Vero Beach Outlets, the more than 339,000 square foot outlet shopping center located in Vero Beach, FL, announced today it will welcome Brevard Zoo’s Women of the Wild (WOW) volunteer organization for a special shopping event honoring the group’s steadfast commitment to conservation awareness and community action. Open to current and former organization volunteers, along with members of the public who wish to learn more about Women of the Wild, too, the outlet center’s Green for Good Eco Shopping Event will take place Thursday, March 15 from 6-8 pm.
Women of the Wild is a Brevard Zoo organization of diverse and exceptional women, and girls (Daughters of the Wild) dedicated to conservation. Through networking and other initiatives, the group seeks to affect positive change by raising conservation awareness, volunteering and sharing the mission with others. For 2018 the group set into motion a set of goals they call "sustainable behaviors," a challenge that began with each participant tracking their usage of the top "worst offender" items that negatively impact the environment and local wildlife. They identified three top categories and went to work creating alternative behaviors in each. The first category was takeout and to-go plastic items. They developed a Sustainability Survival Kit (pictured here) which includes a reusable to-go container, reusable straw, cleaning brush and chopsticks along with a cloth napkin all in an insulated tote bag.
WOW Program Coordinator, Wendy Barnes, said “The idea is you keep this in your car and bring in with you to restaurants (or use when you order your Starbucks, etc.) to avoid accepting disposable straws and the like. Then you have your leftovers all ready for you the next day with your cloth napkin for lunch.
The upcoming event at Vero Beach Outlets is all about tackling the second “sustainable behavior” goal by addressing plastic bags. Barnes said “Many of us are successfully developing the habit of bringing our own bags to grocery shop but often forget the behavior when shopping for anything else. This is where the Green for Good (shopping event) comes in.” Barnes added that the third category is about plastic bottles, but they have not yet announced their plan.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Women of the Wild to salute the important work this dedicated group undertakes throughout the year to help keep our region thriving, strong and beautiful,” said Vero Beach Outlets Marketing Coordinator Beth Hager. “As stewards of our local environment, Women of the Wild members are true local leaders that not only educate but give of their time to perform positive changes in the communities in which we all love. We look forward to honoring Women of the Wild at Vero Beach Outlets on March 15.”
Complete with refreshments and reusable shopping bags for all in attendance, shoppers will meet in the outlet center's community room (next to Sunglass Hut) for a short presentation prior to enjoying an evening of shopping. Stores including the following leading designer and favorite brand names will offer event attendees special offers, sales, and incentives such as:
Columbia Sportswear: two $25 gift card raffles
J.Crew Factory: $50 gift card raffle
Tommy Hilfiger: $25 gift card raffle
Chico’s Outlet: complimentary refreshments
White House | Black Market: complimentary refreshments
To register to attend the Green For Good Eco Shopping Event at Vero Beach Outlets RSVP to wbarnes@brevardzoo.org.
ABOUT VERO BEACH OUTLETS
Vero Beach Outlets is a 339,000 square foot outlet center featuring a collection of more than 50 leading designer and brand names such as Banana Republic Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Coach Outlet, J.Crew Factory Store, Chico’s Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Nike Factory Store, Restoration Hardware Outlet and Williams-Sonoma Outlet, among many more, which offer savings of up to 65 percent off regular retail prices every day. Visit www.verobeachoutlets.com for more information including a complete store directory, sale and special event information, operating hours and driving directions.
ABOUT WOMEN OF THE WILD
Women of the Wild is a diverse group of exceptional women who, through their relationships and networking, accomplish positive change by raising awareness and garnering support for critical conservation initiatives affecting our community, our region, and the world. They are the dedicated and driving force behind the success of programs and projects supported by Brevard Zoo. Through commitment to a common purpose and belief that change comes about through the concerted efforts of many, Women of the Wild creates a template of empowerment that ensures mission success.Get more information about the group by visiting their Facebook Page.