California Green Business Network

One of the numerous benefits of becoming a certified Green Business is receiving recognition from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. The Supervisors are play a pivotal role in shaping our community by establishing policies, approving budgets, and guiding numerous county departments. On an annual basis, we present program updates to the Supervisors and invite the newly certified and recertified small businesses to connect with their local leaders—highlighting their positive contributions to the community. Congratulations to the 62 recognized businesses at yesterday's Board of Supervisors meeting ??

On January 14th, OurEnergy was honored by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors for its induction into the California Green Business Network, alongside?District 3 Supervisor, Justin Cummings and a selection of other honorees in his district. This recognition reflects our proud commitment?to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a green future for our clients and our community!

After more than 10 years of dedicated leadership, Josephine (Jo) Fleming is stepping down as Executive Director and will now serve on our Board of Directors. Jo expresses her confidence in the new leadership, stating, “It has been my honor and life’s work to grow this organization from its early start. It was entrusted to me by the strategic leaders that came before me. It is with a lot of trust and faith that we have chosen Lacey and Corona to Co-Direct the organization into its next phase.” Lacey and Maria bring a diverse range of skills and experiences that will help CAGBN continue to lead the state in creating a vibrant green economy. Lacey’s expertise in sustainability and social justice, paired with Maria’s strengths in bilingual community outreach and technology, make them the perfect team to drive our mission forward. We are excited to embrace this Co-Directorship model and look forward to the continued success of our programs statewide! Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/ggM7N8WU

Intuit Mini Grant Highlight: SquirrelPrintz, a women-owned sustainable printing business in Los Angeles, used funds from the CAGBN and Intuit mini-grant program to purchase an EcoFlow 1024W generator and a 220W bifacial solar panel! By implementing environmentally friendly practices, including switching to renewable energy for garment printing production, this business aims to lower energy consumption, reduce pollution, and eliminate toxic exposure for production workers and the surrounding community. “I look forward to a very productive shop using and relying on a clean energy source to operate. I am excited to build upon what has been started. Wi-Fi capability makes it easy to monitor the system and make adjustments while away from the shop. The solar conversion rate on the panels is about 23%, so it takes about 6 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. The amount of operating time I get from the equipment varies according to wattage usage. For example, my embroidery machine (220W) plugged in, turned on but not running will last 14 hours on the generator charged at 100%.” - Sha'ron Pryor, Owner -- [Es] SquirrelPrintz, un negocio de impresión sostenible propiedad de mujeres de Los ángeles, utilizó fondos del programa de minisubvenciones de CAGBN (Red de Negocios Sustentables de CA) e Intuit para adquirir un generador EcoFlow de 1024W con un panel solar bifacial de 220W. Mediante la aplicación de prácticas respetuosas con el medio ambiente, incluido el cambio a energías renovables para la producción de prendas de impresión, este negocio aspira a reducir el consumo de energía, disminuir la contaminación y eliminar la exposición tóxica de los trabajadores y de la comunidad cercana. "Espero tener un taller muy productivo que utilice y dependa de una fuente de energía limpia para funcionar. Estoy entusiasmada con la idea de seguir avanzando sobre lo que ya se ha empezado. La capacidad Wi-Fi facilita la supervisión del sistema y la realización de ajustes cuando no se está en el taller. La tasa de conversión solar de los paneles es de aproximadamente el 23%, por lo que tarda unas 6 horas en cargarse completamente del 0% al 100%. La cantidad de tiempo de funcionamiento que obtengo de los equipos varía en función del vataje utilizado. Por ejemplo, mi máquina de bordar (220 W) enchufada, encendida pero sin funcionar durará 14 horas con el generador cargado al 100%". - Sha'ron Pryor, Propietario

???? With the recent heatwave in CA, it's crucial to stay energy-efficient! Here are 6 simple energy tips to help you save power and stay cool: - Use fans to circulate air. - Close blinds during peak sunlight. - Use energy-efficient appliances. - Set your thermostat to 78°F or higher. - Unplug devices not in use. - Use LED light bulbs. - Stay cool and save energy! ???? Register your business to learn more at: greenbusinessca.org #EnergyEfficiency #Heatwave #StayCool #SaveEnergy #GreenBusiness

???? Choosing 100% recycled toilet paper is a small change with a big impact. It helps conserve forests, reduce waste, and lower carbon footprints. Why not swap out something used every day for a more sustainable option? Consider installing a bidet at home too!?? The Green Business Program can help your business find recycled paper products for your everyday needs. Check out this scorecard to see which toilet paper brands are best and worst for the planet. ???? Read more about the Issue with Tissue: https://lnkd.in/g2jYJAKf #Sustainability #RecycledPaper #EcoFriendlyChoices #GreenBusiness

[En] We are celebrating Pride Month this June! The California Green Business Network welcomes and encourages all LGBTQIA+ businesses to get certified so more California communities can enjoy the benefits of going green. Support LGBTQIA+ Certified Green Businesses this month and every month! How are you celebrating pride month? Support a local LGBTQIA+ business here: https://lnkd.in/gYCXPUVa // [Es] Este mes de junio celebramos el Mes del Orgullo y a la comunidad LGBT + (lesbiana, gay, bisexual, transgenero). En California Green Business Network damos la bienvenida y alentamos a todas los negocios LGBTQIA+ a obtener la certificación para que más comunidades de California puedan disfrutar de los beneficios de ser sustentables. ?Apoye a los Negocios Sustentables certificadas LGBTQIA+ este mes y todos los meses! ?Cómo estás celebrando el mes de la comunidad LGBT? Apoya a un negocio local LGBTQIA+ localizándola aquí: https://lnkd.in/gYCXPUVa #GreenBusiness #LGBTQIA+ #localsupport

Café Lovi , a woman- owned coffee shop in Santa Monica, used CAGBN and Intuit mini-grant program funds to install Optivision architectural film. Optivision architectural film rejects up to 99% of UV rays, slowing fading of furnishings and flooring, blocks up to 80% of the sun’s heat, saving on air conditioning costs, and retains interior heat in the winter, saving on heating costs. Through this project, Cafe Lovi saves 2,413.38 lbs of CO2 per year! Learn more at greenbusinessca.org -- Café Lovi, una cafetería de Santa Mónica propiedad de una mujer, utilizó los fondos del programa de minisubvenciones de CAGBN e Intuit para instalar láminas arquitectónicas Optivision. La película arquitectónica Optivision rechaza hasta el 99% de los rayos UV, ralentizando la decoloración del mobiliario y el suelo, bloquea hasta el 80% del calor del sol, ahorrando en costes de aire acondicionado, y retiene el calor interior en invierno, ahorrando en costes de calefacción. Gracias a este proyecto, el Café Lovi ahorra 2.413,38 libras de CO2 al a?o. Más información en buff.ly/4b5enL9

Small Business Funding Opportunity! The EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is calling for small businesses to apply for Phase I awards of up to $100,000 to support eligible small businesses in the development and commercialization of innovative environmental technologies, with additional funding of up to $400,000 available in Phase II. If you have a business that addresses any of the following environmental topics, you may be able to apply for this funding. The EPA is hosting an informational webinar tomorrow, Wednesday, June 5, from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT. Register at the link below. Funding Opportunities and Webinar Topics include: CLEAN AND SAFE WATER: Nature-based Solutions for Water Reuse, Technologies for the Treatment of PFAS, Treatment for Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water. AIR QUALITY & CLIMATE: Technologies to Monitor and Reduce Air Toxics Exposures, Air Pollution Control Technologies for Small Sources. HOMELAND SECURITY: Scenario-Based Training for Disaster Response CIRCULAR ECONOMY/SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS: Preventing and Recycling Food Waste, Source Reduction and Reuse, Lowering Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment. SAFER CHEMICALS: Rubber Anti-Degradants, and Next Generation Fertilizers. https://lnkd.in/d5m3TWqn

We’re feeling re-energized after our recent Spring Statewide Conference! Connecting with coordinators from across the state gave us a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas on how to continue helping small businesses become more sustainable. ???? A huge thank you to the Pine Ave Community Center, a proud Green Business in beautiful Carlsbad, for hosting us. Shoutout to AVO Cafe and French Delights, local Green Businesses, for catering delicious lunches! Join our network of businesses for a sustainable future! Sign up for free at greenbusinessca.org?? #GreenBusiness #Sustainability #Carlsbad #SmallBusinesses