Happy Earth Day! Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to highlight the importance of caring for the beautiful planet we share! The first was held in 1970, a time when environmental protection was starting to come more into our awareness. A classic film documentary series, “Our Planet” (2019) narrated by biologist David Attenborough highlights beauty around the globe but also talks about the threats to its ecosystems caused by human activity. His 2020 film “A Life on Our Planet” is a powerful first-hand account of humanity’s impact on nature in his lifetime and a message of hope for future generations.
During the entire month of April, The Green Corner Store has a tradition of celebrating our efforts to be more sustainable every day to protect the planet. It reminds us that Earth Month should inspire ongoing action. With community partners, we held an event this past Saturday to promote ways to care for the earth by recycling and re-using objects rather than throwing them away.
Aligning with our store’s core values, we believe one day or even one month during the year is not the only time that we need to celebrate and care for the planet. The time for change is not only today; it’s ongoing every day!
About 10 years ago, independent filmmaker Alex Eaves reached out to us. He was traveling across the country to discover grassroots environmental initiatives focused on the problem of waste. The stories from that journey were captured in the film “REUSE! Because You Can’t Recycle the Planet” and featured The Green Corner Store. Watching all the ways that people are implementing real solutions sparks ideas for what we can achieve together. gets your ideas flowing for what is possible! Alex continues his mission by hosting “Escape the Waste” events.
Reusable bags help us to reduce our single use plastic. Shown here are bags from Chicobag and Eco Bags.
We encourage everyone to take steps for the positive impact our environment needs. What can you change in your life? Remember to take bags and containers to the store? Replace plastic wrap? Reduce the use of plastic bottles with refillable containers? Is there a local farmers market where you can shop? Community garden? Or independent small grocer in your area that you can support?
Inside our store we incorporate sustainable practices and try to stay intentional while continuously looking for opportunities to do more.
Inspired by ‘ecopreneurs’, The Green Corner Store opened with a mission to display products that were healthier and safer options for us. We seek out companies based in the United States that share our commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness.
After brewing tea, we donate the leaves to a local community garden’s compost to create rich soil.
We give packing materials like bubble wrap to a local gift shop to use when wrapping customers’ fragile items. Our ever-expanding Refill bulk station reduces use of plastic containers.
It’s easy to swap out single-use disposables for reusable utensils, straws, beverage containers. Next time you’re eating a meal on the go, refuse the single-use plastic set. Instead use your reusable utensil set and straw. You can do it and it can inspire others!
The Green Corner Store received the Sustain the Rock award for Outstanding Small Business in 2012 from the City of Little Rock. This program annually recognizes amazing leaders who have made significant contributions to a more sustainable Little Rock. We are proud to be among them. The 2025 recipients will be announced soon.
We hope you will explore local resources and events to get connected where you live and take part in those enriching activities and experiences. If you prefer virtual engagement, think about joining regional and national online forums or groups that focus on sustainability.
We commend everyone’s efforts, however small, to make positive changes. Amidst busy schedules, you can take meaningful steps without overwhelming yourself. Take one action at a time. These seemingly small changes accumulate, empowering you and fostering significant environmental impacts.
We remain committed to offering practical, eco-friendly advice and ideas. Together, let’s ‘plug into’ community efforts and work towards building a brighter, more sustainable future!
