April 22nd was Earth Day! While we should be kind to the earth every day, this is a time to advocate, volunteer, and promote sustainability in our lives and in the way we run our businesses. SOLVE has numerous opportunities to volunteer for neighborhood clean-ups in Portland and beyond. Bird Alliance of Oregon has been advocating for our wildlife for more than 100 years and has many ways to get involved. Consider helping restore our urban canopy by planting a tree with Friends of Trees. In honor of Earth Day, we are highlighting businesses and organizations that incorporate sustainable practices into their operations.

  • 82nd Avenue: The 19th annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade returns this year on April 26th from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, featuring many returning and several new participants.
  • Beaumont: Allyson, the founder of Pacific Holiday, has been shopping consignment since she was a little girl. She opened Pacific Holiday to create a shop that is gentle on the planet and keeps clothing out of our landfills.
  • Central Eastside: Rather than throwing away your used electronic devices, consider donating them to Free Geek for a second life. They sustainably reuse technology to enable digital access for all.
  • Foster: What’s more sustainable than growing your own food? Left Field Garden Supply has a wonderful selection of veggie starts, seeds, soil amendments, garden tools, and more. You can even order chicks to get that backyard chicken coop going.
  • Hillsdale: Did you know the clothes you wear can also be eco-friendly? Paloma Clothing has been specializing in clothing made of sustainable materials for more than 40 years.
  • Historic Parkrose: Simpson’s Refill Co. focuses on supplying quality soaps, cleaners, and sustainable goods that support the reduction and reuse of single-use plastic products.
  • Lloyd: Lloyd EcoDistrict is the first certified EcoDistrict in Oregon and only the seventh globally. An ecodistrict integrates sustainable development and social equity to reduce a district’s ecological footprint.
  • Mississippi Ave: For your next home improvement project, try The Rebuilding Center. They divert over 1,800 tons of waste from going into landfills each year! Stop by to have a look at their affordable building materials or learn about home repair at one of their public classes.
  • Multnomah Village: Venture out to Multnomah Village on April 26th and join non-profit organizations and community leaders for a fun day of cleaning up, replanting, and Earth Day-focused information sharing, plus live music! Check out more info here.
  • Raleigh Hills: On April 26th, recycle your old junk in Raleigh Hills at their annual Shred Event. The event has grown from a simple paper shredding event to also providing opportunities for recycling e-waste, printer cartridges, and household items.
  • St. Johns: There will be a packed lineup of booths for the St. Johns Boosters Spring Fling this Saturday! Check out all the great Boosters businesses and community organizations that will have booths and activities for you from 11 AM to 2 PM on April 26th at The Union Courtyard.
  • Williams District: Celebrate Earth Day with SOLVE by giving back to the Williams District! They are teaming up with Vendetta Bar for a community cleanup on April 27th focused on N Williams Ave and the surrounding area.

This list is non-exhaustive. If we missed your favorite sustainable business, let us know. Show us how you are celebrating Earth Day on Instagram and Facebook.