diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6054588..597c331 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -6,8 +6,18 @@ The frontend is made with Vue 3 and the backend is written in Go. The backend ex
 
 It is hosted at [rfd.fyi](https://rfd.fyi).
 
+## Environment Variables
+
+Ensure that an `.env` file is filled in with the appropriate values.
+
+Example key/values can be found in [example.env](./example.env).
+
+*Note: that a [honeycomb](https://honeycomb.io/) API key is currently required.*
+
 ## Local Development
 
+If running locally, ensure that the ENV vars are exported to your shell.
+
 To get up and running locally: in one pane/tab, run:
 
 ```sh
@@ -20,12 +30,6 @@ In another pane/tab, run:
 make frontend
 ```
 
-## Honeycomb
-
-Ensure that an .env is filled in with appropriate values.
-
-See [example.env](./example.env).
-
 ## Docker Compose
 
 ```sh