Clark County’s Green Business program has certified five businesses for their efforts to operate efficiently, reduce environmental impact and offer employees healthy workplaces.
The Clark County Public Health-coordinated program offers resources and onsite assistance to help businesses. Eighty-seven are certified with the program, which launched in 2012.
The five newly certified businesses and some of their sustainability practices are:
• Harvest of Peace Microgreens. The La Center business grows microgreens and strives to avoid single-use plastic. Crops are packaged in reusable glass jars with fabric covers, and bulk orders are packaged in washable produce bags. Product labels are printed on 100 percent recycled paper in a facility powered by renewable energy.
• High End Market Place. The Vancouver cannabis business collects batteries for recycling and reuses cardboard boxes before recycling. The business uses LED lighting, and outside lighting is never on during daylight hours.
• Natural Grocers – Vancouver. The Hazel Dell natural food store recycles film plastic, uses green cleaning products throughout the store and donates to local food banks. In the break room, employees use durable dishes, rather than single-use products.
• Sekidenko. The Vancouver business manufactures optical fiber thermometers. Sekidenko has an environmental policy in place and collects bubble wrap packaging for reuse. The business also provides a shower for employees who bike commute or exercise at lunch.
• True World Foods. The Vancouver-based wholesale distributor of fresh and frozen seafood collects scraps for compost and purchases cleaning products in bulk to avoid excess packaging. The business also collects single-sided paper for reuse, and uses electronic filing and invoicing as much as possible.
To learn more about the Green Business program, visit www.clarkgreenbiz.com. Businesses interested in pursuing Green Business certification can contact Sarah Keirns, environmental outreach specialist, at 564.397.7319 or sarah.keirns@clark.wa.gov.
