Local climate solutions powered by faith communities.

 

Discussion: Responding to Climate Change

Are you looking for an easy to use resource to spark climate conversation and change in your faith community? Look no further! The magazine, The Christian Century, has recently published "Responding to Climate Change: a guide for personal reflection and group discussion," a free downloadable resource with short essays and reflection questions. 

On Wednesday, February 8th, 2:30-3:30 via Zoom, FACS Board Member Rev. Sarah S. Scherschligt will introduce this resource and lead a short discussion. The resource is written from a Christian perspective, but all are welcome.

 

Become a Climate Champion: faith sector pilot

We're excited to partner with Fairfax County on a faith sector pilot to implement the Community-wide Climate and Action Plan. We will be hosting monthly zoom meetings to present and discuss our five campaigns to get climate solutions on the ground. Although this pilot work will focus on Fairfax, we welcome everyone to join us in implementing these solutions.

Please join us on February 8 from 10 - 11am. Register here.

Next month we'll meet on March 14 at 5pm. Stay tuned, and read more about this initiative in The Fairfax Times!

ACT For Climate Today! "We Are What We Eat"

Please join Act for Climate Today (ACT!) of UUCF virtually for  "We Are What We Eat: How Our Food Can Help Build a More Peaceful Livable Planet" on February 1st from 7:30-8:30 PM. Come to hear from Dan Jasper, an expert in multidisciplinary solutions for climate change and poverty alleviation in South Asia and Africa, tell us how our our food choices can shape the future of this planet. Dan is speaking in a personal capacity at this event. In his day job, he is the Policy Advisor for Project Drawdown's Drawdown Lift. Join to learn more about our food decisions!

For more information on speakers and registration, click here.

 

Conferencia de Profesionales de Jardinería 

Plant NOVA Natives y Audubon Society Northern VA están organizando una conferencia en español para personas que trabajan en jardinería y paisajismo. La conferencia es en persona, es grátiles, e incluye almuerzo y premios.

Plant NOVA Natives and Audubon Society Northern VA are organizing the first conference for Spanish speaker Landscapers. The conference is in person, is free, and includes lunch and door prizes. FACS is excited to support this wonderful event as part of our new Tree of Life campaign.

Fecha: Miércoles 15 de febrero 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Date: Wednesday February 15, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

 

 

Nature Corner

Wondering how to salt your sidewalks without inadvertently polluting waterways this winter? With temperatures dropping, that means snow and freezing rain are on the way. You are probably preparing to break out the winter salt. Unfortunately, salt water can contaminate waterways and damage vehicles as well as roads. Read more here about how you can be effective and efficient with salt at home.

Climate Solutions Organizer

Please spread the word! FACS is looking for a Climate Solutions Organizer to move our mission forward in new and exciting ways. This position is a wonderful opportunity for someone who wants to make a real difference.
 
 

20s & 30s Circle

Are you or do you know a 20- or 30-something looking to connect with others on climate change topics?

Our 20s & 30s Circle will feature social gatherings like happy hours, coffee socials, and local hikes for this age group. Whether you are in a career transition, planning for the future in an uncertain world, or you just want to meet other climate-minded individuals, join us! Fill out this form to be added to our email list and to receive more details on upcoming events.

 
 

HUB UPDATES BELOW

Be sure to visit our online calendar to see when Hub monthly meetings happen, what FACS events are on the horizon, and what community events are being planned by other groups.

 

Fairfax County Hub Updates

Our reach is expanding: FACS has been named a Climate Champion by the County, to help faith communities move toward the goals in CECAP and Climate Resilience plans, jointly with the County staff. Our hub met with most of the supervisors before and after the CECAP plan came out, to encourage the board to insist on forming priorities, deadlines and metrics missing in the plan. We also started two new teams in January, the FACS Transit Corp, to dive into intricacies in plans and regulations about safety for pedestrians and cyclists. And FCPS team has subset: a Work Force team, researching green careers education. The Zero Waste team spoke with Chris Herrington, the Director of Solid Waste about the County’s plans. He is undertaking a full and radical revision of waste management. He would like FACS to help him in reforming residents’ mind set from a Waste Rich one to Zero Waste.

If you are not already on our list, sign up for Fairfax updates here. If you have any questions, please email kristin.rosenthal@gmail.com.

Loudoun County Hub Updates

On behalf of the Leesburg Interfaith Clergy and Religious Leaders Group, Jean invited FACS’s ED, Andrea McGimsey, and Rev. David Young of Bethel Lutheran Church, Winchester, to speak to the topic “How Houses of Worship Can Become Solar Sanctuaries.”  Are there any clergy groups or faith communities in your area open to learning about Solar Sanctuaries? Jean spoke to Loudoun BOS in support of the Resolution Regarding Social and Racial Equity as Fundamental Values. The resolution includes climate and environmental justice as an equity issue. It passed. Jean attended Del. David Reid’s meeting on his 2023 legislative agenda. Two of his proposed bills are for EV Charging Stations. The Bills are: HB-1790 and HB 1766. Ask your delegates to support them. The Ashby Ponds Friends Acting for Climate Today (FACT) group has been approved to host an Earth Day Program and an Environmental Fair at Ashby Ponds.

Sign up for Loudoun updates if you are not already on our list. If you have any questions, please email info@faithforclimate.org.

Arlington County Hub Updates

In December, the FACS Arlington Hub discussed the EcoAction Arlington Tree Canopy Program and how FACS can help vegetate our underserved communities. A few of us then canvassed in the Green Valley neighborhood, helping residents learn how to access no-cost expert advice and free trees and shrubs. We kicked off 2023 with a joint FACS Arlington-Alexandria Hub meeting focusing on climate justice. Four participants discussed actions taken by their faith communities and/or congregations. The lively discussion inspired us all to see what more we can be doing to support equity. We will continue partnering for these important discussions. Arlington FACS advocates are actively encouraging Arlington Public Schools to transition to zero carbon operations. We’ve met with members of the School Board and school bus experts.
We meet monthly, virtually, on the first Wednesday of the month. Our next Arlington Hub meeting will be on February 1 at 7:00PM.

Sign up for Arlington updates if you are not already on our list. If you have any questions, please email info@faithforclimate.org.

Northern Valley Hub Updates

Join the Northern Valley Hub for an exciting meeting on Wednesday, February 15th from 6:30 - 8:30PM to discuss a Faith-based Case for Going Solar! Pastor Dave Young of Bethel Lutheran Church and church members will present on their Solar Sanctuary project, and we will discuss community resilience and taking care of the most vulnerable among us. We'll also discuss a path forward for growing our hub in 2023.

 

City of Alexandria Hub Updates

Next hub meeting will be Wednesday, February 1, 7:00PM, via Zoom. This meeting will be to discuss the City's proposed budget for next fiscal year, Climate Action Plan update,  and how we can support some initiatives of the City's Environmental Policy Commission. The hub is moving our monthly meetings to the first Wednesday of the month. Last month the ALX hub sent a letter to the City Manager and Council asking that the FY24 budget maintain full funding of climate programs established last year to ensure residential energy programs prioritize low/moderate income homes for efficiency improvements, and support recommendations of the EPC. ALX also provided comments in January on the final draft of the City's Climate Action Plan. The hub is  looking into a joint meeting with the Arlington hub on March 1st to continue our discussion on how congregations and hubs can support environmental justice and climate justice efforts. 

Sign up for Alexandria updates if you are not already on our list. If you have any questions, please email info@faithforclimate.org.

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FACS' Monthly Sustainability Tip

Did you know you may be eligible for clean tax credits? The Department of Energy provides tax credits for homes with clean electricity and energy efficient upgrades such as utilizing solar panels. Identify ways that your home can can become more efficient and you may be able to receive clean energy tax credits.

Inspired to give beyond time and talent? Donate today and support FACS' work.

 

Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions
PO Box 2012  | Reston, Virginia 20195
703-239-3748 | info@faithforclimate.org

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