Greetings and a pop quiz: where can you get a snazzy “No Thanks, I Don’t Need a Bag” button? (Answer below.) This week we are all about continuing the Plastic Free July challenge, and we have stories about flooding and climate change, beautiful but harmful spotted lanternflies, and finding microplastics even in remote ecosystems. Reach …

Happy Plastic Free July! In this week’s corral, we have rounded up articles on new recycling laws and bans, a study reporting the effectiveness of plastic bag policies, risks of living near microplastic-polluted coastal waters, and Chile’s latest plan to battle the ravages of fast fashion waste. Where new recycling laws are taking effect in …

First, we’re coming up on a major milestone in the effort to stop plastic pollution before it starts: phase one of the Virginia EPS foam ban goes into effect next week! Also, news about heat waves, droughts, battery disposal, and a federal reuse and refill study. Styrofoam containers will soon be banned in Virginia – …

In the Roundup this week: Fairfax County’s largest solar array; the hidden textile recycling business; good news from Quebec’s beverage container recycling program; and hopeful news on a global plastic pollution treaty. Conversion of Lorton landfill into Fairfax County’s largest solar array underway – FFX Now, June 17, 2025 This week, work officially begins to …

Here’s a thought to ponder: wouldn’t it be cool to replace plastic packaging with CHEESE?! Because that’s a thing we read about and are sharing in our Environmental News Roundup this week: Board defers USD hearing to October – Annandale Today, June 10, 2025 Fairfax County’s Solid Waste Management Program has brought forth a proposal …

First Up: We’re thrilled to share some GOOD news this week from Richmond!  Richmond shoppers will pay tax on disposable plastic bags starting in 2026 – ABC8 News, June 2, 2025 Earlier this week, members of the City Council in Richmond passed an ordinance that will require a $0.05 fee to be charged for every …

This week, we are highlighting two local environmental initiatives that Fairfax residents can participate in. We’ve also been reading about the consequences of plastic and updates on national programs. Sustain Fairfax Challenge – Fairfax County Government, February 2025 The Sustain Fairfax Challenge is a platform that allows you to learn about and track sustainable actions …

This week, the following environmental news articles sparked our interest. From a significant national plastic policy move to new findings on climate risks, here is what we’re reading on recycling, pollution, and climate issues: National Recycling Coalition Policy on Chemical Recycling – Waste Advantage, May 21, 2025In a strong and clearly worded statement, the National …

We’re bringing back the Clean Fairfax Environmental News Roundup, sharing a few stories each week that we find notable.  To kick it off, here are several recent stories that caught our attention: Farmers market season takes root across Fairfax County, starting this week – FFX Now, Apr. 15, 2025We’re thrilled that the Fairfax County Park …

Living Thoughtfully With Less Plastic at Trace Located in bustling downtown Vienna, Trace – The Zero Waste Store invites you in to investigate their bulk food and refill store. The shop has a sleek boutique-meets-natural-food-co-op ambience that both calms and stimulates. Without the clutter of packaging and plastic, products are displayed artfully yet efficiently. Whether …