Local climate solutions powered by faith communities.

2023 Climate Solutions Kickoff

Please join us for our annual kickoff meeting on January 27th from 1-3pm at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria. Thanks to legislative wins in Congress, federal funding for local climate solutions is flowing, and we want to make sure we are all prepared. We will hear from expert speakers on the federal funding opportunities for individual consumers and for our faith communities. Bring your questions and your friends and neighbors!
 
For more information on speakers and registration, click here.
 

January Book Discussion

Join us on Wednesday, January 25th at 6pm via Zoom for a book discussion on Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The discussion will be led by FACS co-founder, Rev. Dr. Jean Wright. All are welcome to attend, no matter how much of the book you read. Visit this link for more info.

“Our indigenous herbalists say to pay attention when plants come to you; they’re bringing you something you need to learn.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer

 

Zero Waste: Building a Better Community

On Tuesday, January 17th from 7pm - 8:30pm FACS, EcoAction Arlington, Leaders in Energy, Sierra Club Potomac River Group, and the Alliance for Regional Cooperation have teamed up to host the final installment of three webinars, Reimagining Our Waste Management System. Watch the previous two installments here: Building a Circular Economy: Breaking the Produce-Consume-Dispose Paradigm & Beyond Recycling: Reduce, Reuse, Repair.

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.

 

Reusables Talk at Ashby Ponds

On December 2, FACS’ Solid Waste and Recycling Team Lead, Rick Galliher, met with an environmental group at Ashby Ponds Senior Living Community in Ashburn, Virginia. The discussion focused on the advantages of switching Ashby Ponds from single use plastic takeout food containers to reusable takeout containers and bags to reduce the use of plastic. Zero waste alternatives not only helps Earth, but saves millions of dollars in the process...

 
 

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

Fairfax County’s Office of Environment and Energy, which is charged with implementing the County-Wide Community Action Plan (CECAP) has given its latest report to the Board. FACS is happy to be named in it as a partner in reaching to faith communities to help them become energy efficient, and solar powered. FACS is working on a plan to do this, although we will need substantial new funding, which has not yet been offered. FACS would be adding implementation beyond its current advocacy mission. 

FACS Advocacy teams are continuing to meet with our Supervisors, prior to the 2023 budget decisions, to encourage them to fund energy efficiency and reduce the costs, especially for lower income residents; help town house and apartment communities electrify and prepare for charging EV’s; and nourish and expand the essential tree canopy. 

If you haven’t yet donated to support this work in 2023, it’s not too late! You can give online here.  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

Jean and Rev. Dr. David Milam, ED of the Loudoun Interfaith Bridges, met with Phyllis Randall, Chair of the Loudoun BOS on Dec. 12. Outcomes were: 1) Ch. Randall stated that she thinks it’s important to have a faith-based representative on the Environmental Commission and will make that recommendation.  2) We asked for a dedicated space on the County website for Environmental and Energy information to be developed as well as having an energy dashboard for County government buildings. Ch. Randall responded positively to each. 3) Ch. Randall offered to speak at a FACS meeting. The Ashby Pond group, Friends Acting for Climate Today (FACT), invited Rick Galliher to speak on the topic of reusable containers vs. compostable containers. Rick will share about the VA Bottle Bill in January. At the January 2023 meeting of the Loudoun Interfaith Clergy and Religious Leaders Group, Andrea and two pastors will share about Solar Sanctuaries.

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

At our last Hub meeting, we focused on Arlington's Tree Canopy Program. We learned about the initiative that is adding trees and bushes into our under-vegetated neighborhoods and at some churches. Some of our Hub folk will directly support the project by canvassing in target communities this month and we’ll find ways to help with the next phase of the project in the spring.

Our next Hub meeting will be on Wednesday, January 4 at 7:00 PM. We'll talk about what we're doing within our own faith communities to address climate and equity to learn and, especially, to dialogue and share helpful insights.  

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

City of Alexandria Hub Updates

The City of Alexandria has kicked off its FY24 budget process. The FACS Alexandria hub will be speaking up in support of continued climate action and necessary funding for critical programs. Alexandria residents can tell City officials via the budget feedback form that fighting climate change and helping the most vulnerable residents needs to continue to be a priority next fiscal year. 

We will join the Arlington hub's monthly meeting in January to discuss some common topics of interest for our faith communities and members.

The Alexandria hub generally meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm via Zoom (this month's meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 10th). 

Sign up for Alexandria 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.

 

Join a Local Advocacy Hub!

Stay connected with local news, meeting reminders, advocacy opportunities and action alerts, community wins, and more!

FACS' Monthly Sustainability Tip

The U.S. is slowly implementing policy to phase out single-use plastics. But, until businesses are either held accountable or decide to take responsibility for the full life-cycles (from production until discard) of their products, harness your power by advocating for better waste-management systems and adjusting your consumer habits to zero-waste when possible.

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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