Tips from San Francisco Green Businesses
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash
Sustainability Pathways DBA of Zellerbach Associates is continuing its research by interviewing members of the San Francisco Green Business certification program. We believe that learning first-hand the experiences of Green Businesses puts us in the best position to advise our clients of the program benefits.
We have interviewed the following four San Francisco Green Business owners to learn about their sustainability practices as they share their experiences, benefits and challenges with the program:
Lindsay. Dyson, Office Manager, Pachamama Alliance
Joe Dellert, Owner, Artisans of San Francisco: Picture Framing, Prints and Posters
Debra Mugnani Monroe, Owner, Monroe Personnel Service, LLC and Temptime Newsletter
Maggie Ostdahl, Sustainable Initiatives Manager, SF Bay Area Sustainable Seafood Alliance, Aquarium of the Bay
Below is a consolidated list of their experiences, benefits and challenges.
PAPER USAGE
Digitize paper retention to save on paper usage and storage
Use refillable printer toners
Use post-consumer recycled paper
POWER CONSERVATION
Encourage staff to wear warm clothing on cold days to reduce the need for the entire work area to be heated
Provide a space heater to reduces power usage
Take advantage of natural lighting for the office to save on electric power — this may involve relocating the office or rearranging the furniture in order to use the natural lighting from the skylights or windows
Equip kitchen with energy-efficient appliances to save on power
Use energy efficient LED light bulbs to save money on electric bills and to reduce frequency of replacing them since they last longer
WATER INITIATIVES
Use low-flow toilet fixtures
Use a water filter pitcher for all the employees
Provide drinking water for business guests in glasses
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Use an e-waste collection service to recycle discarded batteries, electrical and electronic devices
Reduce the size and frequency of the black waste bin pickup to save money on waste bill
HEALTHY WORK PLACE
Use non-toxic cleaning supplies
Use fabric towels instead of paper
Use washable dishware for staff and guests
Provide a lunch room with an eco-efficient dishwasher
Encourage brown bag lunches
PROMOTION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Place San Francisco Green Business logo in office, on website, in email signature and on promotional materials
Promote business as a green business in a blog or newsletter reporting on receipt of a Green Business award
Offer tours showing their sustainable practices
STAFF INVOLVEMENT
Empower a green team that meets on a regular basis to develop and implement sustainability activities
Engage staff in the sustainability and purchasing policy to help strengthen the sustainability culture of the business
CHALLENGES
How to get the word out about being a sustainable green business
How to offset the expenses involved in upgrading to the Green Business program certification standards
How to find vendors that supply specialty items that are required by the program, such as vendors for business cards and bank checks
CONCLUSION
All four of the Green Business owners believe that the San Francisco Green Business program is valuable whether from the perspective of cost savings or just because it is the right thing to do. Here are some of their comments:
“Since the requirements are rigorous to be a San Francisco Green Business, it makes it more credible.”
“It is a tangible way to walk the talk."
"It doesn't cost more money to be a Green Business.”
“Green Business Program promotes mindfulness and keeps the office space cleaner and healthier.”
Sustainability Pathways DBA of Zellerbach Associates is grateful to these San Francisco Green Businesses for sharing their time and experiences. Please feel free to share these findings and to use their experiences as tips to apply to work places.
For information about the Green Business Program, go to https://greenbusinessca.org/
For more about the Green Business Program, go to https://sfenvironment.org/green-businesses