Take Action!

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~Chief Seattle 1855 

There are a number of opportunities for you your family your co-workers and your friends to take part in the local effort to preserve restore and improve our natural environment. Pick the activities that matter most to you! It will take all of us working together. Jump in and do your part . . . and bring a few friends along with you!
 
We offer a few ideas to . . .
  • Drive Smarter
  • Realize Energy Savings
  • Improve Air Quality Flyer 
  • Reduce,  Reuse,  Recycle,  Reject,  Respond
 
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 
 
Here are a few simple things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint! A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment and air quality. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity heating and transportation etc.
  • Turn it off when not in use 
  • Turn down the water heating setting
  • Only run full loads for clothes washers and dishwashers
  • Insulate your hot water heater lofts and walls
  • Buy energy efficient models when replacing appliances and computers
  • Carpool when you can or use public transportation 
 

Donate Your Old Cell Phone

The Sheriff's Office and Public Works are collecting cell phones to be refurbished as emergency phones. These phones are then made available at no charge to citizens who need a phone for safety and security. Citizens can request a phone for themselves or someone in need by calling Public Works at 703-792-6819. 

Drop off cell phones batteries and chargers at the Judicial Center Chinn Library Potomac Library Bull Run Library Central Library James J. McCoart Administration Building Development Services Building and the Dr. AJ Ferlazzo Building. (Directions to County Facilities.) Please only place phones batteries and chargers in the barrel and report if you notice litter or debris in the barrel. You can learn more about the program at Secure the Call. 

Be reusing the phones the program also reduces the amount of waste sent to the landfill. It also saves the cost to handle the phones throughout the electronics recycling program.

 

12 Things You can do Right Now to Help the Planet

  1. Recycle and reduce the amount of waste you make. Learn more about recycling. 
  2. Look for environmentally friendly alternatives that are made of recycled material less toxic and chemical free. 
  3. Pick up and properly dispose of litter and report graffiti. 
  4. Reduce pollution entering our streams by maintaining your vehicles using fertilizers properly and picking up after pets.
  5. Properly handle and dispose of potentially hazardous chemicals (don’t pour it down a sink or storm drain).
  6. Reduce the amount of emissions you release into the air by limiting driving carpooling and combining errands. 
  7. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs or LEDs in your home. They require less energy and last longer.
  8. Turn off lights and electrical devices when not in use. Teach your children to turn things off when they leave the room.
  9. Learn about landscaping techniques that provide habitat and food for wildlife.
  10. Plant a tree!
  11. Reduce your carbon footprint by reducing energy use recycling and driving less!
  12. Take a hike visit a natural area with all its wonders. You’ll gain a renewed commitment to take care of our planet!