Tending Community: The Sustainability Buzz
By Perris Reed on July 10, 2026 from Tending Community
Hey, Bridgeport! Have you noticed the buzz around sustainable living lately? Not every buzz is worth following, but this one is here for all the right reasons. As our city grows, making eco-friendly choices becomes more important, not just for our planet, but for our great
community too.
community too.
What can you do? Let’s keep it simple. Start with intentional choices at home. Recycling is a great way to cut down on waste, and if you can compost, even better! Curious about composting but not sure where to start? Stop by the BFM2 Welcome Tent, and I’ll be happy to share a few pointers!
And no, you don’t have to be a master gardener to compost! Anyone can get started, and if you have kids, they’ll probably love being part of the process. Watching everyday scraps transform into something useful is a little bit of magic. Remember to skip single-use plastics when you can and grab reusable bags and water bottles instead. These simple swaps can make a meaningful impact over time. Reusable shopping bags and other sustainable items are in the works at the BFM2, so be sure to stop by the Welcome Tent throughout the season to see what’s new!
“You don’t have to do everything perfectly to make a difference. Just start somewhere and before long those small choices become second nature.” -BFM2 vendor Tiffany Fess, owner of Green Thumb Botanicals
Our everyday choices extend beyond our homes. The businesses we support play a big role in building a stronger, more sustainable community. Many shops in town are finding creative ways to incorporate eco-friendly products and practices into their businesses. One standout is Sunmoon Apparel, owned by one of our market vendors, Kait Glaspell. Kait has been a real force in promoting sustainable fashion right here in Bridgeport.
“Sustainability in fashion is about finding the balance between loving our planet and expressing our authentic self. Supporting second hand,
recycled & handmade create a wardrobe we genuinely love—unique, meaningful, and full of life. Let’s make intentional choices and redefine how clothing makes us feel in our everyday” -Kait Glaspell, owner of Sunmoon Apparel
recycled & handmade create a wardrobe we genuinely love—unique, meaningful, and full of life. Let’s make intentional choices and redefine how clothing makes us feel in our everyday” -Kait Glaspell, owner of Sunmoon Apparel
Want to get more involved? Supporting sustainability can be as simple as shopping local each Sunday at the BFM2! By choosing locally grown food and handcrafted products, you’re reducing transportation, supporting small businesses, and investing in a stronger, more sustainable community.
And the great thing about living in North Central West Virginia is that there are so many opportunities to make an impact. We’re fortunate to have several amazing farmers markets in our area, including the Clarksburg Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the Fairmont Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Each market offers another chance to support local farmers, makers, and small businesses while connecting with your community.
From choosing to walk instead of drive to supporting businesses that care about sustainability, every intentional action helps make our home a greener, healthier, and more connected place. Keep an eye out for community clean-ups, beautification projects, and educational opportunities happening throughout the year. There are always ways to get involved.
"The Earth is what we all have in common."
— Wendell Berry
— Wendell Berry
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