You know we’re all about supporting our local businesses in Richmond, which is why we’re excited for Earth Day this Fri., April 22. 🌎

This year's Earth Day initiative is centered around investing in our planet — and there are lots of ways buying locally supports sustainability. To promote this goal within our community, we are introducing you to our #BuyLocalBuyGreenRIC campaign.

To celebrate the global initiative, we are challenging you — and ourselves — to only shop locally for one week. Or, at least try to swap out a few basic purchases with local options.

What would this look like? Think: Starting your morning with a trip to Sefton Coffee Co., stopping by the farmers market for local produce, or perusing spring fashion at Rumors.

We want to follow along with your journey, as well as share ours with you. To do so, we are asking you to share photos of your local purchases, shopping sprees, or other Earth Day activities on social media using the hashtag #BuyLocalBuyGreenRIC. Throughout the week, we will spotlight what our community is up to in our newsletters + social feeds.

Don’t have social media but want to participate? Send us your photos via email.

Need some inspiration? Here are some local, sustainable recommendations to switch up your weekly routine.

We don’t know about you, but we’ll be starting our days with a local caffeine boost. Editor Robin plans to pick up coffee + a pastry from Idle Hands Bread Company and enjoy the spring weather at Scuffletown Park.

Editor Katie wants to add to her balcony garden space. She’s planning on exploring the green-lined shelves of Strange’s Florist to look for some native plants.

Want to dine out? Get your takeout from Lunch Or Supper, Lucky AF, or Secret Sandwich Society — they all have compostable containers available. Bonus: Consult this list to see eco-friendly businesses in VA that are official “Virginia Green” participants.

Whatever you choose, remember to share your stories + tag #BuyLocalBuyGreenRIC for a chance to be featured.