“There is no such thing as ‘away.’ When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.”
– Annie Leonard, Proponent of Sustainability
While we may dream of the ability to surf far, far away, Annie Leonard couldn’t be more accurate- we would still be heading somewhere.
Once thrown “away,” a plastic water bottle can take 450 years to decompose, a plastic straw takes up to 200 years, and plastic bags can take 20 years (World Wildlife Fund, 2021). Even though delicious food and tasty waves are our passion, Playa Bowls prioritizes sustainability in our everyday lives.
All of our in-store cutlery is either compostable or recyclable because we want to leave footprints in the sand while reducing our ecological footprint. Our stores are built from reclaimed and repurposed materials- even our metal roofs! Our Playa Fam also lives locally to their locations to not only make their commute to work simple but also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with commuting.
Sustainability is not just in the physical elements of our store but also in the edible ones! We source our fruits and veggies from Nicaragua and Brazil and various local farms to emphasize our sustainability goals. Whether you order an acai bowl, juice, or smoothie, you can feel confident knowing that you are putting good into your body!
The nutrients found in Playa Bowls food also give you and your energy levels sustainability throughout the day- and maybe even your life. The fiber found in Acai not only aids digestion but also contains amino acids that promote muscle performance, energy recovery, endurance, and strength. Acai berries are also a great source of Vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E!
Another popular Playa base, pitaya, is a powerhouse for nutrients. Pitaya is also high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are good for your immune system- both long and short term. Another benefit of pitaya is the amount of iron it contains. Iron is important for moving oxygen through your body, giving you sustainable energy during the day.
“Eat Your Greens” is a popular saying for a reason! A fusion of essential greens can help you reach your quota of essential vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens have been blended up to create the base of your next Playa Bowl! Our greens contain plenty of protein, fiber, iron, and Vitamins A, C, and K!
Sustainability is essential both inside and out of the Playa Bowls menu and stores. When applied, environmental sustainability can improve the quality of living, preserve our environment, and protect natural resources for years to come. In our operations, sustainability is interconnected with our organization’s mission and is directly applied in every aspect, from manufacturing all the way to customer service.
If we don’t practice what we preach, our beautiful oceans and earth will be tainted; therefore, sustainability is a key value in Pineappleland. Cheers to good food and healthy living for all!
Sources:
A Healthy Lifestyle and Helping the Environment with Playa Bowls. (n.d.). AIM2Flourish. Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://aim2flourish.com/innovations/a-healthy-lifestyle-and-helping-the-environment-with-playa-bowls
Saving the Planet One Bowl at a Time. (n.d.). AIM2Flourish. Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://aim2flourish.com/innovations/saving-the-planet-one-bowl-at-a-time
Supplying Healthy Food Alternatives. (n.d.). AIM2Flourish. Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://aim2flourish.com/innovations/supplying-healthy-food-alternatives
The lifecycle of plastics. (n.d.). Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/the-lifecycle-of-plastics