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As we look to our end-of-year fundraising and goal setting for the coming year, it’s difficult to ignore that we do so in the shadow of a national election in which climate change denialism won. It may be easy to feel dispirited by national and global trends. However, our mission has always been hyperlocal – building a sustainable community here in Arlington.
While we may decry the lack of national concern for the environment, we must ask ourselves what each of us is doing to live more sustainably – in our own homes, our own neighborhoods, and our own county. Recent events only reinforce the urgency of acting locally, so that we can serve as a model to the nation.
As environmentalists, we believe in planting seeds, something that EcoAction Arlington has been doing for over 45 years. We know that movements, like trees, must be planted, cultivated, and protected against threats. In this challenging time, we are grateful to have such a dedicated core of supporters, staff, and volunteers at EcoAction Arlington who share a commitment to sustainability. Let’s keep planting seeds.
Mike Lowe
EcoAction Arlington, Board Chair
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Our annual End of Year Giving Campaign is here, and we need your support. We have raised over $10,000 to date and we want to keep that momentum going!
Please help us reach our 2024 year-end fundraising goal of $50,000 by donating by December 31. We rely on support from community members like you to keep our programs and services up and running. Every dollar donated supports our programs and our mission to advocate, educate, and act to create a sustainable community.
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Save the Date!
7th Annual EcoExtravaganza
Clare & Don’s Beach Shack
April 24, 2025
Tickets available in January
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IMPORTANT: Potential Limited Availability for Trees in 2025
At this time, there is no committed funding enabling EcoAction Arlington to provide tree planting in fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026). In order for the program to continue, we will need to secure new funding. We are also anticipating the tree planting program may go through some changes in FY26.
Recognizing that we don’t know if we will be able to provide the opportunity to apply for trees to be planted in the fall of 2025, we strongly encourage everyone interested in planting trees in 2025 to apply now for trees to be planted in the spring of 2025. For anyone applying to get trees in the spring of 2025 to meet the requirements of the Stormwater Utility Credit Program, please make sure to indicate this on your application. If funding is secured, there is the possibility that there will only be one opportunity for applying for trees next fiscal year: the spring of 2026.
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Stormwater Utility Credit
The Stormwater Utility Credit Program will open on December 16 and run through February 28, 2025, for eligible activities taken in 2024. Explore the credit program resources to learn how to submit an application and find local events that could earn you credit towards next year's bill.
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Emy Yamamoto
Emy joined the EcoAction Arlington team in September 2024 as Outreach Assistant. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Enterprise Management and Psychology from Wake Forest University. Before joining EcoAction, Emy was an intern at Wake Forest's Office of Sustainability where she volunteered at schools and created workshops for student clubs for sustainable event planning. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Emy brings a global perspective and an open-minded approach to every challenge. Passionate about sustainability, she is dedicated to making a positive impact in her community and beyond. Welcome Emy!
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Thrifting for the holidays is popular in 2024 due to growing trends towards sustainability, budget-conscious shopping, and a desire to find that one-of-a-kind gift. Second-hand gifts reduce waste and minimize your carbon footprint. There are several thrift shops in the local area, online you can shop at ebay or check out your local Buy Nothing community. | |
Clockwise from the top: Frederick Courts Condominium Veteran's Day of Service cleanup around the property and Bailey's Branch park, Thomas Jefferson Middle School students worked on three projects to learn about sustainability, Giving Tuesday Canvassing for Tree Equity Program and litter cleanup with Amazon, Mastercard, TreeStewards and UUCA. | |
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On November 19, EcoAction Arlington was honored to host a talk with Joan Trumpauer Mulholland at Busboys and Poets in Shirlington. Joan Trumpauer Mulholland participated in over 50 sit-ins and demonstrations including the Freedom Rides, the Jackson Woolworth’s Sit-in, the March on Washington, the Meredith March and the Selma to Montgomery March. The goal of The Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation is to educate people about the Civil Rights Movement and how they can make a difference.
Pictured left to right: Hannah Dannenfelser, Kara Simon, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland (rear), JD Spain, Sr., Loki Mulholland.
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AROUND ARLINGTON
ENVIRONMENTALLY FOCUSED COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Conservationists of Color Read-a-thon
January 26, 5-7pm
The NVCT Conservationists of Color Read-a-Thon will be back at Busboys & Poets in Shirlington. An event uplifting the voices of conservationists of diverse backgrounds where you’ll get to read and listen to passages about those who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding nature. Free. RSVP required.
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Community News
Arlington County released a new Urban Tree Canopy Assessment. The study showed a modest gain at 35.2% up from 33% in 2018. There is a lot a very good tree work happening in Arlington, but data shows that we are not yet reaching 40% tree canopy. EcoAction is focusing on increasing the tree canopy to 40%. With some additional budget resources and our Restore NOVA Forest initiative we hope to close that gap.
The Sierra Club’s Potomac River Group is accepting proposals for new projects that promote environmental sustainability and climate health. They will award 1-2 mini-grants each year, up to $500 each. Visit their website for more information.
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Support and sustain our work!
Be a monthly contributor.
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As our community's needs evolve, we remain committed to improving and educating community members on how to create more sustainable lives for the future of Arlington, improving the quality of life for all. Your contribution to these efforts make it possible. | |
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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. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website or signed up for one of our events/programs. | |
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