Fall Into These Activities - Updated e-bike voucher information
If you're having trouble viewing this email, you cansee it online.
CORRECTION: The September Newsletter went out on Tuesday, Sept. 2 with an error. It was previously stated that we received 28,000 e-bike voucher applications. The correct number of applications received is 2,800. Thank you to everyone that applied. - Michele Bianchi, Communications Coordinator
This month is piled up with activities and opportunities. Take some time between picking apples and watching the leaves turn color to join us in cleaning up our environment, viewing green homes and gardens, and taking your volunteering to the next level by applying to become an EcoAmbassador!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
September 10 Happy Hour
Join us at The Departmental Progressive Club in Alexandria from 6:30-8:00pm to celebrate the culmination of another successful Energy Masters season and learn about the evolution into EcoAmbassadors! There will be a cash bar and light refreshments.
Homes and gardens across Arlington will be open for viewing on Sunday, September 14 from 12-4:30pm! A map of the tour will be sent after registration. $20 Individual (includes cyclists), $35 for 2 people, $40 carpool. The FREE Community Welcome Event takes place at Central Library Plaza from 10:30am-12:30pm with plant demos, sustainable gardening, energy saving tips and more! Registration not required for the community event at the library. Sponsored by Lime. Lime will provide complimentary helmets alongside e-bike and e-scooter rentals for adults ages 18+ at the welcome event.
Our Annual Trash Tally, in partnership with the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup and Clean Virginia Waterways, will take place at an Arlington County park on Saturday, Sept 20 from 10:00am-12:00pm. Participants will break into small groups to tally the trash using the CleanSwell app. Families, Individuals, and Groups are welcome. Registration is required. Space is limited! Rain date is 9/27.
Save the date! We’re hosting an ice cream social fundraiser at Jeni’s Ice Creams at Shirlington, 4150 Campbell Avenue, on Thursday, September 25 from 3:00 to 6:00pm. 25% of all sales during the event will be donated back to us — so come enjoy scoops of your favorite flavors while supporting EcoAction Arlington!
Volunteer In Our Community For Our Environment
Apply To Become An EcoAmbassador!
EcoAmbassadors is a new climate and energy-centered volunteer training and community engagement program starting Fall 2025. The EcoAmbassador program will bring together volunteers who are passionate about helping neighbors commit to personal activities that will make our neighborhoods and homes healthier and more livable. Training is centered on the City of Alexandria Energy and Climate Change Action Plan and Arlington’s Community Energy Plan and related climate strategies. Specific focus areas include: reducing energy use and electrifying the home, shifting to eco-friendly transportation choices, and minimizing waste. 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. For more information contact bill@ecoactionarlington.org or visit our website or attend our Happy Hour on September 10 (see above for details).
Training will take place from October 1-29 in Arlington. The cost of the program is $110, Students are free. Applications are being accepted until September 24, 2025. Apply by September 13 for an early-bird discount. Existing Energy Masters may attend training and receive a t-shirt for $20.
More than 100 people learned about EcoAction Arlington at the Arlington County Festival.
Over 60 trees were checked for tree health by the Boy Scouts working along side adult volunteers.
12 volunteers completed tree work in neighborhoods.
Thank you to all who applied to the e-bike voucher program. We received close to 2,800 applications. All applicants will be notified about the status of their application within 4 weeks.
Sustainability Tip
Federal EV Tax Credits are ending on September 30, 2025, following the passage of Trump's 2025 tax reform. If you are considering purchasing an EV and wish to take advantage of the federal tax credits, it is crucial to finalize the purchase and take delivery before September 30, 2025, and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements. Other energy credits are set to end soon as well. For detailed information our friends at Rewiring America have created this handy chart.
Want to do more? The GetGreen Arlington app has climate action challenges, carbon footprint reduction tips, and local community engagement opportunities.
AROUND ARLINGTON Environmentally Focused Community Events
SEPTEMBER 5 or 10|Join the Four Mile Run Kayak Cleanup with the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation either Saturday, Sept 6 8:00-11:00am or Wednesday, Sept 10 5:00-8:00pm. You'll collect litter along the streambank of Four Mile Run. Kayaks and equipment will be provided. You may bring your own kayak, paddle, and/or life-vest, if you prefer. Registration required.
SEPTEMBER 6|4th-Annual-Hispanic-Heritage-Community-Festival-at-Tyrol-Hill-Park presented by Arlington Schools Hispanic Parents Association (ASHPA), Arlington County Police Department (ACPD), Arlington County Sheriff's Office (ACSO), Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD), and Arlington County - Come celebrate with music, popcorn, snow cones, and an opportunity to meet and chat with Arlington County Officers, Deputies, County staff, and community leaders.
SEPTEMBER 13|Rock and Recycle Open House, a family favorite returns for the fifth year as the Solid Waste Bureau opens its doors at the Trades Center in Shirlington. Explore the world of recycling, trash-to-energy and other key environmental services. See the Rock Crusher and the Tub Grinder up close, sit in the driver's seat and meet the experts who keep Arlington clean and sustainable. Dozens of hands-on learning stations, take-home art, environmentally friendly giveaways, music, Kona shaved ice (for purchase) and more. Rain or shine.
SEPTEMBER 14|Dress It Forward is a pop-up boutique filled with gently used homecoming, prom, and wedding guest dresses available completely free to teens and young adults in our community. Admission is FREE. No registration required. Visit the event on September 14 from 10:00am-3:00pm at Two Men and a Truck Warehouse, 5910 Farrington Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304.
SEPTEMBER 19|Turf Grass Alternatives from 10:00-11:30 am, ONLINE. Join Extension Master Gardener Donald Bobby to learn about alternatives for reclaiming part or all of your lawn to create a more sustainable and interesting landscape. The discussion will include manageable techniques to reduce the size of your lawn and plant replacements for traditional turf grass. FREE. RSVP online to receive the link to participate.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Renter Resources for Green Living - A significant portion of Arlington County’s residents are renters. The County's AIRE team recognizes the complexities associated with incorporating energy efficiency measures into leased homes. To assist renters of all types, they have curated resources that guide renters in adopting environmentally friendly practices within their apartments, condos, houses and other dwellings. Check out the resources.
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.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website or signed up for one of our events/programs.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
