Last month, the AIA Northern Virginia Committee on the Environment (COTE) and the Community Service Committee came together to celebrate Earth Day by participating in a clean-up event hosted by the Potomac River Keeper Network.  Inspired by the same desire to care for, protect, and give back to our environment and our community, the group seized this opportunity to collaborate and raise awareness about this important initiative.

The Earth Day event took place on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Oxon Cove in Oxon, Maryland.  Volunteers from across the AIA Northern Virginia community came together to remove single-use plastic waste along a 1/4-mile stretch of the Potomac River shoreline.  Equipped with gloves, grabber tools, and trash bags provided on site, participants worked diligently to collect an estimated 500 to 600 pounds of plastic debris. The range of items recovered was striking—from large objects such as discarded chairs and a couch cushion to the smallest and most challenging pieces, including microplastics embedded in the landscape.

The day was not without its memorable moments!  While cleaning up the wooded shoreline, volunteers noticed an unusual odor lingering in the area.  Speculation of the smell brought a mix of humor and storytelling to the day’s activity.  Later, after an unfortunate run-in with the source, the mystery stench was revealed to be a giant, two-foot long decaying catfish.  Much like the plastic waste, the fish had washed ashore and was hidden in nearby brush. This unexpected (and unforgettable) discovery added a comedic spirit to the day’s efforts and strengthened the camaraderie among participants.

Beyond the immediate environmental impact of removing plastic debris from the riverbank, the experience prompted important reflections on the intersection of sustainability and design. Confronted with the sheer volume of plastic waste collected, volunteers were reminded of the architectural profession’s capacity to rethink material lifecycles. The cleanup served as inspiration to explore innovative approaches such as upcycling plastic waste into new applications—ranging from 3D-printed furniture to its potential use as core material in exterior cladding systems—reinforcing the role designers can play in reducing waste and advancing circular design strategies.

In addition to celebrating AIA Northern Virginia’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, this Earth Day event highlighted the powerful role the built environment plays in impacting the health of our natural ecosystems.

AIA Northern Virginia extends its sincere appreciation to the Potomac River Keeper Network and all of the volunteers who contributed their time and energy to the success of this event. Stay tuned for future events co-hosted by the COTE and Community Service Committee!

Bronwyn Redd, Assoc. AIA | Community Service Committee Chair