Sustainability Matters

Sustainability Matters is a Virginia grown grassroots nonprofit, cultivating community through conservation. 

We bring sustainability to unexpected places. Whether it’s planting native wildflower meadows at landfills, teaching novice gardeners to grow their own food, or helping farmers access funding for conservation practices, we empower individuals, families, and communities to help the environment while helping themselves.

Making Trash Bloom

Sustainability Matters’ flagship initiative reclaims “dead” land by planting native pollinator and wildlife habitat at landfills. Through bringing conservation to the most unexpected place of all – your local dump! – we build community engagement around environmental transformation, inspiring and educating the public to create similar landscapes at home and elsewhere.

Since 2019, we’ve been working with landfills across Virginia to replace sterile turf with vibrant meadows of native wildflowers and grasses—supporting pollinators, birds, and other local wildlife. We don’t just restore habitat—we involve the community. Volunteers help us track biodiversity, measure plant growth, and learn how native plants can transform even the most unlikely spaces—including their own yards.

Here in Rappahannock County, we’re restoring several acres, with strong support from local government. We’ve hosted seedings, data collection events—even a meadow brunch.

Now we need your help to grow. 

Your gift, no matter the size, helps us compete for additional prize funds from the Foundation, amplifying your impact even further.