SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — The city’s nonprofit community development corporation One South Euclid (OSE) has announced two initiatives it is undertaking during this holiday season: the BYOBags (Bring Your Own Bags) Program, and the annual Shop Local Campaign.
The programs are designed to help support a thriving and environmentally sustainable local economy.
BYOBags Program
According to Cuyahoga County’s Department of Sustainability, the average household accumulates approximately 1,500 plastic bags each year, with 99 percent ending up as litter or in landfills. To help combat such waste, OSE applied to be a recipient of Cuyahoga County’s Sustainable Stores Grant Program.
From November through February, shoppers at three South Euclid stores — LT Squared, South Euclid True Value Hardware, and Uptown Mart — can request a free reusable bag at checkout.
The goal is to reduce single-use plastic waste, promote a cleaner community, and encourage shoppers to use reusable bags permanently for all their shopping.
“We applied to the Sustainable Stores Grant Program to take a step toward making South Euclid a healthier and greener community,” said former OSE Executive Director Annette Iwamoto, who left the post Nov. 22 to become the director of the Human Services Chamber of Cuyahoga County.
“We’re excited to partner with our local retailers to offer a more eco-conscious way to shop and hope this will inspire long-term changes in how our community approaches plastic waste.”
Shop Local Campaign
The current Shop Local Campaign, which runs through Dec. 7, encourages South Euclid residents to shop at local businesses in efforts to boost the local economy and increase awareness for neighborhood stores.
The campaign will culminate with the Indie Green Holiday Market, to be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at Greenview School, 1825 South Green Road.
The event will feature items from local artisans and makers. Shoppers who save their receipts from participating Shop Local businesses will earn one raffle entry for every $5 spent, with the chance to win a basket of Cleveland Cavaliers gear.
Shoppers should visit the One South Euclid table at the Indie Green Market to get their raffle tickets.
“One South Euclid is committed to uplifting our local businesses and encouraging our residents to shop local,” Iwamoto said, in a release. “When we shop local, we support neighbors, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant, resilient economy that benefits everyone.”
To see the current list of participating stores and special Shop Local deals, visit here. More such deals will be posted as the event continues.
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