April is a month to celebrate our planet and demonstrate support for the many environmental awareness campaigns and initiatives present across the world. Every day out of the year, East Village businesses strive to implement eco-friendly practices and the entire neighborhood is going green with added park spaces and sustainable infrastructure. That’s why for the month of April, we want to recognize the green businesses that lead the way for East Village and everything sustainable throughout the neighborhood.
You may not have noticed, but something as simple as the planters that line the streets of East Village are even eco-friendly. Sourced from an older East Village Company known as Wheel Works, each of the planters on J Street are made from old tractor rims or other old vehicle parts. Next time you’re taking a stroll through the neighborhood be sure to check out these beautiful, repurposed planters that bring flowers and light to every corner.
If you’re looking for green space amidst the city corners, take a trip to some of the beautiful public spaces and parks in East Village. Located above part of the Rose Canyon Fault System, Fault Line Park was the first public park in East Village and offers 1.3 acres of park space in the middle of the city. Plus, you won’t want to miss the beautiful artistic installation in the park, “Fault Whisper” which monitors the fault movement and associated sounds. For those that like a little more entertainment while they sit in the park, try out Gallagher Square located beside Petco Park and get the chance to catch games, performers, and other entertainers from the green.
Currently under construction but coming soon, the new East Village Green will take up an entire Downtown block in East Village adding even more green space to the neighborhood. Urban forests like these help make the local community more sustainable and livable by bringing in fresh air and better drainage to every community.
Not only are the parks working to help East Village go green, but the community has also taken the lead on sustainable infrastructure, with the local education institutions at the forefront. UCSD recently opened a new state of the art building in East Village, Park & Market, that is sustainability certified and features solar-powered lights. Additionally, San Diego City College also has a variety of sustainable educational buildings in the heart of East Village. Even the new apartments and housing in East Village are going green including ALX and the Idea 1 Apartments which are completely sustainable buildings with courtyard spaces.
While you’re walking through the neighborhood, stop for a visit at East Village’s thrift shops. Nothing is more polluting than fast fashion but there is no need to worry because upcycling secondhand fashion is just got more chic! Support the reuse and repurposing of pre-loved clothes and head over to Wotown Vintage for a wide variety of closet staples including today’s popular grunge and streetwear styles. For anyone looking for a more generic secondhand shopping option, look no further than the Goodwill on 16th Street in East Village. Shop second hand and give clothes a second life!
Around the corner is one of East Village’s biggest eco-friendly businesses: Green Shredding. Located on the edge of the neighborhood, Green Shredding recycles over one million pounds of paper each year from the community in hopes of a greener future. Plus, the company ditched all gas guzzling diesel trucks for more energy efficient alternatives, making it the only shredding company in the world to utilize a 100% Green fleet. For all your big and small business shredding needs, be sure to look no further than this hidden sustainable gem in the East Village neighborhood.
There are endless sustainable options available in the East Village neighborhood. For Earth Day and the rest of the year be sure to check out these exciting parks, businesses and buildings that are paving the way for a greener future.
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