“Real change happens here.” - That’s a direct quote, taken from a review that was so kindly left on ourFacebook page earlier this month. Feedback like that, whether delivered in writing or in person, always makes us smile - not because we thrive on compliments, but because it further reinforces that St. Louis Earth Day’s programs are making a positive (and noticeable!) difference in St. Louis.
A key aspect of ALL St. Louis Earth Day programming and events is to educate individuals and organizations about living sustainably - at home, at work, and at play. It is through awareness and information that true and lasting change is able to occur.
As community consciousness grows, so does demand for our programming - and that’s a GREAT thing! Each year, we are able to achieve a little more than the year before. 2015 was no exception.
Thanks to overwhelming community participation, St. Louis Earth Day reached larger audiences than ever before, diverted more waste from landfills, nearly doubled the number of local businesses certified for committing to sustainable practices, and so much more.
It’s clear - change IS happening here - all across the St. Louis region!
Thank you for joining us in our mission!
2015 By the Numbers
It's been a HUGE, record-breaking year for us, St. Louis! Here's a glimpse of all that you helped accomplish in 2015:
More than 57,500 pounds of hard to recycle items were collected atRecycling Extravaganza;
A record 109 events utilized Recycling On the Go's services, keeping our team and equipment out in the community for 147 total days;
Nearly 78 TONS of recyclable and compostable waste was diverted from landfills by Recycling On the Go -our largest single year haul yet;
Recycling On the Go's services have reached more than 7 million people and collected over 400 tons of materials since the program launched in 2007;
130 planners, engineers, scientists, government officials, community leaders, educators, and students collaborated on the topics of transportation, food, biodiversity, and community at the 2015 St. Louis Earth Day's Symposium;
$10,000 was distributed to community organizations through the Earth Day Action Grants program;
Closing out 2015, 81 local businesses are now certified members of the Green Dining Alliance - that's nearly DOUBLE the members at the close of 2014!
20 Green Dining Alliance members are now certified at the 5-star level;
Approximately 1,514 TONS of waste is diverted by Green Dining Alliance members annually - and that number keeps growing as more businesses continue to join the program;
And last, but CERTAINLY not least:
569 AWESOME volunteers contributed nearly 2000 hours of hard work to help make our programs and events possible!
Whether you've served as a volunteer, supported our programs as a donor, or simply participated with your passion and enthusiasm for keeping St. Louis green - YOU have been an integral part of our success!
THANK YOU for helping make 2015 a banner year!
Green Dining Alliance
This one-of-a-kind program, which formally launched in 2012, helps local businesses reduce their environmental impact by publicly committing to a number of sustainable business practices.
Though restaurants are the program’s primary focus, the GDA also works with other local food industry businesses including cafeterias, breweries, coffee shops, caterers, and some retail shops.
Support Green Business & WIN!
#EatGreenSTL
When you patronize 'green' businesses, everyone wins - but we want to take that a step further!
Each month, we're giving away a gift card to a Green Dining Alliance member restaurant. It's easy to enter - just follow these easy steps!
2. Share your experience on social media (Instagram, Facebook or Twitter) by posting a pic and tagging or naming the business.
3. Be sure to include the official hashtag: #EatGreenSTL.
Every post is a chance to win! Each month, we'll select a random winner to receive a gift card to a certified Green Dining Alliance member restaurant!
BONUS: The restaurant with the MOST #EatGreenSTL posts will be featured for an upcoming Dine Out event! So post early and post often to support your neighborhood favorite!
Show St. Louis (and the world!) that sustainability matters to you!
#EatGreenSTL!
Welcome New
Green Dining Alliance Members! #EatGreenSTL at:
Special thanks to Onesto for RENEWING their GDA certification!
Help Us Do More in 2016 Make a tax-deductible gift today
Long gone are the days when St. Louis Earth Day was just a once-yearly festival.
Today, St. Louis Earth Day programs and services like Recycling On the Go, Earth Day Action Grants, and The Green Dining Alliance make a year-round impact on St. Louis’ environment AND our local economy. And of course, our signature St. Louis Earth Day Festival is stronger than ever these days, too.
As an independent nonprofit organization, all of St. Louis Earth Day’s programs, services, and events are provided at or below our cost, for the benefit of our mission and community.
We rely on donor support to make programs like Recycling On the Go and the Green Dining Alliance possible, and to keep the annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival free for all to enjoy!