May 2020

It’s no secret that, unfortunately, graduations look different this year. Class of 2020, we applaud the dedication and effort it takes to graduate. While we can’t celebrate in the typical sense, we can still find ways to cheer on the high school and college graduates who have worked so hard to finish school. This time has us connecting to people more than ever, even when we’re not physically close. There are many ways you can still celebrate this milestone and schools and businesses around the US are planning creative ways to do so. Although your high school or college might have their version of a commencement ceremony, there are also things you can do to have a party at home. Here are some ideas to make your celebration one to remember – and of course one that’s also good for the earth. Confetti When decorating, an organic alternative to plastic is making confetti out of plants. This no-waste, non-pollutant confetti offers a fun way to get outside with family as well! Balloon Alternatives Balloons are not biodegradable and often result in excessive littering. A good substitute are pinwheels. Because they are stuck in the ground, there is no chance of them floating away and up in the air. You’ll still get the same colorful atmosphere with them, too! Bonus points if you used biodegradable or recycled paper. Decorate Like it’s the Real Deal Decorate your home if you’re planning a virtual celebration. Video calling close friends and family to have a party apart is a great way to commemorate your grad in the family. Keep the lively atmosphere and dress up your living room or backyard with pinwheels, banners and all the works. Keep it Local As with any good party, have lots of snacks and desserts to enjoy. A custom cake from a local bakery is a great way to support small businesses at the same time. No Need for Paper/Plastic Plates Most party stores have paper or plastic plates and cutlery, but these are non-biodegradable and pretty harmful to our environment. Because your gathering is small anyway, there isn’t that need to stock up on lots and lots of dinnerware. Use the dishes that you already own and let your food and decor stand out in its place.

Get A Mask, Give A Mask “We want our customers and their families to feel safe, along with those on the front lines in many nursing and group homes and other non-profit agencies” is what Paul Billoni, GreenEarth Affiliate and President of Colvin Cleaners in Kenmore, NY explains to Buffalo’s Channel 7 News during a recent interview discussing their new “Get A Mask, Give A Mask” program. With essential workers in New York required to wear masks, Colvin Cleaners has heard the call and stepped up employing their seamstresses, who would typically be working on prom gowns during this time of year, to produce over 200 masks per day. These masks are being given for free to their customers, essential workers, and non-profit organizations. Chris Billoni, Vice President of Colvin Cleaners shares their expectations for more mask orders in the coming weeks and opens up the mask-making work to volunteers within their community who want to help, stating “WNY is an incredible place, people are always looking to help out, so we’re trying to do our part and if people want to help as well, they can do it online,” Paul and Chris Billoni are always finding ways to support their community and we’re proud to have them as apart of the GreenEarth Family.   Loads of Love Vice President Ken Sandy and the Dryy Garment Care team spread a bit of much-needed community cheer with their Loads of Love campaign. The Washington DC-based GreenEarth Affiliate delivered gift cards, hand sanitizers, and non-perishables to other essential retail businesses within the neighborhoods they serve. Watching their Instagram video, you can clearly see the gratitude and joy in every person’s face Sandy interacts with. It’s such a simple gesture but the kind of gesture that’s so needed right now. At the end of the video, Sandy states, “We hope that what we did today in the community—in multiple communities—had some sort of touchpoint for you that was inspiring, but most importantly, that you at all times know that we here at Dryy Garment Care are thinking of you and we’re here for you.” We’d say they definitely achieved that.     More Than Making Masks Great American Cleaners is continuing their efforts to make masks for the community. They have provided these masks as donations, like the hundred they gave to the El Cerrito Police Department, and are also selling them to customers. Customers can donate on their behalf to local hospitals, senior centers, and first responders. Making these masks is seen as a community effort – a way to spread positivity and hope as well as safety. This message continues when you visit Great American Cleaners’ website to purchase a mask, scrolling down to find meditation-videos before you make your order.