Local businesses join EnviroStars, state's 'green businesses'

Increasing EnviroStars business benefit local community, environment

June 06, 2019 - by Riley Grant, Environmental Education Coordinator, Public Works - Natural Resources

EnviroStars, a green business program initiated by Washington State, has helped more than 150 businesses of all sizes and types improve their sustainability this past year.  Local businesses in Bellingham and Whatcom County are joining in.

EnviroStars connects businesses with local environmental assistance, resources and utility rebates. Businesses earn EnviroStars recognition by taking steps to “green” their facilities and operational practices such as replacing inefficient lighting with LEDs, composting food scraps and switching to safer cleaning products.

EnviroStars helps businesses implement best practices that save energy and water, generate less waste and pollution, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions – choices that are good for business, good for Washington’s environment and good for customers.

The City of Bellingham Public Works Department  and Whatcom County Health Department  have helped several local businesses improve their environmental practices and gain recognition through EnviroStars, including the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Diehl Ford and Sustainable Connections. After participating in the program with the City of Bellingham, local business owner James Sullivan of Growlers Keep said, “EnviroStars gives us the tools we need to reduce our waste and become a more environmentally responsible business.”

Consumers can visit EnviroStars.org to find businesses of all types that share their environmental values – whether they’re looking for a brewery, auto body shop or insurance agency. Well-known Washington staples such as Chateau Ste. Michelle winery, Tom Douglas restaurants and Fremont Brewing have joined EnviroStars, along with many more small businesses like Bellingham Bay Builders.

Bellingham and Whatcom County are among a coalition of 21 Washington cities, counties, utilities and local public health jurisdictions in the Puget Sound region that support EnviroStars.

To find green businesses near you or to receive environmental assistance for your business, visit EnviroStars.org.


Media Contact

Aaron Burkhart, Pollution Prevention Technician
City of Bellingham, Public Works Natural Resources
(360) 778-7961
akburkhart@cob.org

Ed Halasz, Environmental Health Specialist
Whatcom County Health Department
(360) 778-6028
EHalasz@co.whatcom.wa.us


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