Reusable Nevada Day cups available for parade

Nevada Day festivities can bring out the revelers and libations, especially for the annual parade set for downtown Carson City the morning of Oct. 28. Whether it’s beer or a bloody mary, partygoers can avoid plastic clutter and purchase a reusable, stainless steel cup for the occasion thanks to two not-for-profit organizations.

“greenUP! partnered with the Nevada Day organizers since 2019 to strategize ways for the Nevada Day parade to be more sustainable,” said Donna Walden, president of the greenUP! board.

The organization spearheaded the green dining district in downtown Carson promoting sustainable practices with restaurant members. It also partnered with Nevada Day Inc., which runs the annual parade, to offer reusable cups. Made by Klean Kanteen, the cups cost $15 each but give holders $1 off drinks at participating businesses including Arby’s, Cactus Jacks, Carson Cigar Company, Cucina Lupo, Feisty Goat, Great Basin Brewing Company, Juan’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, Red’s Old 395 Grill, Scoups Ice Cream and Soup Bar, So Juicy, Squeeze In, the Basil and Westside Pour House.

The cups are available for purchase at Nevada Gift Shop, Arby’s, the Basil, Cucina Lupo, Great Basin Brewing Co., Juan’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, Squeeze In and So Juicy.

“A small number of cups will be sold in front of the Adams Hub during the Nevada Day parade,” Walden said. “Cups from previous years will be honored for the discount on Nevada Day.”

Walden said most places offer alcoholic drinks except for So Juicy, Scoups and Arby’s, but these businesses will be offering discounts on other beverages.

“It’s up to the individual establishments to determine what the $1 off is for but generally for beer, margaritas, bloody marys, mimosas and other alcoholic beverages popularly served during Nevada Day and during the parade,” Walden said.

Walden pointed out that according to Upstream, a nonprofit that studies environmental impacts, a reusable stainless-steel cup used 300 times creates 166 times less carbon pollution and 36 times less waste than single-use plastic cups.

“Consumers that purchase the reusable souvenir cups demonstrate a concern for preserving our beautiful state” Walden said. “Plastics break down very slowly and affect people, animals and the environment over time.”

“We are always looking for ways to reduce trash and have a cleaner event,” said Brooke Santina, Nevada Day Inc., executive director. “The cups are functional, save people money and are great souvenirs. Plus, they are better for the environment.”

Walden said cups can be used in future Nevada Day events. She said discounts by participating businesses will be offered after festivities as well, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5, corresponding with a banner over downtown Carson promoting the green dining district.

For information about greenUP!, visit www.greenupnv.org.

For information about Nevada Day festivities, visit www.nevadaday.com.