The City of Richmond Office of Sustainability is urging all local food vendors to prepare for Phase 2 of Virginia’s expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam™) ban, which officially takes effect on July 1, 2026. Following the initial 2025 phase targeting large chains, this final phase expands the mandate to all remaining food establishments providing prepared food for public consumption. This includes independent restaurants, delis, cafeterias, food trucks, hot/salad bars, caterers, and any takeaway operations. 

Originally passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2021, the law phases out single-use foam containers due to their documented harms to public health, the natural environment, and community cleanliness. Because lightweight foam easily fragments into microplastics, the ban is a vital step toward protecting the health of residents and keeping Richmond's local ecosystem, especially the James River, clean. 

To help local businesses make a smooth transition before the July 1st deadline, the Office of Sustainability recommends a simple, three-step action plan: 

1. Clear Your Stock: Use up, return, or dispose of remaining Styrofoam containers immediately. 

2. Choose Sustainable Packaging Alternatives: Transition to readily available, eco-friendly food service ware. 

3. Promote Your Commitment: Proudly display a "Foam-Free Business" flyer or window sticker to show patrons your commitment to community health and the planet. 

A wide variety of river-friendly, high-performance alternative materials are commercially available to suit any menu: 

• Aluminum Foil with Paper Lids: Provides excellent heat retention and grease resistance; ideal for barbecue, loaded fries, and hot catering. 

• Plant-Based Containers (Sugarcane/Bagasse, Wheat Straw, Cornstarch): Safely holds hot, saucy dishes without leaching toxins; perfect for wings, sandwiches, and grain bowls. 

• Paper and Cardboard: Lightweight, sturdy, and available in compostable or recyclable formats for burgers, beverages, and sides. 

• Reusable Containers / BYOB: Highly durable options that lower long-term business costs and incentivize repeat customers. 

Exemptions and Compliance:

Eligible food vendors facing "significant economic hardship" and a lack of "reasonable alternatives" may apply for a temporary 1-year exemption by submitting a request. Following the July 1st deadline, community members may report non-compliant businesses via an anonymous online violation form. 

Richmond businesses are encouraged to access the city's alternative packaging vendor guides, exemption applications, and promotional materials by visiting the official campaign hub at rvagreen2050.com/foam-free-richmond. 

The City of Richmond Office of Sustainability (OOS) is proud to announce the launch of Switch Together, a group solar buying program developed in partnership with the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. The program gives Richmond residents a streamlined, cost-effective path to installing rooftop solar and battery storage at their homes.

Switch Together is free to join and carries no obligation. Through a competitive auction process, vetted solar installers bid for the opportunity to serve program participants, resulting in set group pricing that yields significant savings. On average, participants save $6,300 on a typical solar installation. The program has already helped over 3,800 Virginia households take control of their energy future.

“Solar energy is one of the most direct ways Richmond residents can reduce their energy costs and contribute to our community’s climate goals,” said Laura Thomas, Director of the Office of Sustainability. “Switch Together makes that opportunity accessible, transparent, and hassle-free.

Residents can register for free at https://switchtogether.com/en/solar/Richmond/home.  Upon registering, participants receive a personalized offer detailing estimated costs, projected savings, and information about the vetted installer selected for their neighborhood. Registrants will not receive sales calls and their information will not be shared with third parties.

Residents interested in learning more before making a decision can attend free webinars and in-person information sessions offered through the program. Details are available at the program website.

The deadline to accept an offer is July 15, 2026. For questions or concerns you can reach out to VATeam@solarunitedneighbors.org.

Community Partners Receive Funds  

The Office of Sustainability launched the Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant Program which is made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act. Richmond Based nonprofits shared plans to boost equity and sustainability in communities across the city and the City provided over $850,000. Our office received over 18 applications for this round, totaling over $1.3 million dollars in proposed projects. After a rigorous review, the first round of awardees include a range of exciting proposals. For example, Bridging the Gap will receive over $77,000 will help install rainwater collection systems and electric water pumps, all powered by solar panels, to improve irrigation in local community gardens. This will lead to more effective food systems, and produce more food in their respective communities, all while empowering and growing our local green workforce! Another awardee, the Community Climate Collaborative will be receiving $20,000 to study energy disparities in neighborhoods across our city. They will create a map of energy burdens and help us understand which families in our community. Initial awardees include:  

Bridging the Gap  

James River Association  

Church Hill Trees   

Richmond Tree Stewards  

Southside Releaf  

Chimborazo Native Food Project   

The Community Climate Collaborative   

Seva Truck RVA   

Happily, Natural Day  

Tech for troops   

Meet RVAgreener Jovonni! She is an active community advocate for equity and the environment. In her free time, she likes to exercise by taking long walks, but recently she has noticed how there are no parks near her neighborhood. She realized that there was a lack of shade in certain areas with more minorities. This is why Jovonni is passionate about empowering underrepresented communities.

Jovonni wants to see more action on equity and environmental issues. She is hopeful about the RVAgreen 2050 plan - she understands that solving theses issues take a process and is glad to see the city addressing them. 

Jovonni’s second passion is gardening! Jovonni is the Builder and Garden Steward of Carmel Empowerment Community Garden in Historic Jackson Ward in downtown Richmond. Her passion comes from her father, who was a sharecropper. 

Jovonni is a member of the RVAgreen 2050 Racial Equity & Environmental Justice Roundtable and the Buildings & Energy Working Group.

Author: Brian Park, University of Richmond Bonner Scholar