Sonoma businesses show it’s rewarding to be green

The Sonoma Valley Green Business Recognition Program recently honored two groceries, an architect/builder, a nonprofit and a caterer/culinary educator. At the January 16 city council meeting, Mayor Joanne Sanders presented certificates to representatives of the Sonoma Market, Thomas Anderson & Company, Whole Foods Market, the Sonoma Valley Film Society, and the Epicurean Connection. Each business serves as an inspiring example not just that businesses can adapt for the good of the environment but, as Thomas Anderson said, that people respond when given a chance to do the right thing.
At the meeting, Program Manager Laurie Decker commended the five organizations for their leadership role. “It takes a real commitment to change the way you make business decisions. These businesses are serving as models and are helping to make ‘green’ the way we do business in Sonoma Valley.” Greg Hittleman, of Sonoma Valley Film Society, said that his company’s green effort ranges from walking to work, carpooling to meetings, changing the light bulbs, putting on faucet aerators, using all recyclable paper products and even using washable cups instead of plastic, all things a business on a small arts budget could afford. “It was easy and fun,” said Hittleman, “and hopefully, we’re joining a lot of other great businesses in Sonoma Valley working in sustainable business practices.“
Mark Gore, manager of Sonoma Market, said they’d instigated a program where if you bring back your old plastic or paper bag, they give you a raffle ticket. They have a drawing every day for $100 worth of groceries. He said Whole Foods was actually a stimulus. When they came in to town, with their obvious green reputation, it motivated Sonoma Market to change, too. “It’s a very positive thing for us and the community,” he said.
To date, a total of thirteen Sonoma Valley businesses have achieved recognition under the program. Award recipients are encouraged to pursue green business certification through the Sonoma County Business Environmental Alliance and the Association of Bay Area Governments. To achieve recognition, a business must meet several minimum requirements, including obtaining assessments of their energy and water usage. Businesses must also demonstrate green business practices in each of seven areas: solid waste prevention, recycling, purchasing, energy conservation, water conservation and water quality, transportation, and involvement of stakeholders such as customers, employees, or suppliers. Businesses can also be recognized for a particular project or process that can serve as a model for other organizations.
More information about green business programs in Sonoma Valley can be found at www.sonomachamber.com.