Fairfax County's EnviroPod

Latest Episodes:

Episode 19 - Stream and Watershed Health with Shannon Curtis May 29, 2020

Show notes

Curtis also talks about the Bandalong trash trap that was recently installed in Little Hunting Creek that is successfully capturing floating trash. Litter is a problem for the critters who live in the streams in Fairfax County.

Episode 18 - Trash and Recycling Response to COVID-19 with John Kellas Apr 24, 2020

Show notes

The Purple Can Club (glass recycling) is suspended and the county asks residents to mulch or compost their yard waste – or don’t create yard waste. These changes are necessary to limit employees' exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Full service will be restored when this public health emergency is over. If you have an idea to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDmail@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5821, TTY 711.

Episode 17 - Prevent Sewer Backup with Stacey Smalls Apr 03, 2020

Show notes

So called “flushable” wipes are made of polyester and cause sewer backups into homes and streets and damage wastewater pipes and pumps. Disinfectant wipes of every type should be disposed of in the trash. Other things that should not be flushed down the toilet are: dental floss, paper towels, napkins, cotton swabs, plastic of any kind, food, hair, diapers and clothing of any kind, needles or sharps of any kind and never, never flush medicine down the toilet or down any household drain. Use care and prevent sewer backups into your home. If you have an idea to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDmail@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5821, TTY 711.

Episode 16 - Household Hazardous Waste with Daniel Brooks Mar 04, 2020

Show notes

Dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) like paint, chemicals, and batteries safely by bringing those items to the I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road or the I-95 Landfill in Lorton. If you don’t know what an item is, bring it to one of these locations and qualified employees will figure out how to dispose of it in environmentally friendly ways. It's easy and free for Fairfax County residents.

Episode 15 - Stream Restoration with Meghan Fellows Feb 19, 2020

Show notes

The restoration of the riparian corridor is the most common technique used in stream restorations. The loss of the vegetated riparian corridor of many streams, particularly those within urbanized watersheds, calls for riparian restoration, one of the least expensive of all stream restoration activities.

Episode 14 - Native Plants with Suzy Foster Feb 12, 2020

Show notes

Things have changed in landscaping for residential, commercial and municipal use. Thirty years ago, there was a very limited choice of plants available for all three uses. Now it’s known that native plants are equal in beauty to non-native plants and they are readily available in nearby nurseries. The natives are hardy and can support more wildlife – like butterflies and other pollinators – than non-natives. They are adapted to the local environment and. need less water. Listeners can learn to create ‘outdoor rooms’ by using native plants. More information is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/soil-water-conservation/nativeplants and from the National Audubon Society (www.Audubon.org) and from the Virginia Native Plant Society (https://vnps.org/).

Episode 13 - Glass Recycling/Purple Can Program with Eric Forbes Jan 29, 2020

Show notes

There are purple, glass only recycling containers in multiple locations throughout the county and nearby jurisdictions. This is a regional effort with partners that include City of Alexandria, Prince William County and Arlington County with more to come. Glass is infinitely recyclable and can be used in some construction projects. For more information visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/news/regional-approach-glass-recycling-leads-creation-purple-can-club or call 703-802-3322, TTY 711 or email Trashmail@FairfaxCounty.gov

Episode 12 - Disposing Medications with Melissa Atwood Dec 09, 2019

Show notes

We’ve been taught for generations to dispose of unwanted medication by flushing it down the toilet or sink. Things have changed. There are safe, easy and environmentally friendly ways to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Don’t allow drugs to fall into the wrong hands or contaminate water supplies. EnviroPod features subject matter experts from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services talking about important environmental topics focused on what residents can do and what the county is doing to fulfill its environmental vision. If you have an idea to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDmail@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 324-5821, TTY 711.

Episode 11 - MS4 Permit with Heather Ambrose Nov 12, 2019

Show notes

The MS4 is the stormwater drainage system. The MS4 Permit requires the county to prevent polluted stormwater runoff from reaching state waterways through the stormwater system, and to educate the public in ways they can help. Stormwater runoff contains lots of litter. The county recently started a litter cleanup program with homeless shelters whose residents are paid to clean up litter from streets and streams. Shelter residents gain skills and money and the county gains a cleaner environment.

Episode 10 - Tree Care with Urban Forester Hugh Whitehead Oct 22, 2019

Show notes

EnviroPod Episode 10 features Hugh Whitehead, urban forester III, Urban Forest Management Division, talking about tree care -- how to select the right tree for the right place; how to dig the hole (call 811 first), mulch and water; and after-planting care such as when and how to prune.

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