An estimated 1.4 billion pounds of trash end up in our oceans every year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That trash pollutes our waters and does serious harm to birds, fish, and other marine life.
June 8 is World Oceans Day, an annual observation to honor and conserve our oceans. Events will be held all over the world to inspire people to protect our seas. That said, some restaurants, shops, and other businesses encourage people to be environmentally conscious every day. This week, let’s celebrate those that are leading the charge.
Do you know a shop that only carries products made with reused materials? How about a cafe that makes every effort to encourage people to recycle? As a Local Guide, you can help protect our planet by telling others about eco-friendly businesses in your area.
Now that you can search keywords and phrases in reviews on Google Maps, it’s easier than ever for people to find places that support their interests. For example, including words like “eco-friendly” and “green” in your reviews can help others discover businesses that believe in sustainability.
Need some inspiration to get started? Here are a few examples of what to look for.
1. There’s no single-use plastic in sight.
Single-use plastics are designed to be used only once before they’re thrown away. Products like plastic straws and condiment packets may be more convenient for us, but they’re part of the massive amounts of trash that pollute our waters.
Share photos of a cafe that doesn’t use plastic straws. Or a shop that requires customers to bring reusable bags.
2. They buy local.
Businesses that buy local goods use less fuel to transport their materials than those who buy from other states or countries. They also often require less packaging. That means less waste ends up in our oceans.
Review a store that sells products made by members of the community. Or a restaurant that only uses locally sourced ingredients. Don’t forget to use keywords such as “environmental" or “sustainable" to help others easily find these important details.
3. They reward customers for recycling.
Some businesses provide extra incentives for customers to reduce waste. As a result, they help to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and encourage people to recycle more consistently.
Spread the word on social media about a coffee shop that gives customers a discount for bringing their own cups. Or a company that has a recycling rewards program.
These are just a few of the many ways businesses can reduce their negative impact on the environment. Are you an eco-friendly shopper? Give other Local Guides tips in the comments on how to be more environmentally conscious in their neighborhoods.
