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Written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist, OEEC
Transportation is the largest source of emissions in Fairfax County. Getting around the county accounts for more than 40% of total greenhouse gas emissions— not to mention air…
Written by Andrew Sheldon, Active Transportation Planner III, Fairfax County Department of Transportation
With over 500 miles of trails, over 200 miles of bike lanes, and thousands of miles of sidewalks, there’s something for everyone—no matter your age or ability.
Now that it'sBike Month, it is time to celebrate! The longer days and warmer weather make it the perfect season…
Written by Liza Sabine, Preparedness Coordinator, Fairfax Couty Health Department
Fairfax County is experiencing warmer, wetter, and weirder conditions due to climate change. This means our communities are facing longer and more intense pollen seasons, more pollution in the air, and wildfire smoke from faraway places. These changes can worsen air quality and affect our health....
Post written by Kate Daley, Environmental Analyst, OEEC and Chair of Fairfax Employees for Environmental Excellence
Earth Day is April 22, which means you may be seeing a lot of information about ways to be more sustainable at home and on the go. But what about at work? That’s a topic that’s top of mind for members of Fairfax Employees for Environmental Excellence (FEEE), Fairfax…
Written By OEEC Staff
Faithful readers of this blog know that we often use this space to highlight timely issues relevant to sustainability and climate action.Today, we’re devoting this post to answering some of the most frequently asked questions that OEEC gets about environmental and energy topics.
We were going to limit it to 12 questions, but a ‘dirty dozen’…
Written By Kimberly Lewis, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DWPES)
In an inspiring turn of events for avian enthusiasts and conservationists alike, Fairfax County has modified its mowing procedures at the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton to protect endangered grassland birds. The Eastern meadowlark and grasshopper sparrow, among other species, are thriving on a…
Written By Susan Miller, Public Affairs Manager, Fairfax Water
March 22 is World Water Day, which makes now a great time to learn more about your drinking water sources and how to protect them in light of the effects climate change on our watershed.
Water utilities, like Fairfax Water, rely on sustainable sources of water that can be treated to provide reliable,…
Written by Sara Prohaska,Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL)
If you think about it, libraries are one of the original foundations of a sustainable, sharing economy. A single book can be enjoyed by hundreds of people in its useable lifetime instead of gathering dust on a shelf after one or two reads or, even worse, ending up in a landfill. Now in its 87th year of service to residents,…
Written by Allison Homer, Resilient Fairfax Program Manager
This winter, snowballs have been flying, sleds have been sliding, and parents have been sighing in exasperation. It feels like an especially cold and snowy winter in Fairfax County. For those of us born before the turn of the century, this winter has had a touch of nostalgia. It brings back childhood memories of the days when…
Post written by Julie Gurnee,Mitigation Specialist, OEEC
In 2021, one of our family cars was nearing the end of its lifespan, and we needed to start looking for a new car. I really wanted to buy an electric vehicle (EV) but became overwhelmed with questions and concerns, ultimately opting for a hybrid instead. Last year, when…
As businesses strive for sustainability in their operations, small changes can make a big impact. Our Green Business Partners program — which recognizes and supports local companies for their emissions reduction efforts — recently shared an article with practical steps any office can take to shrink their…
As 2024 draws to a close, we find ourselves looking back on our very first year of the Climate Matters blog. We are incredibly thankful for our readers who have read our blogs, engaged with our content and shared their own thoughts and experiences. Your support has inspired us to deliver insightful,…
Written by Lili Pita, Energy Specialist, OEEC
With 2025 right around the corner, New Years resolutions are top of mind for many. There’s no better time to look at your habits and see what changes could be made to reduce your environmental footprint while potentially saving money!
Here are 7 ways to be more sustainable in 2025 and beyond:
Post written by Kevin Smith, Division Manager, OEEC
Fairfax County Government has ambitious goals to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, including becoming carbon-neutral by 2040. Reaching that goal will require a sustained, multi-pronged effort to reduce fossil fuel use in county facilities and operations. Fortunately, programs like the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Climate…
Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist, OEEC
The holiday season is upon us — a special time to gather with our loved ones, share laughter, and exchange heartfelt gifts. While we’re wrapping up presents, let's also wrap our thoughts around how our choices can positively impact our planet and community.
At Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy…
Post written by the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives
Small Business Saturday on November 30 is an annual reminder of the vital role local businesses play in our communities. Fairfax County launched Fairfax CORE to help local entrepreneurs start and grow their business and provide unique products and services through the year. In…
Post written by Brandon Sorvillo, Zero Waste Project Manager, Department of Procurement and Material Management
Learn more about Fairfax County’s work to move toward zero waste in our facilities and Zero Waste efforts in our community.
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Post written by the Fairfax County’s Solid Waste Management Team
Fairfax County is developing key strategies to help meet its Zero Waste goal of diverting 90 percent of all waste from landfills or incineration. But it will take everyone doing their part to help keep Fairfax County clean, healthy, and sustainable! Learn more about the ...
Post written by Rosalia Coz, OEEC Summer 2024 Intern
The Dark Sky conservation movement is committed to reducing the light pollution that harms the natural world and hinders our enjoyment of the nighttime sky. Read on to learn more about the problem and how sky-friendly lighting can also help you sleep better, save energy and protect plant and animal life.
What is light…
Post written by Melanie Malsch and Emily Bohr, OEEC Staff Members
With holiday season right around the corner, there will be plenty of family gatherings, and consequently, the potential for spirited debates around the dinner table.
Given the landscape of current events, one of the topics that may come up is climate change. It’s a complex subject that brings up mixed feelings…
Post written by Claudia Sanders, Community Engagement Manager, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination collaborates with the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) to help places of worship take climate action through energy audits and building improvements to increase energy efficiency and sustainability. Places of worship…
Post written by Maggie Beetstra, Community Specialist
Fairfax County celebratesEnergy Efficiency Day on October 2, a national day of awareness and action around conserving energy to lower costs and improve the health of communities. In honor of Energy Efficiency Day, we want to provide this resource on how to purchase the most energy-efficient appliances and windows for your…
Post written by Chris Miles, a lifelong Fairfax County resident
This past June, my wife and I reached our one-year anniversary of owning a battery powered Electric Vehicle (EV). And we’re loving it.
Our car has no tail pipe and is emission free. That means no pollution. Some people argue that EVs just shift where the pollution is created since electricity used to charge…
Did you know that the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is overseeing the implementation of three climate action plans, four community-facing programs, and over 60 strategies to reach its environmental goals? Until I began my summer 2024 internship opportunity with OEEC and learned about climate action within the county, I had no idea.My name is Rosalia Coz, and over the course of…
Post written by Arushi Surve, OEEC Summer 2024 Intern
Editor's Note: In our previous blog post we introduced you to Arushi Surve, our summer intern who started her own environmental nonprofit, Mission Green Global. This time Arushi wrote about her internship experience and how it will benefit her career plans.
Did you know the tilt angle of solar panels is dependent on its…
Post written by Arushi Surve, OEEC Summer 2024 Intern and Founder and President of Mission Green Global
My name is Arushi Surve, and I’m the Founder and President of Mission Green Global, an environmental nonprofit. From conducting elementary school workshops around Fairfax County, to hosting animal awareness and ocean impact days, we…
Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist, OEEC and Fairfax County Public Library’s Technical Operations Team
Today is Book Lovers Day, a fantastic occasion to revel in the magic of books! In our rapidly changing world, one of the most urgent issues is the impact of climate change and the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, a cause championed by Fairfax County's…
Post written by Melanie Malsch, Community Specialist, OEEC
Summer 2024 has delivered sweltering temperatures, a stagnant heat dome, and a series of heat advisories, and we’re not even halfway through. In the 43 days since the official start of summer, there have been 15 days with temperatures at or above 95ºF in Fairfax County, according to ...
Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist, OEEC
The average household has more than a dozen appliances. These include big-ticket items like refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers, and smaller pieces like microwaves, toasters, and blenders. We tend to take these items for granted as long as they’re working and meeting our needs.
Broken household appliances fall…
Post written by Sophia Tirella, Intern, Clean Fairfax
The Plastic Free July® (PFJ) campaign invites millions around the globe to be a part of the solution to plastic pollution, and Clean Fairfax encourages you to join the movement.
We challenge you to increase your awareness and…
Post written by Johnny Wen, Fairfax County resident
Johnny and Joanna Wen are helping lead a solar revolution in their Fairfax County neighborhood. The couple switched to renewable energy in 2019 and now more than seven of their neighbors have gone solar too.
Read our interview with the Wens to see how they continue to look for ways to reduce their energy use at home, and…
Post written by Kevin Smith, Division Manager for Energy Programsfor the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
In the past decade or so, the climate change conversation has been shining a brighter light on solar energy. You may have a neighbor with solar panels on their roof, or maybe you own a rooftop solar system yourself. We understand that these panels convert sunlight…
Post written by Sam Chanesman, Transportation Demand Management Proffer Coordinator, Fairfax County Department of Transportation
About a year ago, my trusted old car broke down for good. She had a good life, filled with road trips, spontaneous errands, and got me where I needed to go. I’ll forever miss and cherish those memories; What I don’t miss about her? Our commute to work....
Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern, George Mason University, Class of 2024
E-bikes, also known as electric bicycles or electric-powered bikes, have the same functionality as a regular bike, but with a modern twist. Rather than pedaling being the only way to propel you forward, e-bikeshave batteries and motors built into the frame - combining the efficiency of a motor vehicle with…
Post written by Chris Miles, a lifelong Fairfax County resident
Chris Miles, a lifelong resident of Fairfax County, has made a variety of energy efficiency updates to his home like adding solar power, installing LED lighting, purchasing a high-efficiency water heater, and using an energy monitor. All of these improvements have helped him reduce his carbon footprint, lower his utility…
Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist for the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a global event to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Here, at Fairfax County's Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, we celebrate all month long! You can join the effort to protect our planet – and support a…
Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist for the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
“Weather” and “Climate” are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are two distinct concepts. Understanding the difference between weather and climate can help you understand the broader patterns and changes that occur in our environment, and why they…
Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern, George Mason University, Class of 2024
There is so much discussion about sustainability these days, but what does that mean for our economy? What is the best way to adhere to the principles of sustainability when viewed through the lens of our financial system? Many experts have agreed that the way to move forward is to reduce our overall…
Post written by Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's Energy Programs Team
Electricity provides lighting around the clock; heats and cools our homes and businesses; and fosters the digital world that we've come to rely on throughout each day.
But where does electricity come from, how is it made and why does it matter?
The Journey of Electricity...
Post written by Gina Weil, Project Manager for the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
Are electric vehicles (EVs) more prone to fires than gasoline-powered vehicles?
Recent news reports of fires involving lithium-ion batteries, as well as some high-profile recalls related to fire risks, have sounded an alarm with some potential EV buyers. But when you look at…
Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern,George Mason University, Class of 2024
Greenhouse gases have consistently been a “hot” topic – if you pardon the pun - in discussions about climate change, but what does that mean? What are these gases, and why do they impact the globe the way that they do?
While greenhouse gases (GHGs) have different chemical compositions, they do have…
Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern,George Mason University, Class of 2024
My name is Maiya Justice, and I was an intern with the Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination from June 2023 to January of 2024. What first sparked my interest in Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) was a…
