Make history bloom with us!

We’re thrilled to announce that support from the Environment Fund of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is allowing us to launch a new project: Making History Bloom. Building on our success at landfills, we’re now bringing native meadows to some of Virginia’s most beloved historic sites, starting with the popular W&OD Trail in Northern Virginia, which is managed by our partner, NOVA Parks.

We’ll remove invasive species and plant wildflower meadows along the trail, educating its millions of visitors on the benefits of native plants, the importance of wildlife corridors, and other environmental topics. We’ll also hold community outreach events and workshops to encourage more people to plant natives in their own yards.

We can’t wait to see you all on the trail!

Seeding Party!

On Sunday, April 14th, more than 80 people came out to help us and Winchester’s Department of Parks and Recreation seed the Sustainability Matters Native Meadow in Winchester’s Jim Barnett Park. A project two years in the making, the meadow will be a site of both education and recreation, offering opportunities for students to learn about our ecosystem and for community members to take painting and yoga classes.

Special thanks to Route 11 Potato Chips, Seven Bends Nursery, the Eugene B. Smith Gallery, Martin’s Bakery, and Play Favorites for their support of the event! And thanks to WMRA and The Winchester Star for their wonderful coverage of the joyful day.

Guardians of the Green is here!

After a successful first year partnering with Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services for our EcologiGALs program, we are thrilled to expand the program to serve both boys and girls this summer under the new name, “Guardians of the Green.” Our dedicated environmental educators will lead middle- and high- school students in a summer of environmental fun and learning, encouraging them to consider careers in environmental science. Participants will receive training in conservation ecology, the science of waste management, and much more, right in their own backyards at Fairfax community centers. If you know anyone who may be interested in the program, please reach out and let us know.

Call for Mentors!

If you are a woman leader working in an environmental science field, WE WANT YOU! To honor the original spirit of the EcologiGALs program—addressing the gender gap that exists in environmental science careers—we will continue to host separate “EcologiGALs” sessions for female participants, bringing in career women to speak about their own experiences in traditionally male dominated fields. If you’re interested in joining us as a mentor, please contact us at hello@sustainabilitymatters.earth. 

ICYMI Social

Repurposed Glass in Winchester Ever wonder what happens to your glass after you put it in the recycling bin?

The Hidden Truth of Donated Clothes While donating clothes is certainly preferable to throwing them out, it is NOT a solution to our textile waste problem.

Carrot Top Pesto Don’t let those carrot tops go to waste! Instead use some ingredients you already have around the house for a delicious pesto. 

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