For three years in a row, greenUP! has partnered with the organizers of Nevada Day on an initiative to reduce single-use waste at the Nevada Day parade. This project encourages those engaging in the Nevada Day festivities to bring their own cup to the celebration! Participants that purchase a special edition Nevada Day cup, commissioned specifically for this event by the Nevada Day, Inc., and greenUP!, can use their cup to receive special discounts on the day of the parade.
“We are always looking for ways to reduce trash and have a cleaner event,” says Brooke Santina, Nevada Day Executive Director. “The cups are functional, save people money and are great souvenirs, plus they are better for the environment.”
Each year a new edition of commemorative stainless steel cups will be produced with the Nevada Day logo and sold to customers at participating restaurants in Carson City.
The collector cups can be purchased at the Nevada Day store and at restaurants around the parade route for $15 dollars each. Numerous bars and restaurants will give customers $1 off drinks discounts on the day of the Nevada Day parade when they use their cup. Cups of any year and edition are honored for the discount. The list of vendors will be available on the Nevada Day website and in the parade program. This year’s participating discounters are:
| Arby’s |
| Cactus Jack’s |
| Carson City Cigar Company |
| Cucina Lupo |
| Feisty Goat |
| Great Basin Brewing Co. |
| Juan’s Mexican Grill |
| Red’s Old 395 Grill |
| Remedy’s |
| Scoups Ice Cream and Soup Bar |
| So Juicy |
| Squeeze In |
| Westside Pourhouse |
According to Upstream, a non-profit that studies environmental impact, a reusable stainless steel cup used 300 times creates 166 times less carbon pollution and 36 times less waste than single-use plastic cups.
“It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference,” states Donna Walden, President of the greenUP! Board. The goal of this program is to support local businesses, encourage and normalize “Bring Your Own” behavior, and remind Nevadans that keeping our state clean is one of the best ways to show our Nevada Day pride.
Nevada Day, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501c3 which exists to ensure that the celebration of our statehood continues each year with a parade taking place the last week of October in the capital, Carson City, Nevada. See www.nevadaday.com for more information.