MAJOR WIN: The Success of the 5-cent Plastic Bag Fee

Passed in 2020 and enacted in 2022, Fairfax County’s plastic bag tax was one of FACS’ first major advocacy victories. Since then, the data shows a positive and sustained decline in disposable plastic bags throughout the past few years: 3.6 million fewer plastic bags. That’s nearly 4 million bags so far that will never find their way into county waterways and parks.

The five cents collected from each used disposable bag have added up to more than $6 million for vital Fairfax County environmental programs, such as cleanups, pollution and litter mitigation, educational campaigns on waste reduction, and providing reusable bags to those in need. The county’s ultimate goal is to collect no revenue as shoppers embrace reusable bags and reduce plastic waste. Arlington County, Loudoun County, the City of Alexandria, and the City of Falls Church have also enacted a disposable plastic bag tax.

Staff Highlight: Bryan Scrafford

Bryan Scrafford joined the FACS team as Advocacy Director in December of 2024. Born and raised in Fairfax County and a graduate of George Mason University, he comes to FACS with over a decade of experience leading advocacy efforts for nonprofit advocacy organizations. A firm believer in how faith communities are called to protect the earth and seek justice for all, his advocacy work has prioritized bringing people of faith into coalitions that have successfully lobbied for legislation at the state and local levels. Bryan also serves on the Fairfax Area Disability Board and has a long history of serving in leadership positions for other Virginia-based organizations.

Faith in Action – When Facing Obstacles, Look to the Past AND the Future

Each one of us has the power to imagine a world we want to live in and gather to create it. That is what humanity has always done. What stories of courage and persistence do you carry in your heart?

Join Our Polar Bear Plunge Team to “Keep Winter Cold!”

Get ready to plunge with us! We’re partnering with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN)’s 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge and leading a team that will jump into National Harbor on February 8, 2025, for a winter swim. Just like a charity walk or run, Plungers accept donations from their friends and family—all funds raised will support FACS and CCAN’s vital climate work. CCAN’s Polar Bear Plunge is a day of family-friendly fun with free food, music, games, a costume contest, and more!

Conservation Lobby Day

Wed | Jan 22 | 7:45 AM-2 PM | In-Person (Richmond)

Virginia’s largest Conservation Lobby Day is fast approaching! We’re partnering with the Virginia Conservation Network to lead meetings with Northern Virginia legislators. This is your chance to lobby with FACS and fellow advocates in your district for environmental action that matters most to you.

Battling Backyard Invaders: Invasive Plants

Thurs | Jan 23 | 12-1 PM | Virtual

Learn about the most common invasive plants in your backyard and an exciting new partnership with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN)! Meredith Prescott, CCAN’s Invasive Vines Program Manager, will teach us how to identify invasives and apply effective removal methods. They have seen incredible success with dedicated volunteers saving over 4,000 trees from invasive vines in Takoma Park, MD. Additionally, if your congregation or property is located in one of their designated areas, you may be eligible to receive support for invasive removal and education efforts.

Relaunch of FACS’ Loudoun Hub!

Sun | Jan 26 | 2-4 PM | In-Person (Leesburg)

If you’re a Loudoun County resident that is passionate about advocating for pro-environmental policies, then you won’t want to miss our relaunch of FACS’ Loudoun Hub at Leesburg Presbyterian Church. This is your chance to meet fellow advocates, see advocacy priorities for the year, and learn how FACS can support your faith community. FACS’ Executive Director Chris Topoleski will be the keynote speaker.

Free Clothing Pop-Up Shop

Sun | Feb 2 | 12-4 PM | In-Person (Arlington)

Choose sustainability over fast fashion with free, gently used clothes! Thanks to generous clothing donations from our Climate Crisis Forum and our Partners, Arlington Students for Climate Action is hosting a free clothing pop-up at Washington-Liberty High School’s Cafeteria, 1301 N Stafford St., Arlington VA 22201. All students and community members are welcome; no registration required. Arlington Students for Climate Action is a FACS’ 2024 Sustainability Champion.

Arlington County Hub Updates

In collaboration with the Alexandria Hub, they hosted a regional watch party for the Virginia Conservation Network’s General Assembly Preview. Over 35 dedicated advocates met in person to hear from statewide experts about anticipated environmental legislation expected in the upcoming General Assembly session.

Important Notice: This month, the Hub will meet in person for a potluck social on January 12. In February, they will discuss home energy improvements with a professional vendor. Join the “Arlington County” FACS Hub to receive the details for both meetings.

Fairfax County Hub Updates

The county’s budget process begins with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Fairfax County’s FY 2026 budget forecast underscores significant financial challenges for the upcoming fiscal year, serving as a forecast rather than a proposal. Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill will present the FY 2026 Advertised Budget to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. Hub members will meet with their Board of Supervisors during the public hearing period between April 22-24.

Important Notice: Our Fairfax Hub is thrilled to welcome their new Hub Leader Bryan Scrafford, who is also FACS’ Advocacy Director! Hub members will have the opportunity to meet him at their next monthly meeting on January 16, 7:30 PM, via Zoom.

Loudoun Hub Updates

In a legislator meeting with Del. David Reid, the delegate shared that he will offer legislation for two bills related to the environment and climate: (1) Using advanced conducting materials in transmission lines. If passed, this would mean building fewer new transmission lines and equipping older lines for greater conductivity. (2) Allowing counties to incentivize local landscapers in using battery-powered lawn equipment rather than gas-powered. Did you know that one hour of using a lawn mower equals driving 300 miles from DC to NYC, and that an hour using a leaf blower equals driving 1100 miles from DC to New Orleans?

Additionally, the Hub represented FACS at the Leesburg regional watch party location for Virginia Conservation Network’s General Assembly Preview.