‘Tis the season for giving! This week marks the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, including Small Business Saturday on November 24.

If you’re planning to make purchases this time of year (and really any time!), Sustainable Pittsburgh reminds you to shop small AND sustainable.

On average, 48 percent of each purchase at a local independent business is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14 percent at chain stores. Local businesses often offer a more personal and unique shopping experience and are more likely to be invested in the community.

Of the nearly 100 formally designated Sustainable Small Businesses in southwestern Pennsylvania, 90 percent have rehabilitated an existing space or structure instead of locating in a newly constructed building.

These same businesses are located in historic mixed-use, walkable business districts and 85 percent are active in the community by advocating for such improvements as attractive sidewalks, trees and benches, and helping to make the area safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Sustainable Small Businesses commit to being responsible stewards of the environment and community.

While you’re out and about, consider stopping at one of the more than 125 Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurants for a bite to eat.

Designated restaurants demonstrate their commitment to sustainability with actions like donating food, sourcing locally, providing healthy options, and reducing or recycling their waste.

More than one-third of these restaurants are building the local farming economy by sourcing at least half of in-season produce from within a 150 mile radius, and this same percentage is using renewable energy sources to cut down on carbon emissions.

This holiday season, help support sustainable businesses in the southwestern Pennsylvania region!

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Sustainable Pittsburgh website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates. Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter.  Click Here to support their work.

To learn more about green innovation in the Pittsburgh Region, visit the Pittsburgh Green Story website.

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[Posted: Nov. 20, 2018]

11/26/2018