Certified Sustainable Businesses to Check Out in the New Year
Make your 2021 more eco-friendly by frequenting newly certified green businesses! In a time of adversity, these businesses and nonprofits are creating positive change and building toward a more sustainable future. You can also support them by engaging with them on social media and sharing the word with your friends and family.
Interested in certifying your business through Local First Arizona’s sustainability programs? Check out either the Phoenix metro Green Business Certification or Southern Arizona Green Business Leaders based on your location.
Tucson Clean and Beautiful
After serving Tucson communities for over 35 years, in 2020 Tucson Clean and Beautiful (TCB) moved into a new facility that boasts high-efficiency fixtures, all LED lighting, and will soon feature a passive rainwater harvesting system that will feed a new organic garden for years to come. This facility upgrade is the newest addition to a legacy of sustainability education and services that directly benefit the residents of Tucson. For example, TCB’s Trees for Tucson program started in 1989, and has resulted in over 160,000 trees being planted so far, leading to an estimated 1,400 acres of new tree canopy, over $16 million in energy savings, over 7 billion gallons of stormwater interception, and over 200 million pounds of CO2 reduction within the city. All the trees they currently use for this program are locally sourced and planted by volunteers, often in frontline communities including low-income neighborhoods. Tucson Clean and Beautiful is officially a Southern Arizona Green Business Leader, certified at a Silver level. - MORE
Der Wurst Hot Dogs
Der Wurst Hot Dogs was started by Chef Nicholas Hyche, who has had a love for hot dogs since he was a child. This love has manifested into an amazing street food experience with fresh ingredients sourced from local growers and vendors, reinventing and elevating the humble hot dog while showcasing other local businesses. DW shares a space with the Linger Longer Lounge on 16th Street in Phoenix. Together, the two businesses have collaborated on recycling and waste diversion, and adapting the existing building as well as refurbishing existing kitchen equipment. With to-go food orders becoming the norm throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Der Wurst Hot Dogs is minimizing their impact on the environment by only offering compostable containers and utensils. Going above and beyond with regard to waste diversion, Der Wurst’s food waste is composted with Recycled City, all disposable gloves are recycled through Terracycle, and recycling practices on premises are communicated clearly to customers and employees. Der Wurst Hot Dogs hopes their commitment to sourcing food and products from local businesses will encourage others to increase their local spending, creating a culture of sustainability in the Phoenix food economy. - MORE
Westech Recyclers
Along with running their company with sustainability at the forefront, Westech Recyclers also provides a valuable community service by repairing and recycling literal tons of electronic waste to keep it out of landfills. Their two locations in Phoenix work hard at keeping their company's environmental impact as low as possible. The company gives back to the community through service on the Keep Phoenix Beautiful board, and donating electronics to local nonprofits. Energy conservation methods include having motion sensors throughout the buildings, using programmable thermostats and ceiling fans and closely monitoring energy use in their buildings. They reduce pollution by carefully recycling inks, opting for humane pest traps, having an electric vehicle charging station and upgrading box trucks to newer models to improve fuel efficiency. Solid waste best practices include recycling everything they can, reusing packaging materials, have reusable dishware and cups for staff, choosing reused furniture and appliances, and work on educating the community about the importance of electronic waste recycling. They even have a storefront where you can purchase upcycled electronics! - MORE