APS and the Environment

APS recognizes the importance of being active stewards in protecting our environment and promoting sustainability throughout our district. We are committed to energy and environmental conservation incorporating sustainability goals into our daily instruction and school operations. We aim to minimize our carbon footprint and emissions and invite our community to join us in this partnership.

"We are focused on providing a cleaner environment for the future of our students as well as increasing their environmental awareness through instruction," said Superintendent Dr. Pat Murphy.

In The News

The Arlington Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) is holding their bi-annual collection on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Thomas Jefferson Middle School located at 125 S. Old Glebe Rd. The collection site will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. E-CARE is open to Arlington residents only. Commercial or business waste not accepted. For more information about E-CARE including details about acceptable items visit the E-CARE Web page or call 703.228.6832. This gives residents a chance to safely get rid of hazardous materials like paint, solvents, garden chemicals and items containing mercury and to recycle electronics, bikes, small metal items, shoes, eyeglasses, and durable medical equipment.

Mason's Arlington Earth Week Community Event, Sunday, April 21, 2013

Celebrate Earth Day this year by visiting George Mason University's Arlington Campus at 3301 N. Fairfax Drive this Sunday, April 21st. From noon-4:30 pm Mason is hosting The Green Living Expo and showcasing 25 APS student-designed rain barrels for auction. See more information on these beautiful rain barrels and what the auction supports at this site from last year's event. These are one-of-a-kind rain barrels and would be beautiful in any yard.

National Bike To School Day - Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Celebrate national bike to school day and ride your bicycle to school on Wednesday, May 8th. Get your friends and parents involved and enjoy a group ride together. For more information please visit the National Walk Bike To School Page where you can map your own route and find other helpful tips.

AETV's Green Scene

To highlight sustainability efforts by our students and staff, Arlington Educational TV (AETV) has created a TV series called "The Green Scene". Please take a moment and visit this link to enjoy some of the videos.

SPRING FORWARD AND SAVE ENERGY

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Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the milder weather and check out our home before the hot, summer season arrives. There are wonderful ways for us to enjoy the cool breezes and save energy. Here are some helpful tips as we welcome spring.

Open up your windows now to let the cool breezes in and freshen your home. While enjoying Mother Nature's cooling have your air conditioner checked out to make sure you're equipment is in good condition to run efficiently and effectively in the hot, summer months.
On beautiful days hang your laundry outside on a line to dry.
Spring is a wonderful time to start up your grill and enjoy your meals outdoors. Turn off the hot oven or stove and head outside.
If your home has a ceiling fan switch it to turn counter clockwise to move the fresh air around your rooms.
Now that we have more daylight, enjoy the sun and use it as much as possible at home leaving the lights off as long as you can.
Set your hot water heater to 120 degrees and make sure to insulate it. Insulate the pipe that leads from the water heater at least 5 feet. You can save 7-11% of your water heating costs.
Continue to change your filters monthly. Dirty filters prevent proper air flow throughout your home and can also cause indoor air quality issues.
If you have many South or West facing windows, close your blinds or drapes during the hottest part of the day to keep the sun from heating these areas.
When purchasing new cooling equipment look for the Energy Star label.
Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.

You may find more energy saving tips at our site here or from the Federal Energy Management Program here for your home or office.

Last Modified on April 15, 2013