ENVIRONMENTAL




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Local, Latino and A New Richmond Cosmos

Tucked into the alley behind 2512 West Main Street, a fever dream of the cosmos has taken shape across a brick wall. The mural is the collaborative work of four Latino artists working in and around Richmond: Visibly Hidden, Monolith, Mars, and Sol. A distant Earth...

The Mayor of Sunny Mart

There are certain people who become part of a neighborhood so slowly that nobody notices it happening until one day they realize the place would feel strange without them.   If you’ve spent enough time around The Fan late at night, then you probably know Sunny Mart....

Sojourner Truth and Why Her Story Still Matters

Editor's Note: This is a companion piece to our preview of Songs of Truth, the new musical inspired by the life of Sojourner Truth. This essay from Christian Detres takes a closer look at the woman behind the legend and the enduring relevance of her story. Sojourner...

Replanting His Life in America, Leaving Behind Everything He Knew

Following is an updated excerpt from the book, Portraits of Immigrant Voices, in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, which is celebrated during the month of June throughout the United States to honor the contributions and resilience of the newcomers who have shaped our...

Review | Get In My Boca! What’s Happening at the Triangle?

Every time I go to the Aldi on Arthur Ashe at Broad St., En Su Boca tries to seduce me with its tequila and tacos perfume. It doesn’t work all the time, but I feel the pull when I’m browsing the nonsense in Aldi’s middle aisle. I once bought sweatpants there. I’m not...

What a Chilean Traveler Found in Richmond

Editor’s Note: We occasionally make space for outside voices whose perspectives help us see Richmond differently. This piece was submitted by Chilean journalist and multimedia storyteller Natalia Freire. Hidden gems. I like that expression. It’s the first thing that...

Richmond’s Shop Local Culture Shines in New Study

Richmond is ranked the number one city in America for supporting local businesses, according to a new national study from OnDeck. The report analyzed Instagram activity tied to hashtags like #shoplocal and #shopsmall across nearly 500 U.S. cities and found Richmond...

Basking In The Colors At Maymont’s Garden Glow

This year marks the fifth annual Garden Glow at Maymont, an iridescent illumination of Richmond’s crown jewel. Featuring art installations by Alfonso Perez Acosta, Jeff Dobrow, and Kevin Aukward, this cozy fall ticket is a lightbulb of an idea for a date night or an evening with family and friends. Set against the tranquil center of the Japanese...

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Attack Of the Killer Thumbs: Weird Vibes For May

“Attack of the Killer Thumbs” aims to provide answers to your garden quandaries and your houseplant conundrums. We think plants make our lives and homes and balconies a better place to be. But we also know that you aren’t made of money. Here you will not find “recommendations” for our “favorite” ninety-dollar gadgets or “quick and easy” tutorials...

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Creating A Community, One Tree At A Time

The Enrichmond Foundation’s TreeLab projects spark interest throughout Richmond in restoring greenspace while also educating the public on plant growth and health.  In a small greenhouse owned by the City Of Richmond, TreeLab Manager Aaron McFarland cultivates native trees and other plants available for purchase. Although TreeLab, a project...

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Indigenous, Woman-Owned Resilience For 25 Years

How often do we know the origins of the products we buy? At AlterNatives Boutique, the answer is every time. We caught up with owner Guadalupe Ramirez as she embarks on her 25th year in Carytown.   The story of AlterNatives Boutique begins and ends with one idea: if you give someone the opportunity for education and the access to...

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Goat’s Milk Soap Is The GOAT

Whether you want to incorporate more clean skin products into your life or just to live out your cottagecore fantasy, these homemade soap businesses from all around Virginia are here to add to your collection. And the best part: the soap comes from goats.  While you’re deep asleep in your bed at five in the morning, Crystal Neilson-Hall of...

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Urban Farming at Eden’s Community Garden

At Eden's Community Garden, a project of Second Baptist Church in Southside, growing food for the community helps nourish the soul. “My happiness is making other people happy. Seeing a smile on someone’s face that you gave to them… nothing tops that. And that is why I do what I do.” That is what Mr. Merrick said to me on my first day volunteering...

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Virginians Are Recycling More Of Their Trash Than Ever

Despite fewer destinations for recyclables, Virginia managed to recycle almost half of its trash in 2018. But there are still improvements that can be made. Virginia recycled almost half of its trash last year, setting a record despite China’s ban on importing plastic and other solid waste. The statewide recycling rate in 2018 was 46 percent — up...

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It’s Arbor Day! Let’s Learn More About Tree Migration

This Arbor Day, the Science Museum of Virginia answers an important question: can trees migrate? And if so, is that a good thing? This week began with Earth Day, and it ends today with Arbor Day! The word "arbor" comes from the Latin word for "tree," so you might not be surprised to learn that this holiday is a celebration of trees. While you...

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