines, and replacing them with native species that support birds, insects, and local ecosystems. Read more about how to protecting native plants helps preserve wildlife, improve forest health and maintain a thriving natural environment for everyone on our Climate Matters Blog.
Invasive Vines, Save Local Trees: Tree Rescue Events All October
During the four weekends of October, Fairfax/Falls Church residents will be coming together for the ‘Fairfax Tree Rescue Extravaganza II.’ This is a community-wide effort to rid our trees of the invasive vines that threaten them. Multiple events will take place throughout Fairfax where anyone can try their hand at personally saving trees by clipping the invasive vines (while preserving the native vines) at the base. Details and registration for these event can be fund at FairfaxPRISM.org.
Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Running Bamboo
 Running bamboo is a fast-growing invasive grass that can aggressively spread underground, as much as 15 feet per year. Residents should include all cut invasive plants with trash pickup — not as yard waste. Alternately, cut sections can be dried and used as plant stakes, vine supports or materials for craft projects.
Fairfax County Park Authority Announces 2026 Elly Doyle Park Service Award Winners
The Fairfax County Park Authority has announced the 2026 Elly Doyle Park Service Award recipients, honoring individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the county’s parks, natural and cultural resources, and recreational programs. Established in 1988 to recognize the legacy of Ellamae “Elly” Doyle, the awards celebrate exceptional volunteerism, stewardship, and dedication to preserving and enhancing Fairfax County’s open spaces and facilities. This year’s honorees span five Park Authority award categories and three Eakin Awards from the Fairfax County Park Foundation. All recipients will be recognized during a special ceremony in October.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCY
Build Your Emergency Kit One Item at a Time
During National Preparedness Month in September, Fairfax County’s Department of Emergency Management and Security highlighted the importance of building a basic emergency kit, an essential step for managing the first few days of a disaster.
Most households already have many of the needed items, such as water, nonperishable food, flashlights, first‑aid supplies, medications, chargers, hygiene products, radios, and pet essentials. Residents are encouraged to start small by gathering items they already own and adding to their kit gradually. By setting aside just a few essentials at a time, families can quickly assemble a ready‑to‑go kit that supports them during power outages, severe weather, or emergencies.
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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