With winter wrapping up, it is time to start thinking about spring cleaning and we encourage you to consider the environment as you clean this year! Here are some ways to reduce clutter and clean your house while helping the environment.

Use reusable wipes and scrubbers
Instead of using paper towels, which create more waste for the environment, buy some reusable wipes and scrubbers. You can even create cloth rags to clean with or get some natural sponges. They also last longer and can help you save money. 

Use earth-friendly cleaning products
Regular cleaning products can leave toxic chemicals in rivers and streams. There are lots of non-toxic alternatives so try and use those instead. Don't know where to start? Buy some plant-based, biodegradable laundry soap. 

Use natural air freshener
The “clean” smell that we associate with normal air fresheners could be contaminating your house with chemicals. As an alternative, simply open your windows to freshen your house. You could also buy some plants to improve indoor air quality.

Hang clothes
A typical dryer uses 5 kilowatts of electricity for each hour it is left running. Try line-drying your clothes to save energy and money.     

Start recycling, especially electronics
Rather than just trashing all of your unwanted things, try to donate them, sell them in a yard sale, and recycle! Securis, CVWMA’s electronics recycling event vendor, now has a facility in Richmond located at 8419 Glazebrook Avenue (near Staples Mill and Hermitage Roads). They they will host events on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-2 pm to collect e-waste. Check out the next event on April 3!

Check out the following links for more tips and resources:

• Sierra Club - Green Spring Cleaning Tips
• HowStuffWorks - Green Spring Cleaning Tips
• Central Virginia Waste Management Authority - Richmond Recycling Information

The Science Museum of Virginia's new RVAir initiative is seeking volunteer citizen scientists to help study air quality in Richmond neighborhoods. From the RVAir website:

According to our project partners at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Richmond region experienced zero unhealthy ozone air quality days for the first time since monitoring began in the 1970s in 2019 (yay!). However, the National Asthma and Allergy Foundation consistently ranks Richmond as the second worst city in the U.S. Why might this be?

Unfortunately, air quality ratings for the entire Richmond area is based on data from only two locations! We know from studies in other cities that local changes in the environment such as wide streets, traffic volume, close proximity to interstates and the number of trees lining streets can significantly change the amount of pollution in the air we breathe.

By getting local experts (you!) to help us get locally-specific air quality data throughout Richmond, we can help create home-grown solutions to Richmond’s climate resiliency challenge.

Kendra Norrell, the City's Office of Sustainability Community Engagement Coordinator, recently participated in the initiative. Read more about her experience below.

On Monday, August 17, 2020, the Science Museum of Virginia (the Museum), through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, started the public engagement phase of their air quality testing project in Richmond. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone in the Richmond area that has ever wanted to participate in community science! The RVAir program (which you can read more about at smv.org/explore/rvair) is the Museum’s newest community science project. 

I went to the Museum to help collect “concentrations of airborne pollution known as particulate matter (PM)” between the Museum and the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design. When I arrived at the Museum (wearing my face mask) I was provided with all of the equipment needed to collect air samples (pictured). The activity was very simple. Community scientists wear the air sensor and walk from the Museum to the destination on the pre-printed map and back to the Museum. You can come with a walking partner, or be paired when you arrive, for accuracy and companionship. 

Devin Jefferson, the Community Science Catalyst for the Museum, wants this project to be an opportunity that focuses on community engagement and advocacy through a scientific lens, similar to the 2017 Urban Heat Island Assessment. If you are interested in becoming a citizen scientist with the Museum click here or visit smv.org/explore/rvair.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

Richmonders rally around public art, and some of the most inventive canvases of this past year were (drum roll) storm drain inlets! The Storm Drain Art Project recently garnered a National Environmental Achievement Award, for bringing public attention to ways we can keep our waterways pollution-free. Thanks to RVAH2O, an initiative of the City of Richmond's Department of Public Utilities, for offering this artistic public education plus engagement project.
 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016

Energy use intensity (EUI) is calculated by dividing a building’s site or source energy by its gross floor area. Calculating EUI allows for a comparison of the energy use between buildings based on size, type, or other characteristics.  Generally, a building with low EUI indicates efficient operation.  See this list of City of Richmond buildings over 5,000 sq. ft. and their EUI.
 

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016