It’s a rare and magical thing to find a spot where creativity, sustainability, and community all collide. Yet that is exactly how we would describe Dabble Creative Reuse Center in Historic Downtown Manassas. The center is more than an arts-and-crafts thrift store. It is a vibrant community hub where donated materials get a second life, artists and makers connect, and people rediscover the joy of creating without the environmental cost of constantly buying new STUFF.

Founded by artist and owner Kelly Auldridge, Dabble has been serving the community for about two and a half years, helping divert usable materials from the waste stream while making crafting more affordable and accessible.

A Creative Reuse Mission

Creative reuse centers operate on a simple, powerful concept where people donate gently used or leftover art and craft supplies, and those materials are then sold at affordable prices for others to use.

At Dabble, shelves are filled with everything from fabric and yarn to buttons, paper scraps, beads, sewing supplies, paint, and unexpected treasures waiting to inspire someone’s next project. Instead of ending up in the trash, these materials become part of a circular system that supports both creativity and waste reduction.

That exchange creates not only affordable crafting opportunities, but also community connection. When we asked Kelly what had surprised her most since opening the center, her answer was “the joy and the gratitude that we receive from people donating. There is so much love when people bring their things here.”

It struck her how much people enjoyed knowing that their unneeded yet treasured supplies would help others in an ongoing arts and crafts journey.

Building a Reuse Community

Kelly was inspired to open Dabble after attending a sustainable art event hosted by Fillagreen and learning about Upcycle Creative Reuse Center in Alexandria. The idea immediately resonated with her.

Now, Dabble is part of a growing network of creative reuse organizations working together to promote sustainability through art and crafting. Kelly participates in a Virginia creative reuse directors group, a Southeast Creative Reuse Collective, and nationwide creative reuse meetups and online communities where organizers collaborate, share ideas, and support one another.

That collaboration reflects a larger movement centered around reducing waste, increasing accessibility, and strengthening communities through reuse.

More Than a Store

While shopping at Dabble happens in person, the center’s impact extends beyond its retail operation. The shop regularly hosts classes, workshops, and community events designed to bring people together and encourage creative exploration.

Upcoming activities include a monthly junk journaling club where participants receive a curated bag of craft materials along with a small local snack. Dabble also hosts a Queer Craft Night on the last Tuesday of every month, creating welcoming opportunities for community members to gather and create.

Dabble also partners with other local artisans and businesses for workshops. Stephanie from “Thanks, I Made It” and Janine from the Sewing Lab recently visited as part of the Sewing Lab’s Pop-up Repair Tour to offer on-the-spot clothing repairs while promoting sustainable fashion, and collaborations with sewing groups and local libraries continue to expand the center’s community network.

For example, Dabble works with the Manassas Central Library for craft swaps and hosts a yearly event where teachers can fill one bag with free supplies from the “teachers table,” helping educators access creative materials at a low cost.

Sustainability Through Creativity

Creative reuse is an often-overlooked part of sustainability. When we think about reducing waste, we may picture recycling bins or compost piles. But craft supplies, fabric scraps, unfinished projects, and other odds and ends often fall through the cracks. Many of these items are still perfectly usable but are difficult to recycle through traditional systems.

That is where places like Dabble make a huge difference. By keeping materials in use longer, creative reuse centers help conserve resources, reduce landfill waste, and encourage people to rethink what is considered “trash.” And by reselling them to shoppers, Dabble is also reducing the amount of “new stuff” being purchased in the first place, thus avoiding future waste before it even happens.

They also make creativity more accessible. Buying new art and crafting supplies can be expensive, especially for teachers, families, students, and beginners exploring a new hobby. Dabble lowers that barrier while fostering a culture of reuse and experimentation.

Walking through the shop, you can’t help but feel inspired by the colorful displays, bins of eclectic materials, and examples of upcycled artwork throughout the space. It feels like a pure discovery center, full of endless possibilities.

Visit Dabble Creative Reuse Center and Join the Fun

Dabble Creative Reuse Center is located at 9100 Church Street, Suite 101, in Downtown Manassas and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Small donations can be dropped off during regular business hours, while larger donations can be scheduled in advance. 

To learn more about upcoming workshops, donation guidelines, and events, visit Dabble Creative Reuse Center’s website at https://www.dabblecrc.com or follow them on social media: IG: @dabble_crc; FB: Dabble_CRC.

Happy Holidays from Clean Fairfax!!

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and gift-giving. But amidst the festivities, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of our choices–from the items themselves, to their packaging, transport, and eventual disposal. Sustainable gift giving is not only a responsible way to celebrate the holidays, but also a meaningful way to express your love and thoughtfulness for the people in your life and the planet we all call home! In this guide, we’ll explore some ideas for sustainable holiday gift giving that align with eco-friendly values.

1. Experiences Over Things:

Consider giving the gift of experiences instead of material possessions. Tickets to a concert, an art or cooking class, or a weekend getaway not only create lasting memories but also minimize the carbon footprint associated with the production and disposal of physical items. In Fairfax County, we are fortunate to be situated close to city attractions, charming historic towns, the outdoors and adventure escapes, and a breadth of cultural and culinary experiences–we encourage you to look locally at all that our great region has to offer!

2. DIY and Upcycled Gifts:

Tap into your creative side by making DIY gifts or repurposing items you already have this season! Handmade candles, personalized recipe books, thrifted or upcycled clothing can all be thoughtful and unique presents that demonstrate your dedication to sustainability. It’s a win-win!

3. Give the Gift of Time:
Offering your time can be one of the most meaningful gifts. Volunteering for causes that improve your community is truly a gift that keeps giving! Alternatively, creating personalized “coupon” books with offers for things like a home-cooked meal, a day of babysitting, or a garden makeover not only reduces consumption, but strengthens relationships.

4. Support Local Artisans:

Whether it be at the farmers market, craft & artisan fairs, brick & mortar shops, or online, we are big fans of supporting local makers and small businesses. Handcrafted items often have a smaller environmental impact compared to mass-produced goods, plus a lower transportation cost to get to you. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, pottery, artwork, or baked goods and craft beverages, you’re not only giving a unique gift but also supporting the local economy.

5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Products:

When shopping for items to give, opt for gifts that prioritize sustainability. Look for items made from recycled or organic materials, such as bamboo utensils, reusable straws, bags, and containers or eco-friendly clothing. Use your power as a consumer to support brands and products from companies that are committed to ethical and environmentally friendly practices. Moreover, be conscious of product packaging and when you can, skip the bag!

To help get the sustainable gifting going, we’ve put together a handy gift guide featuring some of our favorite gift ideas from environmentally-friendly cleaning products, to reusables, at-home composting, produce gifts and more!

• Reusable produce bags: perfect for the farmers market and the produce section at the grocery store!
• Reusable sandwich and snack bags: such as these from Stasher.
• Countertop compost bin & compostable bag can liners: The EPA estimates that food constitutes as much as 24% of our municipal solid waste, composting can help divert and reduce some of that waste as well as return valuable nutrients to the soil! Many brands offer countertop bins, such as this one from Utopia Kitchen, which is a convenient and simple way to get started. If you have a curbside collection service or local dropoff option, be sure to grab some compostable can liners too (TIP: look for certification seals on bags such as the BPI certification. Certifications ensure that products are actually compostable at commercial composting facilities, but they do not necessarily mean bags will break down in backyard compost piles).
• Swedish dishcloths: replace paper towels with this washable, absorbent cloth!
• Check out the Clean Fairfax storefront for more sustainable product ideas!
• Eco-friendly cleaning products, concentrates and refillables: companies like Blueland, Grove, and the Zero Waste Store offer a variety of home cleaning products, oftentimes with minimal packaging and easy concentrates to refill your bottles at home. 
• Reusable containers and bento boxes: perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, leftovers, and even carryout from your favorite restaurant! There are many plastic options on the market, though we love lightweight metal ones for their durability and ease of travel. Glass containers are also great options for at-home. Check out these options from ECOlunchbox and black + blum!
• Reusable straws and utensils: glass, metal, and bamboo all make durable alternatives for these common single-use plastic items.
• Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) memberships: support local farmers by gifting or subscribing to a CSA program! In exchange for your membership “share” you receive a box of seasonal produce or other farm goods throughout the farming season–perfect for the home chefs and foodies in your life! Explore CSA programs near Fairfax County here. 
• Refillable and low-waste stores. We are lucky to have two low-waste stores offering sustainable items, bulk goods, and refills on products like soap, shampoo, cleaning products, etc. in Fairfax County: Trace – Zero Waste and Virginia Mercantile. Some organic grocery stores (e.g., Whole Foods, MOM’s, Fresh Market) also have bulk food sections and carry refillable products, so be sure to check out the locations near you–and bring a container!

6. Charitable Donations:

In lieu of traditional gifts, make a donation to a charitable cause in the recipient’s name. Choose organizations that align with their values, whether it’s environmental conservation, education, or healthcare. This thoughtful gesture contributes to positive change in the world.

7. Reusable Wrapping and Packaging:
Extend your commitment to sustainability by using reusable gift wrap or fabric gift bags. Traditional wrapping paper is often not recyclable, contributing to unnecessary waste. Be creative with your packaging, using newspapers, fabric, or existing containers to add a personal touch.

This holiday season, let’s embrace the spirit of giving in a way that respects our planet. Sustainable gift giving is not only environmentally responsible but also is an opportunity to inspire others to make conscious choices. By prioritizing experiences, supporting local businesses, and choosing eco-friendly products, we can create a holiday season that reflects our commitment to a more mindful & sustainable way of living. Let’s celebrate the joy of giving while leaving a positive impact on the Earth for future generations!

As the weather begins to cool and you’re looking for some late season paddling, camping, or hiking to see the leaves changing colors, a little upfront planning can make your trip both zero waste and lots of fun. I spend a lot of time looking for adventure while paddling on the Potomac or walking Shenandoah with my dog and know how quickly a day can be ruined by coming across a stash of plastic bags or food wrappers. Natural spaces are a shared resource and we should all look to protect them, utilizing Leave no Trace principles. In that spirit, I’m going to share a few tips, tricks, and products I’ve used over the years to minimize my impact when I venture into the outdoors.

Planning Ahead
Planning ahead is critical to a zero waste adventure. When I’m getting ready for a day outside, my planning doesn’t just include figuring out where I’m going and getting my gear ready. The process includes being methodical about how I’m going to pack my food and water for the day. My goal when I leave my apartment is to not stop until I reach my destination so that means no stops for snacks or coffee at a gas station or roadside market that often rely on non-compostable material. Preparing all of my food the night before leaves more time for fun on the day of, and it also enables me to not bring any single use items out into the woods.

Food Storage
I start the day by making my coffee and putting it in my reusable mug which keeps the coffee hot longer and helps avoid a mid-drive pit stop. After the coffee is ready, I pull all of the food I prepared the night before out of the fridge and put it in my pack. My adventure lunch always contains at least one peanut butter and jelly sandwich, trail mix, and some fruit. To avoid single use plastic, I use a silicone option instead. There are a lot of brands out there and I use Stasher Bags to carry everything! Stasher bags are great for every day use – not just for weekend warriors! One Silicone Stasher Bag can eliminate hundreds of Ziploc bags from a waste stream.

Water
Anytime I go into the woods I have to bring enough water for myself and my dog, and we both have way more fun when we’re hydrated. My adventure days, just like my work days, start by filling up my 64 ounce Hydroflask water bottle. When we’re out on a hike, the big bottle stays in the car and then we have nice cold water for our trip home. I carry two 32 ounce Hydroflasks in my day pack so Buddy and I are always well hydrated. If I’m in my kayak, the 64 ounce bottle comes along for the ride and stays cold even in the sun.

We may leave many of the conveniences of home behind when we head out looking for adventure, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be conscious of the impact single use plastic can have on the outdoors. A little bit of planning can keep you and your four legged companions well fed and hydrated without leaving behind litter for other outdoor enthusiasts to find.

We recently met the outreach coordinator of a local foodbank and she wanted to know how she could help her foodbank lower their environmental footprint. She invited us out to see the foodbank and the first thing we noticed was the incredible work they are doing for their community. They provide food and household products which can’t be purchased with food stamps to food insecure families every month. Their foodbank is set up like a grocery store allowing customers to shop as they would in a grocery store. During the previous month alone, the foodbank distributed 3,047 plastic bags to hold the products they make available to community members. We immediately realized the significant opportunity this provided us to make a lasting difference in the community and set out to find an alternative.

To provide families with a strong, viable alternative that allowed them to participate in the broader waste reduction movement, we bought the foodbank 3,000 reusable shopping bags, with a simple message on the bags, “Fill Me Up, Bring Me Back, I’m Reusable!”. The foodbank is going to keep track of how many bags are brought back every month, and our hope is to see at least half of the bags make repeat appearances at the facility. If 1,500 of these bags come back every month, that would equate to a total of 18,000 single use plastic bags that do not go into circulation over the course of a twelve-month period. Our goal is to minimize single use plastic and we are excited to have enthusiastic partners embark with us on this pilot program.

You’ll see plenty of buying guides in the next month. We encourage you to shop thoughtfully, considering where things come from and how they get to you. We do not get any benefit from you shopping from this list. These are simply ideas we have and products we use and like. If you’re a local business with sustainable gifts, email us and we might add you to this list!

Above all, we hope your holidays (however you define them) are full of all the things you value—friends, family, food, and fun.

The Gift of Time
One of the best gifts you can give—yourself. If you have an elderly parent, relative, neighbor or friend, they don’t want more STUFF. They would love it if you came over more often to play a board game or to chat over tea. Or perhaps to help clean out their garage, to rake and compost their leaves, or to plant their garden for them in the springtime. Or maybe there’s a young family on the block with kids who would love to learn to bake, or make a bird house or grow tomatoes. When you give the gift of yourself, it is two gifts—one for them, and one for you!

Secondhand Books
Used books have a kind of mystique to them that people love! If it’s secondhand, it’s intriguing to wonder where the book has traveled, who originally bought it and with what purpose. If it’s from your own collection, add a note about what it means to you. We especially encourage circular economies like this — buy from a local used bookstore, or if this isn’t possible, Amazon sells used versions of all books. We should also note that most used bookstores have gift cards as well!

Soap Nuts & Dryer Balls
Interesting names…. great products! Soap nuts are natural and reusable laundry soap. They really do work. Dryer balls, made from 100% wool, replace dryer sheets (which are coated with chemicals and are typically made from plastic microfibers.) A few drops of essential oil (all-natural, high quality) will allow the dryer balls to act as a fabric refresher too, if that’s important to you!

Support Local Farms
Want to support local food production? Whitehall Farms, in Clifton, sells CSA shares and local products at its on-site market. We also highly suggest you visit!

Reusable Produce Bags
Reusable produce bags are a good way to decrease plastic bag usage from your weekly shopping trips. As you well know, we aren’t big fans of plastic.

The Gift of Good Health
Fairfax County Rec Centers have many locations near you and they would love for you to give a gift certificate for a membership or classes.

Meal Subscriptions
Although we’re highly skeptical of meal subscriptions, Sunbasket rises above the rest. Sunbasket has many food options, their meals are certified organic and they pack all items in 100% sustainable packaging that is recyclable and/or compostable. If you have a friend or a sibling who just works/commutes TOO MUCH and you worry that they aren’t eating well, consider a Sunbasket membership.

Mighty Nest
For $12 a month, you can get a new sustainable, environmentally conscientious product to try. Items in the past have included beeswax wrap to replace plastic wrap, silicone toppers (again to replace plastic wrap), reusable sandwich bags, all-natural laundry soap, stainless steel bento boxes, refillable dental floss in a glass tube and more. All items come with minimal paper packaging and no plastic. They also have a good selection of healthy home products to help get you to zero waste.

Seabags
Seabags is a company out of Maine that makes bags and totes that are made from old sailboat sails. They have a shop in Annapolis if you want to go see them in person. The bucket bags are a favorite and are perfect project bags for knitting, or lunch, or shower caddy!

Clean Fairfax is proud to introduce Litter Free Virginia, an initiative to fight for litter prevention legislation across the state of Virginia! At its core, Litter Free Virginia is a coalition of people and organizations (non-profits, businesses and more) that are frustrated with litter and waste management issues, and want to develop and support policies that help solve these problems. Clean Fairfax has long dreamed of coordinating a coalition that attacks litter at its source, and that day has finally come!

In its inaugural year, #LitterFreeVA will focus on legislation that decreases the use of single-use bags, especially plastic bags. This will likely take the form of a local-option bag fee of $0.05. In future years, this initiative will focus on other aspects of the litter issue. Don’t worry — we haven’t forgotten about bottles, cigarette butts, fast food containers, etc. But for 2019, it’s single-use bags.

While we’re hard at work developing good policy, you have a BIG part to play in #LitterFreeVA. Here are ways that you can contribute (full details found here):

• Document litter in your community – Do you regularly snag selfies? Do you take your avocado toast on a photoshoot before you dig in? If so, this may be the perfect task for you. We’ve spoken to legislators, and they need photographic proof of the litter issues we’re having. Consequently, a main focus this year is to document Virginia’s litter problems using the hashtag #LitterFreeVA. This is super easy. If you walk upon a littered area, take a photo, upload it to Twitter or Instagram, and tag us using #LitterFreeVA. We then collect these photos using a hashtag aggregator! Bonus points if you add location (including zip code if possible) as well as a bit of colorful (but positive) commentary. Want to see the photos we’ve collected thus far? Go to our front page and scroll down!
• Contact your representatives – Your local state senators and representatives have a lot to do. They can’t keep track of every issue, so it’s on you to let them know that this is an issue you care about! Click here to find your local rep’s contact information. Please note that representatives will only listen to their own constituents. Do not waste time contacting a rep that’s not your own. If you really want to put pressure on a representative outside your locality, convince citizens within that locality to contact their rep! For talking points and sample emails, please click here.

The website should help guide you every step of the way, but please contact us if you have any questions or if you are looking to become more involved in this initiative! A really easy way to keep up with what we’re doing is to sign up for email alerts. We promise never to spam you.

In 2018, people understand the need to recycle. We understand that sustainability is important and that rapid change is needed, but little headway has been made. Why is change so difficult? Why do we still litter and refuse to recycle?

The HuffPost explores this phenomenon in the article “The Psychology Behind Why People Don’t Recycle”. In this article, Brian Iacoviello, an assistant psychiatry professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City states, “Recycling is a behavior, much like exercising or eating healthily, people often engage in this behavior less than they should”.

According to a 2011 Ipsos Public Affairs survey, “only half of adults recycle every day, a third tend to recycle less frequently, while 13% admit that they never recycle”. Although there are barriers to recycling in various communities and among different demographics, it doesn’t explain why people don’t make a stronger effort to recycle. Let’s explore a few common reasons for not recycling, and discuss remedies for said attitudes:

“It’s not accessible or it’s inconvenient”

Recycling doesn’t require too much time. We all live busy lives but taking the time to recycle can help make a change. Fairfax County provides a straightforward system for recycling pick up.

Some local governments don’t have a pick up for recycling. We encourage you to talk with your local government to see if a recycling program can be started. You can also research outside programs to see if there is a recycling program in your area.

“I’m not sure what to recycle”

This can be tricky for certain products that don’t fit into a certain category. Fairfax County provides a fantastic guide to figure out what should be recycled and what should be put into the trash. (http://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/public-works/operations-division/refuse-recycling/recycling-guide)

As you recycle, make sure that the products you are recycling are clean and without food residue. Products that aren’t sufficiently clean take more energy to recycle. 

“It won’t make a difference”

Recycling has been proven to save energy, reduce landfills, preserve resources, protect wildlife and help with climate change issues. By taking a brief moment out of your day to recycle, you are making a difference in the world.

You don’t have to make a drastic change in your life to help our planet. Being a little more environmentally cautious can make a drastic change in our environment and our everyday life.

While much of our attention has been on the environmental toll of single-use plastics, glass recycling is also an important part of the solid waste management picture. As the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services points out, glass is produced by sand, the most consumed natural resource after air and water.

Recycling glass reduces the need to buy or mine more gravel and sand.

Recycling glass in Fairfax County where we have single-stream recycling, meaning that all recyclables can go into one bin, should be a “no brainer.” There is, however, more to glass recycling than meets the eye.  There are two options for what to do with glass that both residential and commercial establishments can consider.

The first option is to recycle the glass into the curbside recycle bin. A few words of caution here: While all colors of bottles and jars are accepted, and metal lids and paper labels can be left on, windows, mirrors, and glass and pottery dishes cannot be put in the regular recycle bin. Windows and mirrors should be taken to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex for disposal.  Contrary to popular belief, broken glass can be put into the recycling bin.

There is a second option for recycling glass that keeps this resource local: Fairfax County is hoping to encourage glass recycling with a new pilot program designed to turn glass into gravel and sand that can be used locally. Source- or color-separated glass can be brought to the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex where special machinery has been installed. The end products can be used in landscaping, construction projects, and even remanufactured into new glass.

Commercial establishments currently are required only to recycle their cardboard. Consider the number of bottles thrown away by a typical restaurant that serves alcohol— think beer, wine, and liquor bottles. By partnering with the County, glass becomes a valuable local resource.

America Recycles Day is November 15. Do the right thing: recycle your glass and encourage your local restaurants to do the same!

We’ve all been there: We get home from work and see cardboard boxes amassed in front of our door, often with the familiar “smiling” arrow pointing from the A to the Z in “Amazon.” Some are enormous and others more brick-sized. We vaguely recall the late night shopping binge a few days back.

Or we are cleaning up that pile of empty pizza boxes left from last night’s party. Or that cereal box left with three remaining flakes on the breakfast table. Or pondering the giant box left over from the new appliance delivery. And, of course, if you have moved recently, a herd of empty boxes awaits you.

So what can you do with all that cardboard?

The first stop is to see if you can reuse the cardboard for shipping or storage, to line garden beds and prevent weeds, or even to create a fun playhouse for your child or pet. Or, this time of year, cardboard boxes make great costumes that can often be recycled afterwards.

If it can’t be reused, you can do your part to support environmental sustainability and put it in the recycling bin. According to Earth911, recycling cardboard uses only 75% of the energy used to make new cardboard. It also lessens the emission of sulfur dioxide produced when making pulp from trees. Finally, it saves trees—about 17 trees for every ton. (EPA)

Proper Cardboard Recycling:

Any type of cardboard can be recycled: cereal boxes, packaging boxes, frozen food boxes, egg cartons, shoe boxes, pizza boxes that are fairly clean (see below), milk cartons (rinsed out), and even the cardboard backing on plastic “blister” packs

Collapse the box:  Boxes that aren’t fully flattened are much more difficult to transport and present problems for mechanisms in the cardboard recycling process.

Don’t worry about the tape: It is helpful if you can remove the tape, but according to Recycle Works, the recycling process of corrugated boxes involves churning it up with water to make a slurry. In this process, tape and paper labels will rise to the top and be skimmed off before the final product is sent to final buyers.

Only recycle cardboard that is clean: A small amount of food residue is acceptable, but large amounts of grease or cheese left in a pizza box, for example, can cause problems at the processing center.

Another option is to avoid cardboard in the first place and use a reusable. For example, the average move uses about 60 cardboard boxes. Companies that provide reusable moving boxes in this area include Bungobox and Lend a Box.  For an interesting take on the value of reusable moving boxes, check out http://coastalvanlines.com/reusable-moving-boxes-alternative-cardboard-moving-boxes/

Recycling cardboard is a great way to go green without much effort!

America Recycles Day is November 15 this year. Do your part!