Celebrate Earth Month with Downtown Victoria
This April, the DVBA wants to help with your journey towards a more sustainable life. There are so many downtown businesses that can help. Below are suggestions for ways to start living more sustainably, along with downtown businesses who can help!
- Give Gifts that Last
Next time you are purchasing a gift, you might consider its environmental impact. Instead of buying something that will be used once and thrown away, give something that keeps on giving for years.
Here are suggestions for lasting gifts:
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Houseplants: Live plants make great gifts! Plus, there are so many options you can find the perfect one for the recipient.
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Dried flowers: As opposed to a regular bouquet that dies after a week or two, a dried bouquet lasts years
Where to buy gifts that last:
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VI Plant Shop (houseplants)
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Browns the Florist (houseplants + dried flowers)
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Rook & Rose (dried flowers)
2. Buy Used
Buying used is one of the best ways to be kind to the planet. From clothes, to books, to household items, you can purchase a lot of great, high quality goods second hand.
Where to buy used items downtown:
Clothes, household, books, etc.
Clothes
Household
Books
3. Use Reusable Containers
Reusable containers, coffee mugs, bags, etc. are better than single-use options. There are two programs available at some downtown cafes/restaurants making getting takeout easier on the planet: Bread & Butter Collective and the Nulla Project – make sure to check them out!
These downtown cafes use the Nulla Project:
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Bean Around the World
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2% Jazz
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Shatterbox Coffee Co.
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The Zero Waste Emporium
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Neighbourly Café, Sundries, and Grocer
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West Coast Refill
These downtown restaurants are part of the Bread & Butter Collective:
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2% Jazz
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Bodega
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The Drake
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Foo Asian Street Food
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Taco Stand Al Pastor
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La Pasta
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Roast Meat & Sandwich Shop
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Sherwood Café + Bar
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The Tapa Bar Restaurant
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Zambri’s
These downtown shops sell great reusable products to help you reduce your household waste:
4. Consider How You Travel
There are many ways—big and small—to reduce your impact on the environment. One big way is to consider how you travel. Did you know Harbour Air is the world’s first and only carbon neutral airline? And they are continuing to work towards reducing their emissions.
5. Rent Instead of Buy
Where possible, consider renting over buying. It’s better for the planet and typically easier on your wallet, too.
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The Victoria Tool Library is a fantastic option to rent tools when you’re starting a home project.
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The Greater Victoria Public Library offers books, DVDs, audiobooks, and more for free.