Before smart cars hit the highways and non-recyclers got the stink eye from their neighbors, Mall of America has been committed to the environment since opening in 1992. In honor of Earth Day, here are the top six reasons why Mall of America is greener than you might think:

1. Where's the recycling? Guests may notice there are no recycling bins at Mall of America (MOA), but don't worry! All trash is hand-sorted into recycling bins in the basement to ensure the most efficient and organized sorting process.
2. Hungry hogs: MOA recycles more than 60 percent of its waste – an average of 32,000 tons per year. More than 2,400 tons of that waste is food that goes to a local hog farm, providing approximately one million hog meals annually.
3. Body heat: MOA does not use a central heating system. Instead, the comfortable 70 degrees is maintained year-round with solar energy from 1.2 miles of skylights and heat generated from store fixtures and the body heat from more than 40 million visitors. Yes, body heat.
4. Smell that fresh air: More than 30,000 live plants and 300 live trees act as natural air purifiers within MOA.
5. Functional flushing: MOA has more than 275 water-efficient toilets that use only 1.6 gallons per flush. In comparison, the average toilet uses 3 gallons per flush. The amount of water saved every year exceeds 1.4 million gallons.
6. Energy efficient: In 2011, MOA replaced 5,400 parking ramp lights with LED technology. The energy saved during the new lights' 20-year lifespan is enough energy to power Nickelodeon Universe for six years.

BONUS:

The green initiatives continue with the construction of the New Grand Entrance. At least 50 percent of the construction waste from the project will go to recycling facilities rather than landfills. All building materials are extracted and manufactured within a 500-mile radius of the project site to reduce the environmental impacts from transportation. 

About Mall of America®

Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.87 million square feet, the Mall is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest indoor family theme park; EMS Entertainment Exhibit Center; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Hard Rock Café; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America, a 14-screen movie theater with digital projection including 4K, digital sound and 3D capabilities; Radisson Blu Mall of America, a 500-room hotel connected by skyway to Mall of America The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Mall is currently undergoing an expansion project on all three levels on the north side. The expansion will include a 342-room JW Marriott hotel, office tower, high-end retailers, new dining options, a tourist welcome center and large event space. Follow Mall of America on Facebook and Twitter.

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