Place-based and Plant-based: New Certified Green Businesses
The Arizona Green Business Certification is a rigorous program that recognizes and promotes locally-owned businesses for best practices in localism, energy efficiency, pollution prevention, waste prevention, water conservation, and care for the community.
We are excited to announce Drink Me Tea Room, No Harm No Cow, Downtown Tempe Authority, and Sole Sports Running Zone as the latest businesses to become certified. Read on to learn about who they are and how supporting these businesses supports a vibrant and sustainable economy in Arizona.
Photo credit: Eric & Gizel Bahlman
Drink Me! Tea Room - Tempe
If you’re looking for a whimsical afternoon tea experience with a dizzying variety of tea blends, handcrafted cocktails, and in-house baked goods using only gluten-free and plant-based ingredients, then Drink Me! Tea Room in Tempe fits the bill.
Owner Melissa Harland and her team make it their mission to provide organic foods and beverages while helping the environment and supporting their community. Energy and water conservation features include ENERGY STAR rated equipment and water efficient sinks and toilets, while staff work hard at keeping waste out of the landfill by composting all food and paper products and using recyclable materials. Drink Me! Tea Room is also a strong champion of sustainability through localism and sources a growing number of products and foods from Arizona-based businesses.
Drink Me! Tea Room was recognized earlier in 2022 as Sustainable Business of the Year by the City of Tempe and won a Sustainable Earth Small Business Award for their efforts in minimizing their impact on the environment. MORE…
Photo Credit: No Harm No Cow
No Harm No Cow - Phoenix
No Harm No Cow is a plant-based food business churning out delicious traditional sauces like cheese and ranch from 100% organic ingredients and no chemicals or additives. Owner A. Shenae McCoy is dedicated to providing products direct to businesses and consumers that are environmentally friendly and inspire pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
McCoy has a written sustainability policy that guides operations of No Harm No Cow to be as earth-friendly as possible, from sourcing ingredients all the way through delivery to the customer. As many ingredients as possible are sourced from local farmers and purveyors at farmer’s markets, supporting farmland preservation, keeping dollars circulating in the local economy, and minimizing harmful emissions from transportation. Packaging and shipping materials are unbleached and recyclable, while cleaning products are non-toxic and made from natural ingredients.
No Harm No Cow even provides on-the-ground training to employees to learn about the environmental, economic, and social benefits of sustainable business practices, local organic foods, and healthy lifestyle choices. MORE…
Photo Credit: Nick Shivka
Sole Sports Running Zone - Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale
Originally achieving Arizona Green Business Certification in 2020, Sole Sports Running Zone continues to build on its commitment to serve their community and protect Arizona’s natural resources with their recertification. Sole Sports specializes in shoes, running products, and athletic apparel, and is carrying an increasing number of products that are carbon neutral and made with both recyclable and recycled materials. Their dedication to customer satisfaction, product selection, and helping to grow the running community has earned them the accolade of one of America’s 50 Best Running Stores.
At the Tempe location, lighting has been retrofitted with LEDs that are energy efficient and have a long operating life. Dual flush toilets cut down on water use while a water refill station avoids having to provide single-use water bottles. The staff at Sole Sports knows that a store that sells shoes means lots of packaging and boxes, and lots of opportunity to reuse and upcycle. They have worked to set up a system at each location to collect all materials for recycling or reuse, extending their life beyond single-use and preventing them from entering the landfill.
Sole Sports also offers an opportunity for customers to get store credit for their old shoes, sending them to entrepreneurs in developing countries who can re-sell the shoes to support their families. MORE…
Downtown Tempe Authority- Tempe
Photo Credit: Downtown Tempe Authority
Working in close partnership with the City of Tempe to increase the value, safety, and feel of Downtown Tempe, Downtown Tempe Authority (DTA) is a critical piece in the sustainable development of Tempe and it’s business community into the future. They support merchants along Mill Avenue through marketing, parking management, and connections to business resources (like the Arizona Green Business Certification). DTA is also responsible for planning and executing hallmark events in the community like the Tempe Festival of the Arts, Downtown Parades, and 2nd Sundays on Mill.
Downtown Tempe Authority is located at Hayden House, the longest continuously occupied building in metro Phoenix. The leadership and staff of DTA were challenged to meet the criteria of the certification while maintaining the unique character of this historic building. They hatched a plan that included regular maintenance of their HVAC system, retrofitting light fixtures with LEDs, and installation of motion sensors to turn lights off in unoccupied rooms. These actions and more are reducing both energy costs and ambient heat in the building.
DTA is also responding to Colorado River and groundwater shortages in Arizona by connecting downtown Tempe businesses to Tempe Commercial Water Rebates. Businesses in Tempe can get up to $5,000 back in rebates for changing out inefficient toilets, sink aerators, pre-rinse spray valves, ice machines, and more for new models that use far less water. Businesses are directed to sign up for the Tempe WaterSmart Portal to track their water use and measure their savings with the new fixtures. MORE…
Get recognition for being a sustainability leader in Arizona by becoming a Certified Green Business!
Reach out to the Sustainability team using the Arizona Green Business Certification Interest Form or contact Nick Shivka, Senior Manager of Sustainability Initiatives - nick@localfirstaz.com
