August’s Newly Certified Green Businesses to Support
We’re thrilled to welcome several new local businesses into our Certified Green family! Meet the businesses that are doing their part for the environment and show your appreciation by choosing them for your purchases, sending a note of thanks or engaging with them on social media.
Interested in having your business certified through Local First Arizona’s green business programs? Click here if your business is in the metro Phoenix area or click here if your business is in southern Arizona.
The Breadfruit & Rum Bar
Chef Danielle Leoni is one of Arizona’s most vocal advocates for sustainability, and her Jamaican restaurant sets a high bar for operating with the planet in mind. One of her most visible practices is sourcing sustainable ingredients for dishes, from produce picked up from nearby farmers to seafood that is vetted through Seafood Watch and purchased directly from a fishmonger. She travels the country to educate and advocate for sustainable fisheries through the Seafood Watch Blue Ribbon Task Force and James Beard Smart Catch program, and also devotes plenty of time to local causes including Slow Food Phoenix’s Blue Watermelon Project. In her Phoenix restaurant, waste that goes to the landfill is minimal, with most being reused, recycled or composted. Compostable straws are offered on request, and reusable linens are chosen over paper. Energy efficient lighting, Energy Star appliances and programmable thermostats reduce energy consumption. Leftover ice is used to water plants, the property is monitored for litter and chemical cleaning products and air fresheners are avoided. The Breadfruit has also achieved Platinum level through the City of Phoenix’s Green Business Leaders program. - MORE
Fuse Living
Spending more time in your home may have you considering some new furnishings, and opting for items made with natural materials is easier thanks to the newly opened Fuse Living showroom in Phoenix. The talented team provides interior design services and cozy furniture options specializing in environmental psychology and sustainable solutions, all while actively working on the environmental footprint of their operations. They attend trainings through the Sustainable Furnishings Council to stay educated about the most sustainable options for clients. Their showroom has smart thermostats and energy efficient lighting to lower their carbon footprint. Their commitment to clean air includes hiring a green cleaning company, using paint for the showroom with no VOCs, and there is no spraying of chemical pesticides in the space. To reduce waste going to the landfill they recycle, choose reusable dishware and reduce paper use by using electronic billing methods. - MORE
House Trevethan
House Trevethan is a local tech solution consulting firm located in Tucson. Their profit-sharing business model and 100% remote workforce have made them a leader in equity and sustainability for their industry. House Trevethan's work-from-home strategy has strengthened their resiliency, allowing them to continue operation during the current pandemic. It has also decreased emissions for their whole team and reduced their carbon footprint, allowing them to save money on gas and car repair, and have more free time. - MORE
Green New American Vegetarian
Choosing plant based meals, whether full time or occasionally, is a great way to step up your sustainability game. Tempe restaurant Green is a go-to spot for delicious vegan meals, from Buffalo wings that taste like the real thing to salads full of fresh veggies. They also have incorporated many sustainability initiatives into their operations. To reduce energy use they use task lighting, properly maintain HVAC units and refrigerators and shade their windows. They replace chemical cleaners with less toxic products, use a pest control company that focuses on more earth-friendly options and eliminate chemical air fresheners. All food served to-go comes in eco-friendly packaging, plastic water bottles are replaced with boxed water, staff recycles all they can and food scraps go to an animal sanctuary whenever possible. Some of our favorite things is the no balloon policy which is strictly enforced for anyone having parties in their space, hosting fundraisers for animal rights groups, and their focus on repurposed materials from the tables to the wall art in the restaurant. - MORE
JW Human Resource Group
JW Human Resource Group is committed operating in way that protects the planet. They’ve adopted an environmental policy that focuses on reducing waste, emissions and sustainable sourcing, and they involve their staff in the decision making process to implement strategies. Their team all work remotely, which reduces emissions associated with employee commuting, and the majority of work done with clients is also done via telecommunication networks. To reduce waste, they have gone paperless for the majority of their operations and opt for reusable office supplies, client gifts and recycle acceptable materials. They are committed to being a good role model in their industry by adopting principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, employees, communities, and the planet. - MORE
Paradigm Manufacturing
Environmental impact is top of mind at this 3D printing facility in Phoenix, with owner Robert Moffitt leading the company to be as sustainable as possible. An impressive environmental policy sets achievable goals to grow their green initiatives and holds the team accountable, and their purchasing policy prioritizes items that are eco-friendly and focused on reducing waste. Energy conservation methods include having smart thermostats, efficient lighting with motion sensors, using tank less water heaters and carefully monitoring their energy use. No chemical air fresheners, chemical laden cleaning products or pesticide spraying are to be found in their space. A majority of Paradigm’s waste skips the landfill through their recycling program, and waste is reduced overall by having reusable towels, kitchenware and gloves, a water refill station and going paperless whenever possible. Low flow water fixtures conserve water. Paradigm has also been recognized as a Platinum certified business by the City of Phoenix Green Leaders Program. - MORE