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JULY 2026
July is plastic-free month! Visit plasticfreejuly.org to take the pledge. This July 4 marked the United States ' Semiquincentennial-the 250th anniversary of American Independence in an area occupied by the Nacotchtanck people! Celebrate this month with us!
ON THE CALENDAR EcoAction Arlington Upcoming Events & Opportunities
Announcing the 2026-2027 EcoAmbassadors Program
EcoAmbassadors is a climate and energy-centered volunteer training community engagement program. The EcoAmbassadors training is centered on the climate action strategies of the City of Alexandria and Arlington County. Specific focus areas include reducing energy use and electrifying the home, shifting to eco-friendly transportation choices, and minimizing waste. The program requires a one-year commitment, and training will take place from September through November and include formal hybrid training sessions, practicum learning, and self-paced online modules. EcoAmbassadors is managed by EcoAction Arlington and the Virginia Cooperative Extension with support from Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. Volunteers ages 16 and up are encouraged to apply. The fee for the program is $110 (free for students), and the deadline for applications is August 31. An early bird discount is available for applications submitted by August 17. Fee waivers are available, no questions asked.
Private property owners are eligible to apply for free trees to be planted on their property through our Tree Planting Program. Planting a tree on your property could get you a 5% credit on your stormwater utility bill! Our next planting cycle is Fall 2026 and applications are open through July 15. Visit our website for more information and to apply.
EcoAction Arlington is seeking students interested in joining its leadership as a student member of its Board of Directors. This is a great opportunity for students with an interest in our environment to support EcoAction Arlington's mission to create a sustainable community by improving our natural environment, encouraging environmentally-friendly behaviors, ensuring environmental justice, and addressing the climate crisis. Student board members must be middle and high school students living in Arlington County and the deadline for expressing interest is August 15. Please visit our website for more information.
Thank you to the seniors who participated in Senior Experience! They helped the Outreach and Communications assistant for a month with school-related topics.
GetGreen and EcoAction Arlington are proudly rallying around Plastic Free July by challenging ourselves to eliminate single-use plastics from our daily routines. Making small changes can create a massive wave of impact, and it all starts with the choices we make every day. Visit the GetGreen Arlington app for simple, uplifting actions you can log in the app this month to earn your leaves.
Refuse Plastic Bags, Reuse!
Throughout July 1 to July 30, when you purchase a reusable Community Bag for $2.75 at the Giant Food located at 2901-11 South Glebe Road, Arlington VA, $1 will be donated to EcoAction Arlington!
We strongly encourage you to share this news with your friends and family. Make sure everyone knows to look for Community Bags on display racks in our selected store this July.
AROUND ARLINGTON environmentally focused community events
JUL 11 | Crystal City Connector Cleanup - The Friends of Mount Vernon Trail will be improving the Crystal City Connector Trail that joins to the MVT on Saturday, July 11 from 9-11 AM. To volunteer to remove invasive species and fallen limbs from the trail, sign up here.
JUL 18 |Library Fest - Arlington Public Library is inviting everyone to a free festival to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary There will be musical guests, story-time performances, and a LEGO sculpture you have to see to believe. Volunteer!
JUL 21 | Free movie screening- Celebrate Plastic Free July with a film showing! Join Clean Virginia Waterways and Oceana for a FREE screening of "We're All Plastic People Now" followed by audience Q&A with a local expert panelists. 5:30-7:30PM at Central Library. Find more details here.
JUL 25 | Trail Cleanup - Rosslyn Vegetation Cleanup from 9-11 AM. Sign up here.
EcoAction Arlington along with Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions and the Sierra Club’s Potomac River Group encouraged Arlington County to look for opportunities to accelerate decarbonization efforts by integrating plans for rooftop solar, energy efficiency improvements and energy resiliency planning and development into other ongoing projects.
Expanded Polystyrene Ban Begins July 1. The final phase of the law passed in 2021, comes into effect. Phase 1 of the ban on expanded polystyrene (EPS or “Styrofoam”) food containers began on July 1, 2025. As of July 1, 2026 all food vendors in Virginia—including smaller, independent restaurants, food trucks, and school cafeterias will no longer be able to use expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Explore the Arlington Home Energy Hub to help make your home more energy efficient, healthier and powered by clean energy. Explore resources to meet home energy needs and goals, including tech support from a Home Energy Coach.
EcoAction Arlington is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to educate, advocate, and act to create a sustainable community by improving our natural environment, encouraging environmentally friendly behaviors, ensuring environmental justice, and addressing the climate crisis.
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