Local Program helps
businesses go green
If you knew that a local business operated in an environmentally-responsible
way, would you be more likely to patronize it? Now there is a green
certification program for businesses that voluntarily go beyond
what is required by regulatory agencies. These special businesses
earn the right to display the Green Business logo.
The Monterey Bay Area
Green Business Program recognizes and promotes businesses that operate
with the environment in mind. The program provides applicant businesses
with clear information and technical assistance on how to comply
with environmental regulations and how to go beyond compliance to
adopt environmentally-sound practices in four areas: energy efficiency,
water conservation, solid and hazardous waste reduction, and pollution
prevention. Oftentimes, being kind to the earth also means saving
money in water and energy costs.
To become certified,
businesses must voluntarily reduce water consumption, retrofit lights
and make other electrical modifications to reduce consumption, reduce
solid waste by more than the average business and surpass regulatory
requirements for pollution prevention. Once the applicant business
has completed the requirements and becomes a Certified Green Business,
it is encouraged to display the Green Business logo on the premises
and in advertising.
The local Green Business
Program is modeled after a similar program in the San Francisco
Bay area. The Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program is currently
focusing on auto repair shops and restaurants with plans to expand
into hospitality and other sectors in the near future.
The original San Francisco
Bay Area program has grown to include seven participating counties
which have certified over 300 businesses and public agencies since
1996. The program continues to expand with new Green Business Programs
starting up in San Diego, Sacramento, Arizona, Hawaii, as well as
right here in the Monterey Bay area.
If you own a local restaurant
or auto repair shop, you are urged to contact the program coordinator
in your county and start the certification process. The service
audit is free to participants. As an added incentive, water fixtures
are replaced at no cost to the business. In addition, the program
may be able to provide rebates for replacement lighting fixtures.
Local coordinators:
Santa Cruz County:
Josephine Fleming 465-7439,
josephine.fleming@co.santa-cruz.ca.us.
Monterey County:
Health Department, Environmental
Health Division, Solid Waste and Recycling Section, 755-4579, recycle@co.monterey.ca.us.
How to help
o Eat out at certified
green restaurants.
o Take your car to a
green auto repair shop.
o Urge non-certified
businesses to start the certification process.
o Visit www.ambag.org/greenbiz
to learn more.
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