| Local climate solutions powered by faith communities. |
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| Deadline Extended for Nominating a Sustainability Champion! Do you know an organization, faith community, business, elected official, or local advocate in Northern Virginia or Rockingham County making a real impact for a greener, more just future? Make sure to make your nomination before April 15th for our 2025 Sustainability Champions Awards! Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to FACS’ mission through impactful actions, leadership, and a dedication to equity and inclusion. Submit your nomination today and mark your calendar for the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 5, from 7-8 PM at Unity of Fairfax in Oakton, VA—an evening to celebrate bold climate leadership. |
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| Sustain Fairfax: Your Go-To Guide for a Greener Future Fairfax County has launched the Sustain Fairfax Challenge, an all-in-one resource to help residents take meaningful climate action! From lowering your energy bills, planting trees, reducing waste, and much, much more, this resource provides simple, impactful steps to build a more resilient, sustainable Fairfax for everyone. |
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| We’re Looking for Volunteers—Turn Your Passion into Action! Your time and passion can create real change! This spring, we’re seeking dedicated volunteers to: ✍️ Write for Change – Help us secure vital funding for climate-friendly programs by crafting clear, compelling grant applications that empower local communities and drive meaningful change! ⚡ Help Faith Communities Electrify – Support Northern Virginia congregations in electrifying their buildings and becoming more energy efficient through our Power of Faith program. 🌱 Engage Your Community – Represent FACS at fun community events and spark meaningful conversations about climate solutions. Whether you love engaging with people, advancing clean energy, or organizing impactful events, there’s a place for you. Fill out our interest form and get ready to take climate action! |
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| Faith in Action – Honoring All Life with “School Prayer” by Diane Ackerman “I will honor all life—wherever and in whatever form it may dwell—on Earth my home, and in the mansions of the stars.” What does it mean to honor all life? Is it a slow walk through the budding trees, a quiet moment listening to birdsong, or a deeper commitment to justice and compassion? Diane Ackerman’s poem “School Prayer” invites us to be guardians of nature, architects of peace, and messengers of wonder. Let her words inspire reflection—and action—for a more loving, connected world. |
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| Upcoming Events & Opportunities |
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| Come Plant a Fruit Orchard with Us! Wed & Sat | Apr 2 & 5 | @Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School We're planting a fruit orchard in and around the campus of an Arlington County elementary school! You're invited to help us plant 18 fruit trees and 10 berry shrubs (figs, paw paws, persimmons, apples, cherries, mulberries, gooseberries, and more). No experience is necessary—if you are willing to learn how to plant a tree or want to assist in other ways, please select the "Volunteer" slot. If you are a tree steward, master gardener, or other expert in planting trees, please select the "Tree Expert" slot. Come ready to get your hands dirty and make a lasting impact in the community! This special planting event is in partnership with Arlington Tree Connection as part of our Tree of Life initiative. |
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| 2025 Earth Day Fairfax Sat | Apr 26 | 10 AM-4 PM | @Sully Historic Site Meet FACS Staff at Fairfax County's annual Earth Day festival, a lively day filled with live entertainment, nature-inspired crafts, and games for all ages. You'll have the chance to learn about unique Fairfax County programs and how you can make a difference in your own communities. Want to be at the FACS table with us? Fill out our volunteer interest form and a FACS staff member or lead volunteer will be in contact with you soon. |
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| Powering Up for Earth Day: HVAC, Solar, and Energy Savings for Homes & Houses of Worship Wed | April 30 | 7:00-8:30 PM | @Church of the Holy Comforter Are you a homeowner interested in energy efficiency? Is your congregation looking to replace an aging HVAC system, electrify appliances, or explore solar energy? Come prepared to discuss all things solar, HVAC, energy efficiency—including financing options for houses of worship. After the panel, you’ll have the chance to participate in expert-led breakout discussions to dive deeper into key topics and get your questions answered. *Fairfax County congregants are especially encouraged to attend to learn about county-specific grant opportunities. |
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| The Delusion of Controlling Nature Wed | May 14 | 7:00-8:45 PM | Virtual Hosted by Friends of Dyke Marsh, this thought-provoking program will feature Stephen David Miller, award-winning journalist and author of Over the Seawall, Tsunamis, Cyclones, Drought and the Delusion of Controlling Nature. Miller will examine humanity’s long history of reshaping landscapes and controlling nature—and how these efforts can sometimes backfire. He’ll also highlight why true climate resilience lies in working with nature, not against it. |
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| FACS' 9th Annual Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony Thurs | June 5 | 6:00-9:00 PM | @Unity of Fairfax We're thrilled to open registration for our 9th annual Sustainability Champions Awards Ceremony! Join us on Thursday, June 5, from 6-9 PM at Unity of Fairfax in Oakton, VA, as we recognize inspiring individuals and organizations working to create a more sustainable, equitable future in Northern Virginia and Rockingham County. You'll have the opportunity to connect with community leaders and fellow local advocates, be inspired by stories of climate action, and enjoy a delightful dessert reception. We look forward to seeing you there! |
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| | - Reducing Waste: Starting July 1, Virginia will phase out foam food containers for large establishments, with a full ban following a year later—a major win from FACS’ 2020-2021 advocacy campaign.
- Data Centers: For the first time In Loudoun County, by-right data centers were eliminated, meaning that the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing before making a decision on whether a new data center can be built. This is crucial timing as there are 117 data centers in the pipeline, as told at a Chamber of Commerce meeting.
- Trees: Dominion Energy has agreed to halt its controversial tree-cutting plans along the W&OD Trail in Reston following concerns from residents and a Fairfax County resolution. Harrisonburg is getting ready for their annual invasive Callery Pear Exchange Program, offering up to three native plants from the Virginia Department of Forestry for every three Callery pear trees removed, helping reduce their spread.
- Energy: The City of Alexandria’s new Eco-City Homes program is helping residents save energy and money while recognizing them for making their home more sustainable, comfortable, efficient, and healthy.
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| | Fill out this form to get involved with your local Advocacy Hub. You'll receive updates for county-specific meetings & events, action alerts, and more! A Hub Leader will reach out to you shortly after submitting. |
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| City of Alexandria Hub Updates The Hub recently sent a letter to the Mayor and City Council supporting the Environmental Policy Commission’s budget and policy recommendations. These recommendations recognized the emphasis the City Manager has already placed on meeting Alexandria’s climate goals in the current budget while urging for the creation of an Eco-City Revolving Fund to reinvest climate action savings into future initiatives and stronger cross-department coordination. Also, at their March meeting, FACS Advocacy Director Bryan Scrafford discussed the latest climate-related bills from the 2025 General Assembly session and FACS’ overall advocacy priorities. 📅 Important Notice: Starting next month, the Hub is switching to bi-monthly meetings. Their next meeting is on Wednesday, May 7, at 7 PM and will focus on the city’s Eco-City Homes program and actions that renters and homeowners alike can take to be more sustainable. Join the “City of Alexandria” FACS Hub for more details. Additionally, come say hi at the FACS table at the Alexandria Dog Walk and Sustainability Festival on April 5 and at the Eco-City Festival on May 10! |
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| Arlington County Hub Updates The Arlington Hub hosted a fascinating presentation on Climate TRACE, a global greenhouse gas emissions tracking tool, led by a Hub member who professionally contributes to the database. The conversation explored local emissions data and what it will mean for the Hub’s advocacy priorities. Furthermore, with the county now in budget season, Hub members are actively engaged in advocacy efforts, including weighing in on the updated Master Transportation Plan. Now in Spring, they are also planning community outreach initiatives to expand impact. 📅 Upcoming Meeting: The Hub is excited to welcome Go Electric DMV at their virtual monthly meeting tomorrow (4/2) at 7 PM to learn about the benefits of residential electrification, how to create a plan, and all the ways their electric coaches can help. Join the “Arlington County” FACS Hub for more details. |
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| Fairfax County Hub Updates As Fairfax County officials are currently considering a proposed budget that includes significant cuts with leaders fearing that even more will have to be made, the Fairfax Hub is focused on ensuring climate programs remain a priority and are not drastically reduced. Hub members are meeting with county Supervisors, attending public forums, and advocating for sustainable investments in the county’s future. 📅 Upcoming Meeting: With all local priorities being front and center, they will be holding their next virtual monthly meeting on April 17 at 7:30 PM. Register here or contact FACS Advocacy Director Bryan Scrafford at [email protected] to get involved in budget-related advocacy. |
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| Loudoun Hub Updates The Hub had strong representation at the Loudoun Environmental Commission’s first-ever Environmental Roundtable, where 30 environmental groups gathered to discuss their interests in climate initiatives. At their last meeting in March, the Hub developed four key advocacy priorities: (1) solar, (2) data centers, (3) LCPS composting & sustainability, and (4) commercial & residential composting. 📅 Upcoming Meeting: The Hub is partnering with Citizen’s Climate Lobby to host a free webinar on "How to Successfully Meet With Your Elected Officials" on April 27, 7-9 PM. Join the “Loudoun County” FACS Hub or contact Hub Leader Jean Wright at [email protected] to receive meeting details. |
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| Central Valley Hub Updates The Central Valley Hub has been focused on relaunching Renew Rocktown, which will serve as an umbrella organization for environmental and climate efforts in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. To support this effort, they recently welcomed Everett Brubaker as their new Development Director. 📢 Exciting News: The Hub is planning a special Earth Day celebration on April 22 to bring together local stakeholders, community leaders, and environmental advocates. Join the "Rockingham County (Central Shenandoah Valley)" FACS Hub or contact Hub Leader Earl Zimmerman at [email protected] for more details! |
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| FACS' Monthly Sustainability Tip |
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| Weatherizing your home isn't just for the winter months. The benefits of weatherization include stopping the outside from getting in, often through insulation and sealing any gaps or air leaks; increased comfort (no more drafts!); lower energy bills; and better health from keeping unwanted pests, pollution, allergens, and moisture out. (Learn more) |
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| Inspired to give beyond time and talent? |
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| | | Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions
PO Box 2012 | Reston, Virginia 20195
703-239-3748 | [email protected] |
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