The diamondback terrapin was once so closely associated with Maryland that the state's leading university adopted the terp as its mascot, and it holds the title of the official state reptile.

However, this species has encountered significant challenges, initially from overharvesting for food and more recently due to drowning in crab traps. The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) has joined forces with 20 other organizations to advocate for Endangered Species Protection for the diamondback.

This coalition, which includes regional organizations like Assateague Coastal Trust and Wild Virginia along with national nonprofits, submitted a petition to NOAA Fisheries last month, seeking protection for the diamondback across its coastal marsh habitat from Massachusetts to Texas.

According to CBD, the Chesapeake Bay is “likely the most crucial location for diamondback terrapins across its entire 16-state range along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.”

This Refill Store is Cheaper than Instacart! (and More Sustainable, too)

Fillagreen is an eco-friendly store located in Manassas, Virginia. It specializes in providing sustainable and environmentally conscious products to the community. The store offers a variety of items, including reusable household goods, zero-waste personal care products, and natural cleaning supplies.

Fillagreen aims to reduce the environmental footprint by encouraging customers to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. The store often promotes the use of products that can be refilled, reused, or recycled, and it may also host workshops or events to educate the public about sustainable living practices.

If you're looking to make more eco-friendly choices in your daily life, Fillagreen could be a great local resource to explore.

TIPS TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE WHEN YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR HOME PRODUCTS

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Materials

• Look for natural materials: Opt for products made from renewable resources like bamboo, cork, or sustainably harvested wood.
• Avoid plastics: Whenever possible, choose items made from metal, glass, or recycled materials to reduce plastic waste.

2. Prioritize Energy Efficiency

• Energy Star-rated appliances: These products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and can significantly reduce your home's energy consumption.
• LED lighting: Use LED bulbs which last longer and consume less electricity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

3. Support Sustainable Brands

• Research brands: Choose companies that prioritize sustainability, fair labor practices, and ethical sourcing.
• Certifications: Look for certifications like Fair Trade, B Corp, or Cradle to Cradle, which indicate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

4. Buy Second-Hand or Upcycled Items

• Thrift stores and online marketplaces: These can be treasure troves for unique, high-quality second-hand furniture and decor.
• DIY upcycling projects: Get creative and repurpose old items into something new and useful, reducing waste and saving money.

5. Minimize Packaging Waste

• Bulk buying: Purchase items in bulk to reduce packaging waste, especially for household staples.
• Reusable bags and containers: Bring your own bags and containers when shopping to avoid single-use plastic bags and packaging.

6. Focus on Longevity and Quality

• Durable products: Invest in high-quality items that will last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
• Timeless design: Choose classic styles that won’t go out of fashion quickly, helping you avoid the temptation to redecorate frequently.

7. Consider the Product’s Lifecycle

• Biodegradable or recyclable: Opt for products that can be easily recycled or are biodegradable at the end of their life.
• Repairable: Choose items that can be repaired rather than replaced, supporting a circular economy.

8. Local and Handmade Options

• Support local artisans: Buying locally made products reduces transportation emissions and supports your local economy.
• Handmade goods: Often crafted with care and sustainability in mind, handmade items can be a more eco-friendly choice.

9. Mindful Consumption

• Need over want: Before making a purchase, consider if you truly need the item or if it’s an impulse buy.
• Multi-functional items: Choose products that serve multiple purposes, reducing the number of items you need to buy.

10. Educate Yourself

• Stay informed: Keep up with the latest trends and innovations in sustainable products and practices.
• Community involvement: Join local or online communities focused on sustainability to share tips and experiences.

By incorporating these tips into your shopping habits, you can make a positive impact on the environment and support a more sustainable lifestyle. Happy eco-friendly shopping!

Bulk food stores play a significant role in helping the environment through several impactful practices.

We chat with the Trace - The Zero Waste Store on the Wild Virginia Old Dominion Eco Buzz podcast. They are Fairfax County's only zero waste and bulk refill store.

Here are a few key ways they contribute:

1. Reduction of Packaging Waste: Bulk food stores often encourage customers to bring their own containers, reducing the reliance on single-use plastics and packaging materials. This practice helps to minimize the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, which in turn reduces pollution and conserves natural resources.
2. Decreased Food Waste: These stores allow customers to buy only the quantity they need, which can significantly reduce food waste. Instead of purchasing pre-packaged amounts that might be too large for one's needs, shoppers can get just the right amount, leading to less spoiled or unused food.
3. Lower Carbon Footprint: By sourcing products in large quantities and reducing the need for extensive packaging, bulk food stores can lower the carbon footprint associated with the transportation and production of packaging materials. Bulk buying reduces the number of trips needed for restocking and the overall environmental impact of distribution.
4. Support for Sustainable Practices: Many bulk food stores prioritize sourcing products from local or sustainable producers. This supports farming practices that are better for the environment, such as organic farming, which reduces the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, and promotes soil health and biodiversity.
5. Encouragement of Reusable Products: Bulk food stores often sell reusable containers and bags, promoting a culture of reusability. This shift away from disposables to reusables helps conserve resources and reduce waste.
6. Consumer Education: These stores frequently serve as hubs for educating consumers about sustainable living and the environmental impact of their choices. By providing information and resources, they empower individuals to make more environmentally conscious decisions in their daily lives.

Through these practices, bulk food stores contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and help foster a more eco-friendly community.