EcoAction Arlington engages in energy conservation with the community!

EcoAction Arlington (previously known as Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment), a community nonprofit promoting sustainable lifestyles, is engaging citizens across the county to be more involved in conserving the environment. Volunteers who get involved in EcoAction Arlington are able to learn about the importance of stewardship to the planet starting right here.

There are many ways students, citizens, and businesses can get involved with EcoAction Arlington and the award-winning Energy Masters Program is now taking applications for fall training. Energy Masters is co-sponsored by EcoAction Arlington and Virginia Cooperative Extension. Modeled after the successful Master Gardeners training program, Energy Masters trains corps of volunteers in energy efficiency and water conservation techniques and in community education and outreach through an intensive six-session training program. Once trained, volunteers contribute 30 hours of community service over the course of a year, at which point they become certified. The training is offered annually each fall, consisting of 6 evening classroom sessions and one Saturday hands-on session.

Energy Masters helps low- and moderate-income families in Arlington and Alexandria to reduce their water and energy use, save money on their utility bills, and improve the comfort of their homes. The program creates a more sustainable community by reducing carbon emissions through energy and water conservation improvements and through volunteer and community education.

Since the inception of the program, we have trained more than 200 volunteers who have helped more than 840 families living in affordable housing buildings in Arlington and Alexandria to decrease their energy and water usage.

If you think you can contribute to this effective community program please learn more at

www.ecoactionarlington.org/energy or contact us at energy@ecoactionarlington.org . Applications are now being accepted for the fall training for students and adults. The early bird deadline for reduced fees is 7/31/18.

To learn more about EcoAction Arlington and other volunteer opportunities, please visit www.ecoactionarlington.org

Submitted by Joslin Gallatin, ACE Program and Administrative Coordinator.