Earth Day is right around the corner, so we want to remember why it is important and why we celebrate. One billion people from 192 countries gather every year to come together to better our planet, whether by cleaning up parks and rivers, raising awareness for environmental issues, or planting more trees. It’s a way for people to get involved and create a positive impact on the planet.
Here at HipCityVeg, our 6th birthday falls in the same week as Earth Day 2018. We are paying our birthday celebrations forward by taking steps to reduce waste in honor of this year’s Earth Day theme, Ending Plastic Pollution. According to EcoWatch, “The average American throws away approximately 185 pounds of plastic per year.” With everyone combined, that’s enough plastic to circle the earth four times. Sadly, most of our plastic waste ends up in waterways, polluting our oceans and lakes, and killing 100,000 marine mammals annually.
At HipCityVeg, we already take steps to be eco-friendly and reduce plastic waste – especially with our packaging. All our cups, utensils, straws, and containers are made of corn and are completely compostable. What we can’t compost we recycle – like cardboard, glass and even used oil. We’ll cheers to that!
To celebrate Earth Day this year, we want to give you all a special treat that is both good for you and good for the planet. From April 20th-22nd, bring in a reusable bottle or cup to any HipCityVeg store for a free Kale Lemonade while supplies last to cut back on waste. On Sunday only, spend at least $25 dollars and get a free, fun, and reusable HipCityVeg tote (while supplies last) that you can use in place of plastic bags.
If you’re looking to take more steps to reduce plastic in your own life, check out a few of our favorite tips:
1. Next time you’re at the grocery store, opt out on plastic bags and bring reusable bags instead. If you already have plastic bags at home, bring them in to the store to recycle instead of throwing them out.
2. Reuse plastic containers to store leftovers and bulk items like rice, cereal, and pasta.
3. Bring a refillable bottle to fill up with water, iced coffee, or any beverage you’re craving instead of buying plastic bottles.
4. Skip the plastic straws in your drink next time you’re at a restaurant, or try out a stainless steel straw like this one here.
5. Make your own eco-friendly toiletries like toothpaste and body lotion to reduce the use of plastic bottles.