Sustain Abingdon

08/25/2026

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/video/horizons/2026/08/can-recycling-solve-the-worlds-trash-problem

Reduce, reuse, recycle. It's the mantra heard for decades, but does it work? There’s a lingering cynicism that recycling is a scam, that it doesn’t really help, and it’s more about making us feel good than doing something meaningful. Horizons moderator William Brangham separates fact from fict...

08/12/2026

For those who want to join today's meeting remotely - see below for the link.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/229536152090407?p=5JJHuaN0mOrvsRYcUE

Meeting ID: 229 536 152 090 407
Passcode: PH9Dx2o4

08/11/2026

Things That Make You Go Hmmm…

We were sold plastic because it lasts. So why did we start making it disposable? 🤔

Think about how plastic was originally marketed: durable, sturdy, lightweight, convenient, reusable, and long-lasting. It was a material that wouldn't easily break down or wear out.

And then we started using that same incredibly durable material to make things we use once. Plastic shopping bags are a perfect example.

A bag might be used for 10 or 15 minutes. We use it to carry groceries from the store to the car, or takeout from the restaurant home. And then what? It’s tossed.

But here's the irony:
The very quality that made plastic so appealing (hint… its durability) is what makes single-use plastic such a problem. We use it for minutes, but the material can last in the environment for decades or even centuries.

So we have a material designed to last but used for things designed to be thrown away. That's quite a contradiction!

The history of the plastic shopping bag is interesting, too. Plastic bags weren't simply something consumers demanded. As they became available, the plastics industry and retailers promoted them as convenient alternatives to paper bags, and they gradually became part of everyday life.

Today, we're left asking a different question:
If something is made to last, why are we using it for something we only need for a few minutes? Things that make you go hmmm…

Maybe the better solution isn't figuring out how to throw away single-use plastic "better." Maybe it's asking why we need something designed to be used only once in the first place.

🌎 Less waste starts with questioning what we've come to consider normal.

If you're interested in the history of the plastic shopping bag, check out this article from the United Nations Environment Programme:

A rare novelty in the 1970s, plastic shopping bags are now an omnipresent global product, produced at a rate of one trillion a year. They are showing up in the darkest depths of the oceans to the summit of Mount Everest to the polar ice caps – and creating some major environmental challenges.

08/09/2026

08/03/2026

It's hard to believe it's been a month since the EPS (Styrofoam) ban was introduced.

If you haven't heard about the ban - simply put restaurants in VA are banned from using Styrofoam. This includes take out bowls, cups, boxes, etc. For more information, visit our website 👇

https://sustainabingdon.wordpress.com/styrofoam-ban-information/

Don't forget - you can help make a difference. If you happen to notice a restaurant that is still using Styrofoam, you can call the Town of Abingdon at 276-628-3167. The goal isn't to punish restaurants, it's to guide them through the transition and bring awareness to more eco-friendly container options.

Together, we can make this transition a success.

07/31/2026

🎉 Plastic Free July may be ending...but the journey doesn't have to. 🌍💚

Over the past month, we've challenged ourselves to think differently about the plastic we use every day. Some people made one small change. Others completely transformed their habits. Every effort mattered.

The goal was never to eliminate every piece of plastic. It was to build awareness, create better habits, and show that individual actions add up to meaningful change.

Now we'd love to hear from you!
💬 What changes did you make this month?
🌱 Which swap was the easiest?
🤔 Which was the most challenging?
♻️ What habit do you plan to continue throughout the year?

The calendar may say July is over, but protecting our environment isn't a one-month event. Every reusable bottle, shopping bag, food container, or package-free purchase helps reduce waste and protect our communities for future generations.

Let's keep the momentum going! Not because it's July, but because every day is an opportunity to make choices that have a positive impact.

Thank you to everyone who participated, encouraged others, or simply took the time to learn more. Together, we can create lasting change...one small choice at a time. 💚🌎

07/31/2026

Here’s a story, we’d like to share from a fellow SA follower -

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“We recently had a swarm of bees at our home. Our first thought was to spray them—which we did, but then we realized they could be honeybees. We wanted to do the right thing and help these little pollinators, so I went to the Highlands Beekeepers Association's website. Right there on the home page was a ‘bee removal’ option. I reported the swarm and was quickly contacted by a local beekeeper. He came out to our house, answered our questions, gave us a little education on bees and let us know that if the swarm were honeybees, they could be safely relocated to a honeybee farm. Unfortunately, and regrettably, the bees infesting our soffit were yellow jackets. But, we had no idea this service existed, so I wanted to share it in case it helps someone else. If you find a swarm of bees, don't assume they need to be exterminated. Instead, consider contacting the Highlands Beekeepers Association first. You may be able to help protect an important pollinator while safely resolving the situation.
We want to say “thank you” to Highlands Beekeepers Association and Chris R. who took the time to come out, answer our questions, and educate us about these amazing creatures. Thank you for offering this service to our community and for the work you do every day to help protect bees and other pollinators. Your dedication is truly appreciated!”
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For more information or to report your own swarm – visit
🐝 Website: https://www.highlandsbeekeepers.com/

And, we want to hear from you –

Have you ever worked with a local service, organization, or community resource that made a difference for animals, wildlife, or the environment? We’d love to hear about it! Comment below because you might help someone else discover a valuable service they didn’t know existed!

07/28/2026

💚 Plastic Free July – Final Week!

We're almost at the finish line! Take a moment to celebrate the changes you've made this month. Even if you only changed one habit, that's one less source of plastic waste than before.

Remember, this challenge has never been about being perfect. It's about creating habits that can last a lifetime. Before July ends, challenge yourself to make one new plastic-free swap that you can continue all year long.

Imagine the impact if hundreds of people each eliminated just one disposable plastic item from their daily routine!

💬 What's one plastic-free habit you'll continue after July? Share your commitment below and encourage others to do the same!

07/21/2026

🌎 Plastic Free July – Keep the Momentum Going!

As we head into the final stretch, remember that your actions have a ripple effect.

When people see reusable bags, refillable bottles, cloth napkins, or bulk shopping, it starts conversations. Those conversations create awareness, and awareness leads to change.

None of us can eliminate plastic overnight, but together we can reduce a surprising amount of waste.

This week, consider taking one extra step:
🌿 Borrow instead of buying.
🧺 Repair something instead of replacing it.
🥕 Buy fresh produce without unnecessary packaging.
📚 Share what you've learned with a friend or family member.

Together, small actions become a powerful movement.

💬 Have you inspired someone else to make a change this month? We'd love to hear your story!

Send a message to learn more

07/15/2026

As we continue to celebrate , check out these helpful hints from Sierra Club.

And other tips for living a more sustainable life