| SHOP GREEN AT CERTIFIED BUSINESSES
Shop at these local GREEN CERTIFIED businesses and help support a sustainable Santa Monica. Following are highlights of their green business achievements and description of services and products
It makes good business sense! |
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TCBY/ Starbucks
Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
www.CollegeFoodService.com
Contact: Mike Eghbali, Owner
Tel: 310.452.4761
TCBY is the first food establishment at Santa Monica College to achieve Green Business Certification. Owner, Mike Eghbali, proudly displays his Green Business Certificate on the wall adjacent to the cashier counter so students waiting in line to order can read about his accomplishments in running an environmentally-friendly business on campus.
Not only are coffee beans fair-trade certified, but used coffee grounds are collected and then composted in the College’s industrial vermi-composter. The composting system uses a specific breed of worms called “red worms” or “vermi-worms” to transform food waste into a nutrient rich compost which is then used to fertilize the campus grounds.
For many years, TCBY has been stocking reusable travel mugs personalized with each employee’s name. In the administrative offices, printing cartridges are refilled with ink purchased from the supplier – this means cartridges are used over and over and again, instead of disposed of each time they run empty. This measure not only saves money, but also saves valuable resources like energy, water and petroleum used to produce the plastic required for the cartridge. TCBY also serves pre-packed organic sandwiches from “Organic To Go”. They purchase recycled paper napkins and printing paper contains 30% post-consumer content recycled material. Of course all to-go containers are recyclable or compostable in compliance with the City of Santa Monica’s Non-Recyclable Food Service Container Ban.
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Pizza Fusion
2901 Ocean Park Blvd
Suite 123
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: 310.625.5002
http://www.pizzafusion.com/
Pizza Fusion’s motto is “Saving the Earth One Pizza at a Time”. From organic pizza toppings based on local, seasonal availability to green building materials, this is a truly unique and sustainable pizza company.
When remodeling the restaurant, Pizza Fusion worked with a local distributor, Epoxy Green, to source alternative materials like counter tops embedded with recycled multi-colored glass and tables made from rubberwood. Products made from rubberwood are "environmentally friendly" because instead of the conventional practice of burning the tree after at the end of its latex-producing cycle, the rubberwood tree is used to make products like furniture. The casing of Pizza Fusion’s bar is100% bamboo. As bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on Earth (it has been measured surging skyward as fast as 121 cm (48 in) in a 24-hour period), it is a faster renewable natural resource compared to conventional wood. Pizza Fusion also does their part in preserving water by installing water-less and high efficiency restroom fixtures. They further demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by posting eco-facts about their sustainable business practices to inform and educate customers. Pizza Fusion goes above and beyond Santa Monica’s Non-Recyclable Food Service Container Ban by stocking compostable utensils and straws. Their pizza boxes are made from 100% recycled paper. So when you order a pizza from them - indeed, you help save the earth!
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Red Bull
1740 Stewart Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
www.redbullusa.com
Red Bull puts as much energy into sustainable business practices as they do into their beverages.
Red Bull performed a complete green-building remodel to LEED standards when they moved into their new location. The parking lot integrates permeable “greenscape,” allowing rainfall to percolate in rather than running off to the streets collecting trash. The rainfall then flows into nearby storm drains leading directly to the ocean.
Instead of conventional carpet, Red Bull procures formaldehyde free “carpet squares.” Carpet squares come in a range of easy to coordinate colors and patterns and the fibers are easy to clean – no harsh chemicals necessary – you can even pick up the square and wash it in the sink! The squares are also eco-friendly – via a Return and Recycle program – where you can turn old carpet into new! Most appliances are rated Energy Star, and plenty of natural daylight comes in via vast skylights. Lights are only necessary for a few hours in the later afternoon – and they are set on timers. All incandescent task lighting lamps are replaced with compact fluorescents. To further reduce energy use, Red Bull provides blankets to staff members in lieu of space heaters. To reduce purchase of plastic bottles, employees refill their own stainless steel containers (purchased by Red Bull) at each kitchen sink installed with a filtration unit. To ensure proper disposal of electronic items known as “e-waste," collection boxes are positioned at IT workstations.
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Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
1314 2nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: 310.434.2300
www.nrdc.org
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a national, nonprofit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has 1.3 million members and online activists, served from offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Beijing. NRDC's office building in Santa Monica received the highest certification available for green building design, a Platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program. NRDC achieved this by implementing numerous measures – starting with choosing a site in Santa Monica's downtown pedestrian center to take advantage of existing building and services and to avoid building on undeveloped land. The 1920s building conserves water and energy and showcases environmentally sound materials.
A hallmark of the NRDC building is a sophisticated water recycling system that captures gray water from showers, sinks, and rainwater. This combination of water is run through a disinfection and filtration system, then used for irrigation and flushing toilets. This system reduces the building’s water consumption by 60%. All lamps are energy efficient, including dimmable fluorescent and LEDs which are installed in conference rooms and their Environmental Action Center.
After NRDC staff calculated approximately 30% of their daily waste output is food, a “Nature Mill” composting unit was purchased to turn food waste into compost quickly, without odors. NRDC also strives to eliminate one-time-use disposables, by facilitating an employee reusable bag program and stocking reusable plates, cups and flatware in the kitchen. NRDC proudly states their sustainable efforts result in a building that is sustainable, economical, educational and pleasant to work in.
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Gladstein Neandross and Associates (GNA)
3015 Main Street
Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90405
www.gladstein.org
GNA works throughout western USA in efforts to develop and implement transportation and energy strategies with aim to reduce emissions and the use of conventional petroleum fuels. They are pioneers in their industry for encouraging alternative fuel fleets, sustainable development, renewable energy programs and other carbon management strategies. GNA was one of the pioneer participants of the Green Business Certification pilot program in 2005 – offering useful feedback on the program process. One of the partners, Erik Neandross, serves on the City of Santa Monica’s Environmental Task Force.
While obtaining their re-certification, GNA worked closely with property managers to ensure they would be stocked with eco-friendly janitorial supplies such as recycled content paper towels. 3rd floor office windows are tinted with film to reduce solar heat gain. Eco-friendly purchasing practices range from printing business cards on soy inks to post-consumer recycled content paper clips and trash bags. Coffee and teas are either fair trade and/or organic. The employee kitchen is stocked with reusable plates, cups utensils and flatware. You can also find conservation prompts throughout the workplace such as “Use Water Wisely” and “Turn off” stickers. GNA proudly offsets their carbon footprint operating as a business through Carbonfund.org.
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Business.com
2120 Colorado Ave, 3rd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90404
www.business.com
Business.com is the leading business search engine, directory and pay-per-click advertising network, targeting over 40 million online business buyers. Business.com pioneered an employee ‘Green Team’ in 2006, consisting of roughly a dozen employees with a mission to introduce and sustain efficient business operations and obtain Green Business Certification (GBC). While working through the GBC checklist, the Green Team facilitated a dialogue with their property manager, Equity Office, who replaced incandescent lights with compact fluorescents, installed motion sensors in conference rooms and trained custodian staff to turn lights off. The Business.com Green Team helped the company move toward purchasing Energy Star-rated office equipment, created bound Scratch Pads made from discarded paper, and installed an in-house water filtration system to replace bottled water delivery service – cutting water costs by more than 50%. Business.com demonstrates excellent environment and social responsibility by making weekly donations of food leftover from company-provided lunches to the Santa Monica West Side Food Bank and donating staff and company magazines to St. Johns Health Center for patient waiting rooms. |
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Heal the Bay Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
1600 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.healthebay.org
Heal the Bay Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a non-profit organization that provides an innovative educational experience for school children, families and anyone interested in marine life. ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ highlights include: staff and volunteers bring in reusable mugs, and hand out materials are laminated and loaned to visitors. Green building materials have been incorporated in office renovations such as recycled content flooring materials and refurbished office furniture. Timers recently installed on public restrooms lights and old aquarium pumps and refrigeration units are being replaced with newer, more efficient models leading to substantial energy savings. Their commitment to healthy water extends to conservation. They participated in the City of Santa Monica’s rebate program and installed dual flush toilets in staff and public restrooms that feature a full flush (1.6 gallons) and a half flush (.8 gallons). The organization also pays for employee bus passes and provides bicycle parking for staff and volunteers. |
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Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
1234 6th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.smchamber.com
The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce walks the ‘green’ talk as an active partner of the Green Business Certification Program that obtained Green Business Certification. The Chamber also recognizes and promoting Chamber members that are certified. Their office features artificial turf along their front sidewalk which saves costs on landscape maintenance and lowers water bills. Office staff recycles mixed paper, cans, plastic and glass and print cartridges. They also have a collection box for batteries and cell phones for the public. They stock non-toxic, biodegradable multi-purpose cleaner, dish soap and organic hand soap. Their office is located near major Big Blue Bus routes and they post a ‘How to get to the Chamber using alternative Transportation” page on their website.
The Chamber of Commerce partners with many local, environmental non-profits such as Heal the Bay and Sustainable Works for many Chamber events. They also host the annual Sustainable Quality Award luncheon ceremony honoring local businesses for their efforts.
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The Lobster restaurant menu features classic American Seafood that is sustainably certified wild caught or farm raised. Their most recent and commendable Green Business accomplishment is installing a 9KW solar panels via Solar Santa Monica’s program (www.solarsantamonica.com). Public restrooms have motion sensor sinks installed with 1.28 gallon per minute high efficiency faucet aerators. The Lobster makes great use of natural sunlight in the dining area which looks over Santa Monica Bay and the bar area integrates LED spotlights. They regularly stock Green Seal certified dish soap and hand soap. The Lobster provides excellent financial incentives for employees to commute using alternative transportation. They obtain metro bus passes in bulk quantities so staff can purchase passes at a $50 discount. The Lobster, located near the popular Santa Monica Pier, also stocks local Big Blue Bus Route Map information to distribute upon request.
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Aura Shop
2914 Main Street
Santa Monica CA, 90405
www.aurashop.com
Aura Shop is a resource center for self-awareness and self-empowerment, providing tools and services to balance physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy. They purchase recycled office and janitorial products such as 100% post-consumer content: recycled paper towels, unbleached paper bags for store purchases and printing paper. Customers are always asked if they need a bag. Aura Shop participated in the Energy Coalition Free Tune-up program and replaced 20 incandescent high-wattage flood lights with more efficient compact fluorescent alternatives. They also installed a motion sensor on the storage room light. Upon the retrofits, they immediately saw their energy bill go down $100 on their next bill and continue to see consistent savings each month!
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The Bey’s Garden is committed to environmentally responsible business practices in all aspects of the spa. They implement excellent environmental stewardship in their purchasing habits ranging from stocking bamboo towels and robes, post-consumer content recycled paper and floor carpeting, as well as sheets made from recycled polyester microfiber (plastic bottles) which are unbelievably soft to the touch! The Bey's Garden uses natural antiseptics, organic essential oils and also carry a line of non-toxic polish for nail care. Recycled lumber and zero VOC paint were integrated during building renovations. Gift boxes come with recycled tissue paper and are enclosed with a note reminding customers to reuse and / or recycle the materials.
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CaseStack
2850 Ocean Park Blvd, Suite 100
Santa Monica , CA 90405
www.casestack.com
CaseStack provides logistics outsourcing services to companies that sell products to retailers, distributors and other manufacturers. This certification signifies that CaseStack's green business operations align with their strategy as a growing business offering green supply chain and total logistics solutions. CaseStack offers retailer-driven consolidation and biodiesel fuelled trucks to minimize emissions while maximizing cost savings. Other highlights of their green business operations include installing devices called "Vending Misers" on vending machines that cut energy use by approximately 40%. CaseStack's IT department uses an application called "Easy GPO", available via Energy Star's website, that enables easy set up for computers to go into sleep mode when not in use after 15 minutes. All the new measures implemented by CaseStack to become Green Business Certified were tracked and compiled in a company 'Green Binder' so they can be shared with customers, press and interested parties.
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Hartnell
1515 4 th Street
Santa Monica , CA 90401
310.393.6587
www.hannahartnell.com
Hartnell is a design studio/ salon specializing in elegant bridal and evening gowns with an environmental edge in business operations. Regular incandescent light fixtures have been replaced with energy efficient bulbs. Skylights allow in ample natural daylight for working. Left over fabrics from high end gowns are reused in many ways; either sewn into quilts to raise monies for charity, donated to local fashion design schools or collected by local organization, reDiscover, to reuse in classrooms and programs. Large fabric rolls are also collected by the supplier for reuse. Hanna also boasts many cost savings from these actions including saving her property manager hundreds of dollars per month by replacing one of the trash dumpsters behind her building with a recycling dumpster. She then had her staff hand deliver City blue bins to each tenant in the building to encourage them to start recycling too. And it didn't' stop there. Hanna posted signs on the recycle dumpster with a list of all the various materials acceptable for the city's co-mingled recycling program. Now that's going green with style!
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Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau
1920 Main Street. Suite B. Santa Monica, CA, 90405
310.319.6263
www.santamonica.com
Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau achieved Green Business Certification on January 23, 2007. Highlights of their green business practices include environmentally-preferred procurement, employee education and excellent 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' practices, and promoting alternative transportation.
Staff reuses packaging materials, office supplies and durable kitchenware and participates in a comprehensive office-wide co-mingled recycling program for mixed paper, cans, plastic and glass. They post prompts office-wide such as 'Use Water Wisely' and "Turn off Lights" to remind staff to be resource efficient. Their office features superb use of natural day-lighting via built-in skylights and a secure area for staff bicycle storage. Ridesharing, including public transportation options, is reviewed at new employee orientations. Staff performs local errands by foot and walking tours are arranged with out of town visitors when feasible.
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RMC Water & Environment
2400 Broadway Blvd. Suite 300. Santa Monica, CA 90404
310.566.6460
www.rmcwater.com
RMC Water & Environment, a civil engineering consulting firm that specializes in planning and design of water resources projects, achieved Green Business Certification on March 8 2007. Highlights of their green business practices include energy savings, energy efficient rated office equipment, environmentally and socially responsible office purchasing.
RMC makes great strides in socially responsibility by purchasing all office items via 'Give Something Back' program, including 'Green Seal' certified 100% recycled, chlorine-free paper. They reduced their energy use by engaging simple power management options available on most office equipment. After setting all computers and copy machines to energy saving default after 5 minutes of inactivity, their monthly energy bill was cut by more than 40%. Light motion sensors are also installed office-wide. They track their energy usage by posting monthly kWh hours used in the office to raise employee awareness. Their most impressive piece of office equipment is a copier/ printer made by Gestetner that uses a soy-based ink toner cartridge.
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Ocean View Hotel
1447 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica CA, 90401
www.oceanviewsantamonica.com
Ocean View Hotel achieved Green Business Certification on May 22 2007. Highlights of their green business practices include energy & water efficiency, environmentally conscious office purchasing, and use of less-toxic cleaning chemicals.
Ocean View Hotel is fitted with fluorescent lighting facility-wide. Staff turns off Heating, Ventilation & Cooling (HVAC) units and lights in unoccupied rooms. They purchase 30% post-consumer recycled content office paper and 100% post-consumer content paper towels for public restrooms. They recycle mixed paper & cardboard. Continental breakfast is served with biodegradable plates and cups. Their environmental stewardship is also demonstrated by cleaning guest rooms with a 'Green Seal' certified multi-purpose cleaner. They promote alternative transportation to guests by stocking local Big Blue Bus maps.
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Rustic Canyon
1119 Wilshire, Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.393.7050
www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com
The Rustic Canyon achieved Green Business Certification on July 11, 2007. Highlights of their green business practices include incorporating green building materials upon renovating, purchasing mainly local farmer's market organic produce and diverting 90% of waste from landfill via Reusing and Recycling programs.
Rustic Canyon 's commitment to Sustainability began with renovating the restaurant space in 2006 using eco-friendly materials such as low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and sustainable bamboo flooring, followed by the installation of a water-free urinal. Their commitment to protecting the natural environment extends to local organic produce from Farmers Markets and only biodegradable to-go containers made from corn-based plastics and unbleached paper. Rustic Canyon minimizes waste output by reusing crates for delivering Farmer's produce and recycling cans, plastic, glass, cardboard and mixed paper as well as all of their food waste. They successfully attain a 90% waste diversion. Excellent use of natural light via windows in dining area. Many of the staff use alternative transportation methods such as biking or carpooling.
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Santa Monica Power Yoga
1410 2nd Street, 1st Floor. Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.458.9510
www.poweryoga.com
Power Yoga is the first yoga studio in Santa Monica to achieve Green Business Certification as of September 2007. Highlights of their green business practices include promoting alternative transportation, natural ventilation, and environmentally-preferred procurement ranging from recycled office supplies to hemp and organic cotton retail items.
Santa Monica Power Yoga cleans yoga mats with an organic cleaner and uses non-toxic cleaning chemicals. They facilitate a co-mingled recycling program for mixed paper, cans, plastic and glass. The location is naturally ventilated and windows have tinted film to reduce solar heat gain. To promote alternative transportation at their busy downtown Santa Monica location, they recently installed a bicycle rack onsite for staff and members. Sustainable practices also include supporting the local economy by regularly purchasing flowers from Santa Monica Farmers Market and demonstrating social responsibility by offering donation-based yoga classes and massage services.
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Beauty and Wisdom
2307 Main Street. Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.396.4300
http://www.euphorialovesrawvolution.com/BeautyWisdom.html
Beauty and Wisdom, selling chemical free and organic radiant beauty and body care products, achieved Green Business Certification in September 2007. Highlights include eco-conscious procurement ranging from office products to retail items, incorporating green building materials and installing a skylight to allow for natural daylight during renovation.
Beauty and Wisdom purchased many green building materials upon renovating the retail space such as no-VOC paint, sustainable cork flooring and formaldehyde-free shelves. Their 'mandala' room features reclaimed furniture and organic/ fair trade cotton pillows. They demonstrate social responsibility by offering this space as a community room for various events. Sustainable office practices include reusing printer cartridges by refilling the ink directly at Walgreens which not only saves money but also reduces the use of packing materials. Only ONE non-toxic, multi-purpose cleaning chemical is used store-wide.
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Lotus East-West Medical Center
2104 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.828.8258
www.lotusew.com
Lotus East-West Medical Center is a holistic primary care center providing acupuncture, oriental and naturopathic medicine along with other related services. They are the first holistic medical center to achieve Green Business Certification in Santa Monica. Highlights of their green business practices include renovating the space with No-VOC paint, non-toxic plyboo flooring and recycled jip-board. They even made a table from left over plyboo flooring strips!
Environmentally-preferred procurement ranges from recycled office supplies to organic cotton linens and pillows. Biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning chemicals are used facility wide. Practitioners stock sanitizers containing organic ingredients and organic herbs when available. Client rooms feature natural light and dimmable low voltage lighting. Fluorescent lights are installed in storage and restrooms. They also promote alternative transportation by stocking Big Blue Bus Route info and display sustainable tips and environmental info.
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Blackman and Holberton
201 Wilshire Blvd. Suite A6. Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.458.8898
BBlackman and Holberton provides relocation planning services for businesses. They are the first moving company in Santa Monica to achieve Green Business Certification. Highlights of their green business practices include excellent Reduce, Reuse and Recycle practices and promoting alternative transportation.
Blackman and Holberton use durable crates instead of cardboard boxes during company moves and they make a point to reuse all packing materials when possible. Durable kitchenware is stocked for staff use. Company emails are sent with reminders to consider conserving paper before printing emails unnecessarily. Environmentally-preferred office procurement ranges from recycled letterhead materials to post-it notes. They use less-toxic cleaning products office-wide. Many of the employees practice alternative transportation such as taking public transportation to work or driving hybrid vehicles. |
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The Ambrose
1255 20th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 315-1555
www.ambrosehotel.com
The Ambrose is committed to protecting the environment and preserving natural resources. They are a partner and member of the Green Hotels Association, graduate of Sustainable Works' Business Greening Program and California Sustainable41 winner. They incorporate environmental stewardship by recycling and composting over 60% of their waste output as well as cleaning guest rooms with non-toxic biodegradable cleaners. Mini bars and guestrooms are stocked with natural, earth-friendly products. They strive to purchase locally in order to support Santa Monica economy and promote alternative transportation via Beach Cruiser Bicycle rentals for guests. The Ambrose regularly donates to non-profit organizations and highlights their accomplishments in their monthly e-newsletter.
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Co-opportunity
1525 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 451-8902
www.coopportunity.com
Co-opportunity is a natural foods grocer serving the Santa Monica community since 1976. In all areas of its operations, through the products it sells, and in its interactions with the community, Co-Opportunity's actions are guided by the concept of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. They were the first grocery store in the Westside to install a two-kilowatt, photovoltaic solar power system on the roof - way back in 1999! They have a storewide buying policy to obtain organic products whenever possible as well as purchase non-toxic paints, cleaning chemicals and sealants. They also provide a reverse-osmosis water filtration system where customers can refill their own water dispensing containers.
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Contact: Lisa or Zat
Tel: 310.396.4300
Email: info@euphoriacompany.com
Euphoria Loves RAWvolution (ELR) is committed to conscious, earth-friendly practices in every aspect of their business. Euphoria’s food waste is collected and either composted to make fertilizer or turned into bio-fuel to run vehicles. Currently, about 95% of all foods purchased at ELR (nothing frozen or microwaved) are USDA certified organic. By requiring all of their vendors to stock certified organic alternatives and reusable or recyclable shipping materials this small deli shows how small business can grow the market for sustainable products. All of their to-go containers are biodegradable, meaning they are made from bagasse, recycled paper, corn or potatoes – even their straws! They exclusively use non-toxic cleaning supplies such as peroxide based dish detergent. The few office supplies stocked are made from post-consumer content recycled paper. Only natural ventilation such as cross breezes and fans, are used - no mechanically cooled air! Employees are supplied with organic cotton uniform shirts, offered generous discounts and are encouraged to bring their home water jugs to fill at the café's state-of-the-art custom water filtration system. ELR helped Santa Monica launch the Certified Green Business program in 2006 by participating as a pilot business.
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Gladstein, Neandross & Associates LLC
3015 Main Street, Suite 300, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 314-1934
www.gladstein.org
GNA works throughout western USA in efforts to develop and implement transportation and energy strategies with aim to reduce emissions and the use of conventional petroleum fuels . They are pioneers in their industry for encouraging alternative fuel fleets, sustainable development, and renewable energy programs. Eco-friendly purchasing practices include recycled office products, furniture as well as non-toxic cleaners from local 'green' grocers. Company letterhead paper is also printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.
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The Library Alehouse
2911 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 314-4855
http://libraryalehouse.com/
Library Alehouse has always gone ‘above and beyond compliance’ regarding sustainable business practices since opening the restaurant in 1995. They were early adopters of the City of Santa Monica’s ban on non-recyclable Food Service containers i.e., they stopped using Styrofoam long before the City required them to.
Owner, David Lackman, whole-heartedly demonstrates commitment to running an environmentally sounds businesses by purchasing sustainably certified restaurant equipment and food products throughout. FSC rated wood was sourced for dining tables and chairs. The Alehouse also bottles their own water via Natura Water filtration system, instead of selling water shipped in to Southern California from hundreds to thousands of miles away.
Alehouse recycles their used fryer oil into biodiesel at no cost. They purchase sustainably procured seafood when available. Further efforts include regularly incorporating seasonal, local, organic ingredients throughout their menu and composting kitchen waste- which sometimes even ends up in Dave’s backyard compost pile : )
The Library Alehouse was also a 2001 pilot participant for local non-profit Sustainable Works’ Business Greening Program and Santa Monica’s Green Business Certification program launched in 2006. They won a Sustainable Quality Award Grand prize in 2003. This restaurant is a well known booster of the local retail economy, and further their positive contributions to the community by supporting an organization each month through donation, promotion, and activism.
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Patagonia
2936 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 314-1776
www.patagonia.com
Patagonia, Santa Monica is part of a $250 million international company that designs and distributes outdoor clothing. Their definition of quality includes working with processes that cause the least harm to the environment, as they rely on the availability of abundant natural landscape in order to sell their clothing. Patagonia not only closes the loop in recycling in-house materials but they also collect worn-out garments from customers and recycle them into polyester (PET) used to make new filament yarns. They also produce a fleece clothing line made from post-consumer recycled plastic soda bottles (PCR). All of the cotton in their products is 100% organic cotton. Patagonia has awarded over 18 million dollars to various environmental groups via the Environmental Grants Program.
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Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica
530 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405
www.sheratonsantamonica.com
Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica unites sustainable business practices with a contemporary hotel design aesthetic. The Kor Hotel Group’s “Second Nature” mission aligns the Sheraton Delfina’s processes and products with environmentally sustainable practices. A clear message that they strive to incorporate sustainable operations is communicated to staff during meetings and trainings. Most noteworthy retrofits include replacing standard sprinklers on landscaping with a ‘Rain Bird’ drip irrigation system, reducing water AND energy use substantially. Energy efficient measures (that also save water) include replacing water cooled equipment like refrigerators with air cooled alternatives, and installing an advanced PH conductivity controller in cooling tower which recycles water. 3,100 compact fluorescents were installed in guest rooms. Comprehensive recycling programs for paper, cardboard, cans, plastic, glass and pre-consumer food waste. The Sheraton Delfina also strives to eliminate the use of toxic cleaning chemicals via integrated pest management strategies and phasing in an electrolyzed water cleaning agent created simply from tap water and salt. They are one of the first luxury hotels on the west coast to pioneer this FDA approved, non-toxic cleaning system. The newly renovated hotel will be hosting the 2009 Santa Monica’s Sustainable Quality Award luncheon on March 25th.
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Apogee Electronics Corporation
1715 Berkeley Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
www.apogeedigital.com
Apogee Electronics, founded in 1985, is a leading manufacturer of digital audio hardware systems and related accessories for audio professionals around the world. They are breaking new ground– as the only digital audio business in Santa Monica to install solar panels on their roof and achieve Green Business Certification. Apogee Electronic closes the loop by reducing use of disposables by stocking durable kitchenware for staff use, reusing aluminum and metal parts in hardware systems, comprehensive office recycling programs, and purchasing post-consumer recycled content items ranging from tissue paper to file folders. Instead of purchasing bottled water, staff refills containers from the filtered water tap at the kitchen sink. Incandescent ceiling flood lights in main computer stations were retrofitted with energy efficient compact fluorescents. Common areas feature efficient T8 and T6 fluorescent fixtures and tubes. Small desk lamps at workstations demonstrate task lighting where additional light is needed. Fair-trade coffee purchased for early and late night shifts. Staff can store bicycles indoors, and showers are available.
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Studio of Environmental Architecture
1920 Olympic Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404
www.studioea.com
The work of David Hertz Architects Inc, Studio of Environmental Architecture focuses on the design and construction of environmentally responsible residential and commercial buildings, as well as the research and development of resource efficient ecologic building products. Studio EA’s commitment to integrating sustainable materials, processes and building techniques is demonstrated both in client projects and within their own office. The company’s proactive approach to promoting green building materials involves displaying product samples incorporated within their space, like recycled denim insulation and solar tubes. These samples detail the ecological, recycled characteristics where applicable, and manufacturer information. To further reduce use of finite natural resources such as water, high-efficiency faucet aerators emitting 0.8 gallons per minute, and toilets with a high and low water flush option. Reduction in energy usage also reduces associated GHGs (Green House Gases) emissions. In Studio EA’s Energy report, the assessor noted they use 40% less than an average office its size. Integrated energy efficient design like dimmable electronic fluorescent fixtures manufactured by Luton®, and occupancy (motion) sensors ensure lights used at minimum and are turned off when not needed. Green building highlights include a “green” roof with drought tolerant succulent plants and solar panels. Other sustainable business operations range from recycling some construction and demolition waste locally -via neighboring plumbing supply store- and promoting alternative transportation by storing an electric bicycle onsite for employee use.
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Bryan Cave LLP
120 Broadway, Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.bryancave.com
Bryan Cave LLP is a leading business and litigation firm with a long history of success offering legal counsel and advice in virtually every area of interest to business and entrepreneurial clients.
‘Reduce and Reuse’ practices range from replacing kitchen disposables like paper cups and plastic utensils with reusable mugs and silverware, and a used book exchange display coordinated by staff in the main break room. Bryan Cave estimates the cost of purchasing silverware will be recouped within 3 months compared to monies spent on disposable utensil procurement. The firm, world-wide, is also purchasing mugs for over 1,000 employees to further ‘Reduce and Reuse’ efforts company-wide. Innovative, local and socially responsible sustainable strategies include hosting a 'Green Day Fair' on St Patrick's Day 2009 featuring vendors and local environmental non-profits with aim to educate employees on available and local green resources, and coordinating a recent beach clean-up with Heal the Bay for employees to participate in during paid work hours with a company-provided lunch. Bryan Cave's sustainable business practices, ranging from adopting the ABA-EPA Law Office climate Challenge to purchasing post-consumer content recycled paper supplies, are outlined in their Sustainability Policy which is included in the company manual.
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Kreation Kafe
1023 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
www.kreationkafe.com
Kreation Kafe serves delicious, healthy food in the unique atmosphere of “living walls” comprised of hanging succulents and recovered decking materials.
After renovating the restaurant space with more efficient fluorescent lights, tank-less water heater, energy efficient refrigeration unit and stove, owner Marjan Sarshar was very pleased to see her energy bill go down 40% ($300-350) –a savings of over $300 or 2,000 kWh per month. Furthermore, business has increased over 400% compared to previous ownership, and she still sees a savings due to replacing old equipment with Energy Star® or energy efficient alternatives. The restaurant also participates in food scraps composting with the City of Santa Monica. All dining tables are custom made with reclaimed wood. Over 90% of the produce purchased at Kreation Kafe is organic and purchased locally from the Santa Monica Farmer's market. They even serve organic ketchup! Utensil holders are made from recycled tires and their menu is printed with soy-based inks on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper.
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Morley Builders
2901 28th St,
Santa Monica, CA
Contact: Jessica Kurland
Tel: 310.399.1600 ext. 264
Email: jkurland@morleybuilders.com
Morley Builders is one of the largest construction and engineering firms in Southern California. Morley Builders constructs many LEED buildings, and recycles up to 92% of the construction and demolition waste generated. They also have a collection container for batteries to ensure safe disposal. They run a green office, including a paperless accounting and payroll system and an eco-friendly procurement policy. They are committed to purchasing 100% post-consumer content printing paper certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council and marketing materials are also printed on FSC certified paper using soy-based inks. They post handy eco-facts on walls in copy room to keep employees motivated and educated on the companies environmental stewardship. Morley Builders is also a pillar of the Santa Monica community, giving thousands of dollars each year to local charitable organizations, and paying for employees to do volunteer work.
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Universal Music Group
2220 Colorado Ave,
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Contact: Joy Power
Tel: 310.865.5569
joy.power@umusic.com
The Universal Music (UMG), employing 650 people in their Santa Monica Headquarters office, is the world’s leading music company for recorded music and music publishing.
Universal’s office integrates the use of sustainable building materials including low VOC carpet tiles purchased from Mohawk. Their in-house cafeteria stocks biodegradable to-go containers made from post-consumer content and utensils made from corn.
UMG has an office wide policy for printing on both sides of paper extending to all outsourced printing jobs. In efforts to encourage proper disposal of electronics, Universal sponsors in an E-Cycle Day (Electronic Waste Recycling Round-up) where employees are encouraged to bring in unwanted electronic items such as old monitors, computers and fax machines, which are then dropped off at a California Certified Collection and Recycling facility. The UMG building features water-free urinals and operable windows. Operable windows allow the intake of fresh air and reduces energy use associated with mechanical cooling of the facility. Their advanced automated building management system ensures lights and equipment are off during non-business hours. UMG’s efforts in energy efficiency for their building earned them the ENERGY STAR Label (www.energystar.gov). An ENERGY STAR qualified facility meets strict energy performance standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by using less energy, saving money in operational costs, and causing fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its peers.
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Hershey | Cause
1336 5th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Contact: Barbara Remedios
Tel: 310.656.1001
Email: bremedios@hersheycause.com
www.hersheycause.com
Hershey|Cause is a woman-owned, communications agency offering marketing and consulting services to socially-minded corporate clients and nonprofit groups nationwide. Social innovators, Hershey|Cause is the umbrella identity for Hershey Associates, a full-service for profit marketing consulting agency, and Cause Communications, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding communications best practices through research and education.
Hershey|Cause is committed to exemplifying the change it works to create in the world socially, culturally and environmentally. Environmentally friendly adjustments to office environment and procedures to maximize efficient use of resources resulted in the organization achieving Green Business Certification. Adjustments included: ensuring all individual offices have recycling bins, replacing lighting ballasts to make use of updated energy-efficient lighting, installing high-efficiency toilets in office restrooms, instituting a worksite transportation plan with information on ridesharing and alternate modes of transportation, and encouraging the use of the water-filtration system over bottled water. Hershey|Cause also ensured its HVAC and pest control vendors are promoting and employing environmentally friendly practices.
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Healthy Spot
1110 Wilshire Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Contact: Andrew Kim
Tel: 310.458.2004
Email: Andrew@healthyspotla.com
www.healthyspotla.com
Healthy Spot provides preventative and proactive canine care along with eco-friendly products, organic foods and a variety of services ranging from doggie-day care and pet grooming, to providing the latest news and trends in the pet care industry. They are the first pet store in Santa Monica to achieve Green Business Certification. Healthy Spot stocks an remarkable range of environmentally beneficial pet products ranging from USDA certified organic food to non-toxic, organic cotton dog toys and post-consumer content (pcc) recycled crate mats made from plastic bottles. Their commitment as stewards of the environment is further demonstrated by ONLY sell biodegradable doggie bags (bio-bags) and bio-training pads. Notable green building features include solar tubes in restrooms that provide natural sunlight, and a tank-less water heater, that saves energy costs by making hot water available instantaneously for all the doggie baths. But Healthy Spot doesn’t stop there! Social responsibility is one of the pillars in operating a sustainable business – and Healthy spot validates this practice by collecting old pet crates and blankets from customers to facilitate donations to shelters via a local charity called Operation Blankets of Love.
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Copia Creative, Inc.
3122 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 203
Santa Monica, CA 90404
www.copiacreative.com
Contact: Michelle Adelson/Anique Oudshoorn
Tel: 310.826.7422
Email: anique@copiacreative.com
Copia Creative is an award-winning strategic branding and creative agency that partners with our clients as their extended marketing team. Combining both consulting and creative practices, Copia focuses on developing and implementing a consistent and creative brand experience across touch points to align with business goals and strategy. The office fosters sustainable ideas and innovative adaptations. As a creative agency, Copia encourages their clients on how to integrate green practices from brand strategies, including partnerships with related environmental causes to execution, such as eco-minded print materials with vegetable-based inks and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper. The agency has developed a specialized eco-conscious focus including a website, bulletin board, and newsletters called CopiaGreen that includes a CopiaGreen email address for staff ideas and suggestions to discuss and plan in regular staff meetings. Eco-minded materials such as articles and relevant resources are available for employee reference. Copia's policies reflect their sustainability commitment, including many forms of recycling, alterative transportation to the office, and managing electricity use. Copia is also developing partnerships with other eco-friendly businesses to help align their green practices with their brand. The Copia team and culture has become passionate, dedicated, and excited to being green and advocating sustainable practices based on the level of education, involvement, communication, and collaboration.
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Threshold Media Corporation
2114 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
www.thresholdsound.com
Contact: Michele Blankenship/ Marc Schrobilgen
Tel.: 310.571.0500
Email: Micheleb@thresholdsound.com
Threshold Sound + Vision is a recording studio and video post-production facility. They incorporated energy efficient design into the remodeling of their studio, including solar tubes, compact fluorescent lighting retrofits, and retrofitting their Torchiere floor lamps with fluorescent bulbs - reducing energy consumption by 50%! Threshold purchases many eco-friendly cleaning products from companies such as Method and Seventh Generation and they stock a soy-based graffiti remover. Threshold Company letterhead and business cards are printed on post-consumer content recycled paper. Kitchen is stocked with reusable plates, mugs and silverware and napkins are made from post-consumer content recycled paper procured from local supply stores. Threshold’s recycling programs extends to digital Beta tapes and CDs. They also donate unwanted electronic equipment to California Recycles (www.californiarecycles.com).
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Watt Companies
2716 Ocean Park Blvd
Suite 2025
Santa Monica, CA
www.wattcompanies.com
Contact: Alex Reed
Tel: 310.450.3802
Email: areed@wattcompanies.com
From commercial development to homebuilding, Watt Companies offers comprehensive and diversified real estate services across the United States. Watt Companies incorporates environmental stewardship both in-house in their operations as well as tenant properties. Their Los Angeles office, Watt Plaza, is the first office building in Los Angles to receive gold LEED for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance certification.
Watt Companies demonstrates exceptional commitment to sustainability by supporting an active employee driven “Green Team’. The Green Team facilitates green operations and programs in-house including an Earth Day Raffle eligible only for employees demonstrating sustainable practices at work. Practices ranged from staff bringing in reusable mugs, plates or utensils, to alternative commuting such as carpooling, taking the bus, biking, or walking. The Green Team used monies gained from recycling programs to purchase some of the raffle prize giveaways. On Earth Day, they invited local sustainable vendors ranging from green office supplies to local environmental non-profits to educate and provide resources for tenants and employees.
Watt Companies goes above and beyond compliance with tenant and in-house renovations by using low VOC paints which help cultivate good indoor air quality. Green Seal Certified chemicals, purchased in bulk concentrated form and refilled in dispensers, are used facility wide.
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World Café
2820 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
www.worldcafela.com
The World Cafe holds its location on Main Street since 1984 and offers a choice of indoor dining or al fresco on a relaxing garden patio with a mulched landscape to retain moisture and help prevent water runoff. Lighting is subdued or sun-kissed by natural lighting pouring in via skylights. By composting kitchen food waste, cans, plastic, glass, mixed paper and cardboard via City’s program they divert over 70% of trash from local landfills. All to-go containers are either compostable (paper or corn plastics) or recyclable. Their cleaning chemicals are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Design for Environmental label (DfE). DfE commends companies for their leadership in designing products that are good for their business and for the environment. www.epa.gov/dfe. World Café is also conveniently located near bus stops accessible via Big Blue Bus or LA Metro lines.
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