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Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist, OEEC
The average household has more than a dozen appliances. These include big-ticket items like refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers, and smaller pieces like microwaves, toasters, and blenders. We tend to take these items for granted as long as they’re working and meeting our needs.
Broken household appliances fall…
Post written by Sophia Tirella, Intern, Clean Fairfax
The Plastic Free July® (PFJ) campaign invites millions around the globe to be a part of the solution to plastic pollution, and Clean Fairfax encourages you to join the movement.
We challenge you to increase your awareness and…
Post written by Johnny Wen, Fairfax County resident
Johnny and Joanna Wen are helping lead a solar revolution in their Fairfax County neighborhood. The couple switched to renewable energy in 2019 and now more than seven of their neighbors have gone solar too.
Read our interview with the Wens to see how they continue to look for ways to reduce their energy use at home, and…
Post written by Kevin Smith, Division Manager for Energy Programsfor the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
In the past decade or so, the climate change conversation has been shining a brighter light on solar energy. You may have a neighbor with solar panels on their roof, or maybe you own a rooftop solar system yourself. We understand that these panels convert sunlight…
Post written by Sam Chanesman, Transportation Demand Management Proffer Coordinator, Fairfax County Department of Transportation
About a year ago, my trusted old car broke down for good. She had a good life, filled with road trips, spontaneous errands, and got me where I needed to go. I’ll forever miss and cherish those memories; What I don’t miss about her? Our commute to work....
Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern, George Mason University, Class of 2024
E-bikes, also known as electric bicycles or electric-powered bikes, have the same functionality as a regular bike, but with a modern twist. Rather than pedaling being the only way to propel you forward, e-bikeshave batteries and motors built into the frame - combining the efficiency of a motor vehicle with…
Post written by Chris Miles, a lifelong Fairfax County resident
Chris Miles, a lifelong resident of Fairfax County, has made a variety of energy efficiency updates to his home like adding solar power, installing LED lighting, purchasing a high-efficiency water heater, and using an energy monitor. All of these improvements have helped him reduce his carbon footprint, lower his utility…
Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist for the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a global event to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Here, at Fairfax County's Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, we celebrate all month long! You can join the effort to protect our planet – and support a…
Post written by Emily Bohr, Outreach Specialist for the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
“Weather” and “Climate” are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are two distinct concepts. Understanding the difference between weather and climate can help you understand the broader patterns and changes that occur in our environment, and why they…
Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern, George Mason University, Class of 2024
There is so much discussion about sustainability these days, but what does that mean for our economy? What is the best way to adhere to the principles of sustainability when viewed through the lens of our financial system? Many experts have agreed that the way to move forward is to reduce our overall…
Post written by Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's Energy Programs Team
Electricity provides lighting around the clock; heats and cools our homes and businesses; and fosters the digital world that we've come to rely on throughout each day.
But where does electricity come from, how is it made and why does it matter?
The Journey of Electricity...
Post written by Gina Weil, Project Manager for the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
Are electric vehicles (EVs) more prone to fires than gasoline-powered vehicles?
Recent news reports of fires involving lithium-ion batteries, as well as some high-profile recalls related to fire risks, have sounded an alarm with some potential EV buyers. But when you look at…
Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern,George Mason University, Class of 2024
Greenhouse gases have consistently been a “hot” topic – if you pardon the pun - in discussions about climate change, but what does that mean? What are these gases, and why do they impact the globe the way that they do?
While greenhouse gases (GHGs) have different chemical compositions, they do have…
Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern,George Mason University, Class of 2024
My name is Maiya Justice, and I was an intern with the Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination from June 2023 to January of 2024. What first sparked my interest in Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) was a…
