Residents Unite to Protect Natural Resources for Future Generations

At Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., residents demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through innovative programs and initiatives. At the forefront of these efforts is resident Jean Wright, cofounder of the Friends Acting for Climate Today group (FACT).

By partnering with several other community clubs and committees, Jean and her fellow group members are creating meaningful opportunities to care for the planet, transforming awareness into action.

"Many of us are deeply concerned about the future our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will inherit," says Jean. "By working together, we can make a difference--not just for ourselves, but for generations to come."

Getting started

Jean's commitment to the environment started long before her move to Ashby Ponds.

"I've been very active in climate concerns for a long time," she says. "I cofounded the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions in Fairfax County in 2014. When I moved to Ashby Ponds in May 2022, I knew I wanted to continue that work."

Just a few months after her move, Jean and her neighbors, Murray and Page Bradley, launched FACT. The group's mission is ambitious--to help Ashby Ponds achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line with Loudoun County's and Virginia's goals.

"Some people might call it audacious," Jean says, "but it's what motivates us. We want our legacy to be the gift of leaving a beautiful Earth for future generations."

Powerful partnership

Under Jean's leadership, FACT has been recognized for its engaging and creative programs. For Earth Day last year, the group partnered with Ashby Ponds' drama club to stage The Animals' Lawsuit Against Humanity, a 1,000-year-old fable in which animals take humankind to court.

"The drama club was wonderful to work with. They were so enthusiastic, putting on two performances with two different casts," says Jean. "We asked attendees to bring a stuffed animal for donation, and we collected about 150 toys. These were delivered to children at a women's shelter and an organization that supports children and adults with disabilities through the local police department."

She adds, "It was joyful and meaningful at the same time."

Ashby Ponds' Dining Services team joined the Earth Day celebration by serving new plant-based menu items while residents watched a screening of The Game Changers, a documentary about athletes who thrive on plant-based diets.

"Even one meat-free day a week can help reduce greenhouse gases," Jean explains.

Everyday impact

While Earth Day highlights sustainability, Jean is quick to point out that FACT's work continues year-round. FACT and the Resident Advisory Council's subcommittee on sustainability, chaired by resident Terri Collins, have partnered on numerous initiatives that touch nearly every aspect of community life.

When Loudoun County Waste Management discontinued glass recycling services, residents responded with determination. A dedicated group of volunteers, fondly referred to as the "Glass Angels," organized a grassroots effort to transport bottles and jars to the county's Purple Bin program. To date, their efforts have diverted more than 25,000 glass containers from landfills.

Residents have also adopted additional recycling initiatives. Plastic bags and film are now gathered and delivered to Trex, where they are transformed into composite lumber. In recognition of these contributions, Ashby Ponds has received benches made of composite lumber, which have been placed throughout campus.

In partnership with local Boy Scouts, residents placed storm drain awareness medallions across the community, reminding everyone to protect the waterways that ultimately flow into the Chesapeake Bay.

FACT and the subcommittee on sustainability have also encouraged the use of electric-powered landscaping equipment on campus, supported changes in dining practices such as replacing plastic straws with paper straws, and promoted the use of reusable mugs, bags, and containers.

Together, the two groups ensure that sustainability is a daily practice at Ashby Ponds.

Reaching out

FACT's reach extends beyond Ashby Ponds. The group also successfully petitioned Loudoun County to place a Purple Bin recycling site near the community, making it easier for both residents and their local neighbors to recycle glass.

"We gathered more than 400 signatures," Jean recalls. "It was a great example of how our advocacy benefits the entire community."

For Jean, the driving force behind all these efforts is the care that residents have for one another and for the world.

"It's empowering to know that what we do here adds up," she says. "And it's even more rewarding that we're doing it together."

To learn more about independent senior living at Ashby Ponds, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Kelly Shue