August 2024 Newsletter
image of a spread of food and beverages featuring a tray of 3 tacos and a limel

Eat for The Environment


From July 24 - September 3rd, $1 from each chicken karaage #givingtaco sold will be donated to EcoAction Arlington. Join us in savoring the flavors of generosity and community with #givingtaco!


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Join Our Team

graphic We're Hiring Tree Ambassadors send your resume to: office@ecoactionarlington.org text overlay with green border image of a volunteer in a sunhat smiling, holding flyers in front of a house

We're Hiring Tree Ambassadors


Are you passionate about the environment and community engagement? We are looking for enthusiastic part-time Tree Ambassadors to help expand our tree canopy equity program. This is your chance to make a tangible impact on our environment and work towards a greener, more sustainable community.


What you'll do:

  • Engage with the community to promote tree planting and environmental education.
  • Coordinate with local neighborhoods to enhance green spaces.
  • Represent EcoAction Arlington at various community events.


We're looking for someone who:

  • Loves working outdoors and interacting with people.
  • Has a passion for environmental conservation.
  • Is eager to learn and take on new challenges.
  • Resides in one of the 13 TCEP neighborhoods.


Send your resume to office@ecoactionarlington.org and become a part of our mission to green our neighborhoods!


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Volunteer Opportunity

Arlington County Fair est. 1976
Sign Up

The Arlington County Fair is rolling into town August 14-18 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 Second St. S. Arlington, VA 22204. We couldn't be more excited to participate once again. We're looking for volunteers to help represent us at our booth. No prior experience needed.


As a volunteer, you'll work alongside other EcoAction volunteers and staff to share information about our programs and volunteer opportunities. Bring a desire to connect with community members and share useful information in an engaging and enthusiastic way. We'll provide you with the information needed on the spot!


Sign up to volunteer with EcoAction Arlington at the County Fair.

top of graphic depicts a red and white fairground ten top with an image below of community members visiting ecoaction arlington's table. Text reads: Visit Our Booth at the Arlington County Fair, August 16-18 2024, learn about our latest initiatives and how you can contribute to a greener future.

EcoAction at the Arlington County Fair


Visit our booth from August 16 to 18 to learn about our latest initiatives and how you can contribute to a greener future. Free. August 16-18. Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 3501 Second St. S.

More info
image: group photo of Energy Masters volunteers on blue and green background Energy Masters Join us for a happy hour August 20

Energy Masters Happy Hour


Join Energy Masters Happy Hour from 6-8 p.m. on August 20 at Rockland's BBQ and Grilling, 3471 Washington Blvd. Meet Energy Masters and learn how to get involved in the program.

RSVP for Energy Masters Happy Hour

Become An Energy Master

image: Energy Masters volunteer in a dark hoodie, eyeglasses and a mask changing the light on a ceiling fan. Apply now Energy Masters applications close September 20, 2024

Are you or someone you know looking for a volunteer opportunity to help our neighbors reduce their carbon footprint, energy and water consumption, and utility bills?


Energy Masters is an award-winning program that trains volunteers to deliver hands-on conservation upgrades and community education in affordable housing communities in Northern Virginia. Applications are now being accepted for our next cohort this fall. Adults and students 16+ may apply. 


The next cohort begins October 1, 2024. Applications are due September 20. Apply by September 6 for an early bird discount. Learn more and apply

image: blue background with Ocean conservancy and ecoaction arlington logos in upper left, black and white penguins are frolicking around white text that reads International Coastal Cleanup & Trash Tally

EcoAction Arlington Annual Cleanup and Trash Tally


Volunteers will pick up trash and debris from Barcroft Park and collect data, using the Clean Swell app, about the litter they remove which helps identify trends and solutions to reduce plastic pollution. Free. September 21*, 10 a.m.-noon. Barcroft Park, 4200 S Four Mile Run Dr. This event is great for groups and volunteers four and up. Registration is required as this event is capped.


*Earlier publications listed the date as September 14, please note the updated date of September 21.

View Details and Registration

Meet Kara Simon, Program Manager

Square image of Kara Simon, EcoAction Arlington Program Manager in front of a podium wearing a blue polo shirt and clasping her hands in front of her body

Please join us in congratulating Kara Simon in her new role as EcoAction Arlington Program Manager. Kara joined the EcoAction Arlington team in October 2023 as our Outreach Assistant. In June 2024, she assumed the role of Program Manager. Kara is passionate about the environment, plants, and cultivating community. We are pleased to have Kara in her new role and are grateful for her continued dedication in serving EcoAction Arlington's mission and vision.

EcoAction Arlington In The Field: Engaging Our Community in Caring for Our Environment

image: photo of community members participating in a rain barrel workshop in a group working on building black rain barelsr

We had a fantastic turnout at the July 11 rain barrel workshop hosted by Arlington Dept. of Environmental Services! Everyone was eager to learn about sustainable water use and how to capture rainwater for their gardens and got hands-on experience setting up their own barrels. Not only are participants helping to conserve water, but they might also see a discount on their Stormwater Utility fee! Thank you to all who joined us. Let’s keep making sustainable choices for a greener Arlington!

Events Around Arlington

image: a border of colorful fruits and vegetables, text in a white square: 2024 National Farmers Week August 4-10

National Farmers Market Week is August 4-10


Farmers markets are great for shopping locally and seasonally, and help reduce your carbon footprint. You can avoid plastic bags and opt for reusable bags and market baskets. Shopping at farmers markets helps reduce your environmental impact and supports local businesses. Arlington has 10 wonderful farmers markets. visit one near you this month and thank our farmers!


Find A Farmers Market

Youth Gardening Program


The Center for Environmental Justice at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum will host their first youth gardening program. Students in grades 2-6 will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as gardening, art, cooking, and much more. The summer youth program will run from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Monday, August 19 - Thursday, August 22. Lunch included. For more information please email, CEJ Program Coordinator, Jaime Gage GageJL@si.edu.

Arlington BioBlitz


Join Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) on Sunday, September 22 from 10 a.m.-noon for a BioBlitz

at one of three nature preserves: the Terborgh Terrace Garden, the Hayes property, and Beechwood Circle. Volunteers will use the iNaturalist app to help document plant and animal species while learning about them. This data will help create work plans to address invasive species and encourage native species growth. Come out for this fun citizen science event, and learn more about the nature in our area! Great for all ages.

More details & RSVP
Reign Makers

Plastic Independence Run 5K


On September 22, join Reign Makers for the world's first entirely plastic free athletic event. Raising awareness of the proliferation of plastic, inspiring innovative solutions, and collective, natural VITALITY. $ Sept. 22, 8-11 a.m. Bluemont Park. Both virtual and in-person participation. Registration required.

View Details

Sustainability Tip

In the market for a new oven? Consider buying an induction range which has many advantages over traditional gas and electric ranges. 

Induction cooktops create an electromagnetic field that interacts directly with cookware. This direct heating method makes induction elements about 5-10 percent more energy-efficient than traditional electric heating elements. Induction cooking minimizes heat loss making it a more efficient option than gas which has up to 40% heat loss. Induction burners can boil a pot of water roughly 20-40% faster, using less energy over time.

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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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