CERTIFIED GREEN BUSINESS TESTIMONIALS

Alan Rice Automotive
3545 Soquel Drive, Soquel

"We chose to participate in the Green Business Program because we believe playing an active role in preserving the environment is an important aspect to conducting business. We have always paid close attention to minimizing the impact my business leaves and are now better able to communicate that to our customers."

Albert's Organics
2450 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz

"As I read my Green Waste Newsletter one day I saw some information on becoming a Green Office. As part of our Local Green Team I decided to pursue this to see how we were actually measuring up in our efforts. Since we were already doing most of what was required it was an easy process. The main fix we did was changing out our lights and we like them a lot!

"Along with our parent company United Natural Foods we have a mandate to keep improving on what we can do as a company in our distribution business to become more sustainable. We are also founders in the Food Trade Sustainability Association http://www.ftsla.org/ that is setting metrics, self audits and striving for continuous improvement in being Green. More information at on our initiatives and organics at www.albertsorganics.com and www.unfi.com. This was a perfect project for us since as a procurement office we do not interact on a daily basis with the community but it is nice to know that we are doing our best to lighten our impacts on our local environment wherever we can."

—Jennifer Green, Packaging and Organic Certification Manager, Melody Meyer, National Procurement Director
And Albert’s Organics Green Team Members

Aleene Althouse Agency-State Farm
346 Union Street, Suite 2, Santa Cruz

As State Farm agent, I make it my business to be like a good neighbor; and I believe a good neighbor is a green one. I built my agency around helping people protect themselves and their loved ones, and a great way to start is by helping to protect our environment.

—Aleene Althouse

Alfresco
1130 Pacific Ave., Kiosk 2, Santa Cruz

“I am passionate about the environment and try to be as responsible as possible. I drive an electric car and use all biodegradable serve ware. I recycle and conserve whenever possible. I am proud to receive the Green Business Award.”

—Alfresco owner, Marilyn Strayer

Aloha Island Grille
1700 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz

“We are offically a member of the Green Business program and are conscious of our impact on the environment! We strive to adhere to and maintain the standards of the program and are proud to be part of it! Plus we love to surf and know what goes into our precious ocean! Continue to help perpetuate this mindset and encourage your favorite business(s) to participate in this invaluable program! Together we can help our children’s children to have a safe and happy future in and out of da water!”

—Numa Trepanier and Tim Hunt, Owners

American Cafe
701 Ocean Street #20, Santa Cruz

"American Cafe is proud to have received certification as a Green Business here in Santa Cruz. Our whole staff is committed to operating our business with respect and partnership with our environment and our limited resources. We believe that the choices we make now will provide a safer and healthier world for ourselves, our customers and our community."

—American Cafe

American Dream Realty
6990 Highway 9, Felton

"We've been growing and evolving as individuals, as members of our local community and as providers of a valuable service.  Our focus is to continue to improve  in all ways. Becoming more aware of the world around us and contributing to positive changes has been very rewarding.  We will continue in these efforts.  Thank you for your help, guidance and support!"
 
—American Dream Realty, Felton

Aptos Burger Company
106 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos

“If you care about the environment then you care about being a Green Business”

—Owner, Terry Foltz

Delaware North Parks & Resorts at Asilomar
Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Blvd. Pacific Grove

"With GreenPath, our ISO 14001 registered environmental management system; we are committed to reducing the negative environmental impacts from our operations. Stewardship is a core value of our company and we are committed to continuous environmental improvement. We are proud to be a member of the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program and through the application process we learned that there are still some areas that we can improve in. Our goal now is to comply with every single check list item on the application, thus furthering our commitment to environmental improvement."

—Rick Wood, Facilities & Environmental Manager
DNCP&R at Asilomar

Bay Photo Lab
2161 Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz

"Bay Photo seeks to have the least possible impact on our planet. Our dedication to being a green business is in the minds of our great team members. A recent move to our new plant on Delaware Avenue in West Santa Cruz has allowed us to create a green compliant facility. We are appreciative of the Monterey Bay Green Business Program’s efforts to help businesses minimize their impact on our environment. We applaud all of our business partners in Santa Cruz who have become green certified."

Bean Creek Studio
230 Mt. Hermon Road, Suite 216, Scotts Valley

"It was so easy, with just a few changes in the way we operate, we've become"Green-Certified"-what a simple yet effective way to help our community\reduce waste and conserve valuable resources. The whole process was really quite simple and the excellent staff of Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program helped us along every step of the way. I urge fellow businesses in the area to get on board and "Go Green". It feels great!"

—Jen and Kurt Isola, owners Bean Creek Studio

Bee Clene Carpet Cleaning and Bay Building Janitorial
834 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz

"We conduct our business with respect and care for our environment and implement strategies that achieve the greatest benefit for everyone. The Green Business Program has proven to be a valued partner in achieving these goals."

—Patty Enriquez

Big Brothers Big Sisters (Salinas Office)
161 Main Street, #3, Salinas

"Being a Green Business allows us the opportunity to show the community that it is not just kids we care about. Big Brothers Big Sisters also has a commitment to minimizing environmental impact in small, day-to-day ways. As a non profit agency, we know that every penny counts, and by going green we are able to save green. We are proud to be the only one-to-one mentoring agency for youth in Salinas, and now we have yet another reason to be proud; being the only youth serving agency to go green! We hope to be leaders in creating a safer, greener Salinas."

—Alicia Lampley, Program Manager

Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos

“In the long run we’re hoping to save a lot,” Vinolus said. The biggest savings come from the industrial water sprayer in the kitchen, Fleming said. The new low-flow spray heads will save around $3,000 a year, Vinolus estimated. The new efficient lighting will prevent 1,400 pounds of greenhouse gases from reaching the atmosphere. Of all things, Vinolus, who has run Bittersweet for 10 years, seemed most exited about the food waste recycling that allows food scraps to decompose into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. “The compost turns back into food. It completes the cycle,” he said. [as quoted in the Register Pajaronian Newspaper, 4/23/05]

—Thomas Vinolus, Proprietor and Chef

Business Made Better
4630 Soquel Dr., Ste. 8C, Soquel

"Being involved in the Green Business Program fits right in with what we do at Business Made Better: helping small business owners improve their businesses. Whether becoming a greener business is a small step or a large one, it is always an improvement.

Keeping the environment in mind is something I do naturally, but by going through the Green Business Certification, I’ve learned many new tips. I’m happy to report that I am already incorporating pointers on “going green” into the information I provide to business owners.

I hope that when clients see our Green Business certificate, their reaction will not be to congratulate us, but to stop and think about what changes they can make in their own business."

—Jenevieve Brackett

Café Cruz
2621 41st Ave., Soquel

“It was easy to become a Green Business and integrate water conservation, recycling and more into our business practices. The program matches our values and so we felt it was the right thing to do.”

—Steve Wilson, President

Café LimeLight
1016 Cedar St., Santa Cruz

"Café LimeLight, a small, family run business with limited resources, went Green. If we did it, then every chain and large company can too. All they need is the will to do the right thing. Without a healthy planet to live on, the bottom line means nothing."

—Billy Thompson, Proprietor

Calpine Monterey Cogen
831 Walker St, Watsonville

"Calpine is one of the largest power generators in the U.S . and our fleet of renewable geothermal and low-carbon natural gas power plants is among the cleanest in the nation. Calpine is proud to partner with our communities. We diligently operate our facility in an environmentally responsible manner that promotes waste prevention and places the highest priority of health and safety,"

—Dan Arellano, General Manager of South Bay Projects

Car Care Center
2852A Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

"Before oil and antifreeze bottle recycling, the auto
center where my shop is located, was sending to our
land fill, enough empty oil quart bottles in a year to
fill a average home from floor to ceiling.

—Art Vasconcellos, Owner

Carmel Kitchens & Baths
26386 Carmel Rancho Lane, Ste. 104, Carmel

"Carmel Kitchens & Baths has designed custom kitchens and baths on the Monterey Peninsula since 1980.  We have always found it essential to transform our clients¹ dream kitchens and baths into realities.  Now we are doing what we can to sustain our environment for future generations.  By becoming a certified Green Business through the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program we are trying to set an example by remodeling the way into a greener future."

Casey Printing Inc.
398 E. San Antonio Dr., King City

“Our hats are off to the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Certification Program,” commented Rich Casey. “Its great to have this organization encouraging businesses to establish and follow environmentally and economically sound business practices, but also to recognize firms who have been adhering to those standards for many years. We are delighted to be part of the program and to be the first Southern Monterey County firm certified."

Center for Transformational Neurophysiology
4624 Soquel Drive, Soquel

"We are commintted to helping people learn to get the most out of life and to stay focused on what is truly meaningful. We believe that there is nothing more meaningful and essential to our quality of life than than preserving the natural environment. The Green Business Program is an excellent way to get started toward creating an economy that supports a truly sustainable way of life."

Central Coast Alliance for Health
1600 Green Hills Road, Scotts Valley

"The Alliance is proud to be a member of the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program.  We are committed to reducing environmental impacts by minimizing excess waste, purchasing recycled materials, conserving resources, and recycling throughout the organization.  We are very excited to be a part of this program."

Charlie Hong Kong Restaurant
1141 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

"Our intention is to operate our business in a sustainable manner.  We follow the core values: to conserve, protect, and respect the environment natural and human.  We are committed to serving organic food, buying locally grown produce and using local venders as much as possible.  We appreciate the recognition and collaboration of other businesses.  Thank you to the County and City of Santa Cruz for taking on this important project."

—Carolyn Rudolph, Owner

Chartwell School
2511 Numa Watson Rd., Seaside

"Chartwell School is proud to be a member of the Green Business Program. Chartwell is committed to creating and maintaining a learning environment that is energy efficient, healthy, comfortable, well lit, and which contains the amenities needed for quality education. Our new school campus demonstrates how improved academic outcomes and responsible resource stewardship are results of both green facility design and sustainable operating practices. Chartwell is the first complete educational campus in the country to be LEED Platinum certified. Going green is good for the environment and great for our students!"

—Douglas Atkins, Executive Director

City of Scotts Valley
City Hall, Scotts Valley

“As Mayor of the City of Scotts Valley I am honored that Scotts Valley is the first city to be part of the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. With a continued effort on the part of many businesses we can make a big difference in protecting our environment”

—Mayor, Stephanie Aquillar

Collins Enterprises
49-D Hangar Way, Watsonville

"We are doing our part by helping our clients go green."

—Steve Collins, Owner

The Community Foundation
of Santa Cruz County   
2425 Porter Street Suite 17, Soquel

"The Community Foundation chose to green our internal operations because it was already in line with the values of our organization, whose mission is to make Santa Cruz County a better place to live, now and in the future. Incorporating sustainability into our everyday office life was an essential step for our staff. Thanks to the Monterey Bay Green Business Program for seeing us through it!"

Community Printers
1827 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

"Founded by a like-minded group of young people who wanted to use their knowledge of print to make our community a better place to live, we have grown to be the largest printer on the central coast but we still identify with these early roots; community service, environmentally responsible printing, democratically-managed work place. These values are what define our organization."

Cruz Car Wash
2731, 41st Ave, Soquel

"The Green Business Program allowed me to sharpen up my business in a number of areas; all of which were logical and have a direct economic impact on my business. We’re disposing of less trash, we’re able to re-light the facility with cost effective equipment and I was the beneficiary of a number of good ideas that had been developed at other places."

—Jeremy Levin, Owner

Cruz'n Cellular
266 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley

"'Treat the earth well: it was not given to us by our parents, it was loaned to us by our children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.' Ancient Proverb

We our proud to be apart of taking care of our environment and consumers. Kacie Johnson Serving Santa Cruz County 8 years."

—Kacie Johnson, Owner

Dairy Queen Capitola
816 Bay Ave, Capitola

"Following the guidelines of the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program has resulted in conserving environmental resources in a number of ways such as using less electricity, using less water, using products made from recycled products, and greatly increasing our recycling program. At the same time we are saving money by doing so, getting good feedback from our customers, and feeling good about conserving. It is truly a win win situation."

—Michael Babich, Owner

De Camara Management    
9011 Soquel Drive, Aptos  

"Always leave a place better than you found it."

—Al De Camara, Owner              

Dharma’s Restaurant
4250 Capitola Road, Capitola

“As an older Green Business its great to see others coming on board.”

—Bernie Shapiro, Owner

DMV Clinic
2335 Soquel Drive - Suite G, Santa Cruz

“Being a Green Business is a winning investment in our
future”

—Jack Sparks, Owner

Ecology Action
211 River Street, Santa Cruz

"Receiving our Green Business certification is an important step for Ecology Action as we progress toward our objective of making our operations fully carbon neutral and environmentally sustainable."

Emerald Iguana Salon Inc.
2121 41st Avenue #105, Capitola

"Beauty is as beauty does. Our mission at Emerald Iguana, an Aveda concept salon, is to connect beauty, environment and well being, we believe learning never ends. At Aveda we strive to set an example for environmental leadership. Our team is committed to educating and raising awareness both globally and locally for many environmental issues. We are part of a wonderful community and want to support this area as they have supported us."

—Julie Ferreira, Owner

Environmental Control Monterey Bay
3560 Soquel Ave #A, Santa Cruz

“We believe we can bring integrity to an industry where it is currently lacking, by paying employees fairly and giving customers what they have contracted for, not just what they complain about”

—Jon Walsh, Owner

Erik's Deli Café
1074 S. Green Valley Road, Watsonville

"It's our responsibility to do what we can to protect our environment."

—Timi Sutton

Fall Creek Engineering
P.O. Box 7894, Santa Cruz

"Fall Creek Engineering specializes in environmentally sustainable solutions to water and wastewater issues.  The decision to become a certified green business was simple and we were excited that such a program existed.  The process was educational and the program staff were helpful and encouraging.  Becoming a green business has further committed us to a consciousness of healthy sustainability for our community and the earth.  Additionally, we've see a significant reduction in our resource usage and waste and an equal reduction in the cost of both.  Thank you Monterey Bay Green Business Program for the opportunity to incorporate and promote sustainable practices!"

First Congregational Church Santa Cruz
900 High Street, Santa Cruz

"We work together to sustain our church as a green organization and to support one another in changing our ways of life as we cherish the earth, live for justice, and pray for peace. We hope the many community people who enjoy concerts, forums, exercise classes, and worship at our church will help us practice environmental responsibility."

Forest Hill Auto Service
1123 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove

“In keeping our oceans and environment cleaner we can all do our small part in order to have a larger cumulative effect. We have already seen a 10% reduction in our energy costs through being part of the program. In addition, we are hoping that the Green Business Program will continue to foster better relationships between businesses and county regulatory agencies.”

—Bob Constant, Owner

Geo H. Wilson
250 Harvey West Boulevard, Santa Cruz

"The Green Business Program has given us the opportunity to improve and expand our business practices. Diverse business members can provide pro-environmental leadership to make the Monterey Bay Area a better place."

—Geo H. Wilson , Owner

Gino’s Carco Santa Cruz Auto Recycling
3315 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz

“Our business is Auto Recycling and Parts. By the very nature of our business, we are preserving the natural resources and saving the environment. Since we have become a Green Business, it has enhanced our business both Ecologically and Economically. To be a certified Green Business is good for our Community and the Environment. We are proud to be Green and encourage every Business to go Green.”

—Gino Tayebi, Owner

Global Concepts
109 Lee Road, Watsonville

"Reduce, re-use and recycle, that is our business model here at Global Concepts.

Global Concepts supplies high quality used office furniture to the marketplace. This diverts used office furniture out of the landfill waste stream and back onto the market. Furniture destined for the dump is instead working and fulfilling it's function again. Quality used office furniture looks and performs similar to new furniture but there is an average saving of 80% (or more) compared with new. Global Concepts quality, used office furniture or remanufactured office furniture offers an attractive alternative to purchasing new. You can be assured of a quality product, a cost effective and most importantly, an environmentally – conscious product.

What’s good for our environment really is good for business"

—Lori Buffington, President

greenspace
1122 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

"At greenspace, we take our mission to educate and help pre-screened green products for sustainable living, eco home improvement, babies and gifts
seriously. Going through the formality of getting this certfication validated what we are already up to and helped us find more ways to be an even more eco-minded business."

—Lydia Corser, greenspace

Greg Bellows Plumbing Inc.
2541 S Rodeo Gulch Rd, Soquel

"Protecting the environment and our oceans has always been important to us at Bellows Plumbing. So becoming a Green Business was an easy and natural decision. We are constantly finding new and better ways to recycle and reuse our work materials. Plus we continue to offer new products that help our clients protect the environment and reduce energy and resource usage."

—Jason Schlunt, Bellows Plumbing Inc.

Hans Auto Repair
384 Olympia Avenue, Seaside

"We strive to be conscious of our impact on the environment and felt we needed to do our part to protect the planet and our beautiful Monterey Bay. Becoming a Green Business was an easy decision. Being green is a great investment in our future and the future of our planet. We sincerely hope that more businesses will also become Green Certified. Going through the process is easy and totally worth it."

—Michael Brooks and Tracy Polockow

Henderson Automotive Repair
982 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz

“We at Henderson Automotive are pleased to be a part of the Green Business Program because we want to give back to the community and help the environment.”

—Greg Henderson, Owner

Hula's Island Grill and Tiki Room
221 Cathcart Street, Santa Cruz

"Being Green is not only a practice it is a state of mind"

Intero Real Estate Services
1115 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

"Intero Real Estate Services, Santa Cruz, is striving to improve the quality of homes while reducing the impact on our natural resources and environment. Together, we envision a more energy efficient, less wasteful environment. A cleaner planet is possible, and we're starting here."

—Intero Real Estate Services

Jackson Landscape
216 Central Ave, Capitola

JohnsonDiversey Equipment and Beta Technology
2841 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

"To promote, educate and encourage a greener environment at work and in our community."

—JohnsonDiversey Equipment Green Team Mission Statement

Joni L. Janecki & Associates, Inc.
515 Swift Street, Santa Cruz

"We are excited about what the Green Business program means for our community and the region. Our participation in the program reflects our long-standing philosophy to utilize sustainable design principles and promote environmental awareness. Being a Green Business member supports our mission of blending built and natural environments, ecological stewardship and preserving natural systems for generations to enjoy."

—Joni L. Janecki & Associates, Inc.

Keller Williams Realty Santa Cruz
1414 Soquel Avenue, Suite 100, Santa Cruz

“Keller Williams Realty Santa Cruz is committed to conserving resources, reducing our impact on the environment and facilitating healthier homes for our clients.  We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the City of Santa Cruz and the Green Business Program”

KRXA
495 Elder Ave., Ste. 8, Sand City

"Thank you for the honor of receiving the Green Business Certification. We're proud of this award because we're conscious of our stations ecological impact. Going green is the wave of the future, and is necessary for all businesses as a way to support the health of our communities, our children and our Earth."

—Deborah Lindsay

L’Atelier Salon
114 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz

"Change begins within, change begins with L'Atelier.  We look forward to being a part of the beautiful you."

—Jenna Culver, Owner

L&M Auto Repair
27 1st Street, Watsonville

“It feels good to do our part to protect the planet. My employees are into it and so are my customers.” [as quoted in the Register Pajaronian Newspaper, 8/26/04]

—Mike Cisneros, Owner

La Posta
538 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz

Being a green business was important to us from the very start. Going through the city program was easy, and getting certified a gratifying final step. It is great that the city acknowledges and supports businesses such as ours - where recycling, conservation, and using fresh local organic meat and produce are fundamental. The owners and staff of La Posta Vecchia are proud to be a Certified Green Business.

—Emily Avila, Dining Room Manager

Light & Motion
300 Cannery Row, Monterey

"We pride ourselves in being environmentally responsible and qualifying for the Green Business Award was a logical step for us. We're very proud of the award and excited about being a part of such a great program."

—Barrett Heywood, CEO, Light & Motion Industries

L. Kershner Design
200 Washington Street, Suite 207, Santa Cruz

“L. Kershner Design is pleased to be known as a Green Business in Santa Cruz. As members of the US Green Building Council, we are dedicated to bringing green design to our clients and our community. Being a Green Business is one more way to join our community in creating a sustainable future. We enjoy the benefits of protecting our environment with daily practice: recycling, using efficient lighting, conserving water use, and acting responsibly. We are really pleased Santa Cruz embraces sustainability, and we know we are in good company with other businesses here.”

Lloyd's Tire Service
303 River Street, Santa Cruz
 
"As a local, family owned business, we've understood the importance of community involvement and responsible business practices since we open our doors in 1940.  As an automotive business, we take our responsibility for safe disposal of tires and fluids very seriously.
 
We are proud to have been chosen to be a member of the Green Business Program of the Monterey Bay, and we are dedicated to the program¹s standards for environmentally responsible business practices of reducing, reusing and recycling whenever appropriate."

The Maynard Group
3949 Research Park Drive #160, Soquel

“As a responsible local company, we are participating in the Green Business Program to minimize our impact on nature and also for our staff to learn the importance and benefits environmentally conscious living.”

—Deane, Owner/CEO, The Maynard Group

Merry Maids of Santa Cruz County
930 E lake Avenue, Watsonville

"Merry Maids appreciates the environment in which we live and work.  Our love of this area has expressed itself in our concern for sustaining the bay area, so future generations can enjoy what nature has given us.

Personally, and as owners of Merry Maids in Santa Cruz and San Francisco counties, we have searched out products that are effective and ecologically safe.  Merry Maids is committed to providing our customers with the best possible cleaning experience, using products that protect our surroundings.

We have been successful in searching out Green Seal cleaning products that are equal to, or surpass, traditional cleaning products.  We have found safe alternatives to chlorine bleach and other caustic substances.  We recycle and are committed to using recycled products where possible.

Our customers can join our efforts by letting us collect their small batteries, small electronic items and used CFL light bulbs when we provide their cleaning.  We will arrange for proper disposal and recycling at our expense."

—Lee and Richard Combs,
Merry Maids of Santa Cruz County

Michael’s On Main
2591 Main Street, Soquel

“This whole Green Business Program has been fantastic. Not only is it very good for the environment, economically it’s fantastic too. It’s very important for the environment and I’m very excited to be a part of this program.”

—Michael Clark, Owner

Midtown Montessori
818 N. Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz

“We used the Green Business Certification as a way to approach the design, construction and daily operation of our child care center to help reduce the negative impact on our environment while providing the healthiest work space possible. The responsibility for conserving and sustaining our world as a healthy environment for future generations rests with us all. The Green Business Certification is the beginning of our ability to use the shaping power of living our environmental values as a daily example to the children we teach.”

—Donna Saffren and Bryan Campbell

Mick's Automotive
1257 Thompson Avenue, Santa Cruz

"I have been running a green shop for years that's why when I heard about this program I wanted to become a Certified Green Business"

—Tracy Cotton, Owner

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
299 Foam St, Monterey

"The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is dedicated to protect the natural resources in one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world... our coasts and waters of central California. The Green Business Program offers an avenue to fulfill that dedication to our environment and has motivated the staff to share creative ideas to exceed the basic greening expectations. In keeping our office green, we hope to keep the ocean blue and flourishing with rich resources for future generations to enjoy."

Monarch Media
406 Mission Street, Suite J, Santa Cruz

"Part of our mission is to be socially responsible and that certainly includes environmental awareness. Thanks to the Green Business Program for their help in increasing our environmental practices at our office!"

—The Monarch Media Team

New Leaf Community Market
1210 41st. Avenue, Capitola

"Our mission is to nourish and sustain the community, so it is a given that we would want to be green and we appreciate the effort that the County is making to assist businesses to become Greener. As 'Green' as we thought we were, we appreciate the innovative ideas to improve our environmental performance."

— Chris Quinn, Co-owner

New Leaf Community Market
1134 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

"Our mission is to nourish and sustain the community, so it is a given that we would want to be green and we appreciate the effort that the City is making to assist businesses to become Greener. As 'Green' as we thought we were, we appreciate the innovative ideas to improve our environmental performance."

—Chris Quinn, Co-owner

New Leaf Community Market
2351 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

"Our mission is to nourish and sustain the community, so it is a given that we would want to be green and we appreciate the effort that the City is making to assist businesses to become Greener. As 'Green' as we thought we were, we appreciate the innovative ideas to improve our environmental performance."

—Chris Quinn, Co-owner

New Leaf Community Market, Felton
6240 Hwy 9, Felton

"We wanted to become a Green Business because it fits our desire to be leaders and not followers.  We were the first store in North America to become a certified organic retailer.  We filled our roof with solar panels. And we reduce, reused, and recycle everything we can.  We are honored to be part of the Green Community.

—Nellie Donovan, General Manager

New Native Inc.
135 Aviation Way # 14, Watsonville

"The Green Business Program is excellent! Becoming a greener business is a step-by-step process. The program has been a great help in diminishing our company's carbon footprint by reducing our use of resources. At New Native, Inc., we believe that gratitude and respect for natural resources and all humans and animals is essential for creating a world of health, peace and prosperity.

Thanks very much to everyone who helped us through the Green Business Program!"

—Nancy Main, Owner

Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California
333 Front Street, Suite 200, Santa Cruz

"NIAC is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable risk pool that provides stable liability insurance to more than 6,000 nonprofits throughout California. We are very proud to be a Green Business and part of the greater green movement! Becoming green was an easy process and most of the changes put into place were small, though very effective. By implementing these changes to our daily office routine, NIAC has saved money, energy, water, and resources. Being a Green Business makes sense for your money and your world!"

—NIAC Management and Staff

Nordic Naturals
94 Hangar Way, Watsonville

"Nordic Naturals is proud to be a member of the Green Business program. We strive to be the industry leaders of pure omega oils. But our commitment doesn't end with just our oils. There is a direct link between our product and our environment. Without preserving the oceans and the environment, we wouldn't be able to provide pure and great tasting omega oils to our customers."

—Jackie Chuang, CoOp Advertising

Nuevo
2-1490 East Cliff, Santa Cruz

“We are proud to be a Green Business and do our part to protect the environment.”

—Ruben Partida, President

Oasis Hair and Skin Care
1664 Soquel Drive, Soquel

"We are proud to be the first certified green salon and we encourage all our colleagues to join in this beneficial and simple program. Oasis Hair and Skin Care is dedicated to creating a green, relaxing, rejuvenating environment where your beauty and well being are our priorities."

—Wendy Rae Johnson & Pamela Freitas, Owners

Pacific Motor Service
550 E. Franklin St., Monterey

“Being a Green Business establishes with the community at large that I care about our environment and that our business takes great pains to keep our automotive repair business as environmentally friendly as we can.”

—Kevin Donahue, Owner

Palace Art & Office Supply
1407 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

"Palace Art & Office Supply has been a business leader in the Santa Cruz community since 1949. Our mission statement supports a desire to be perceived as 'excellent' in all we do. Becoming a Certified Green Business further demonstrates our commitment to be a socially responsible and dynamic business. We support wholeheartedly those organizations who have helped us to 'step up' and take our environmental practices to a higher level."

—Roy Trowbridge, President

Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove

"The GBP has been a huge boost for us, no doubt. It has given us the recognition for things that we have been doing for years, helped us to achieve even more things that we were unable to do before and has motivated us to continue to find more ways to improve our operations so that we are even more sustainable, impact our environment less and give our staff a work environment that is healthy."

—Cindy Walter, Co-Owner

Pearce European & Japanese
3301 Portola Dr.#6, Santa Cruz

"Hello, we are Pearce European & Japanese, proud supporters of our environment and dedicated to quality service for our customers."

—Chris Immel, Owner

Ponds Away, Inc
2800 S. Rodeo Gulch Rd. #B, Soquel

"The application process was great. We encourage all businesses to apply and learn new methods of lowering our impact on the earth."

—Kirk Samis, President

Porter/Kresge Dining Hall
University of California/ Santa Cruz
1156 High Street, Santa Cruz

"We do it because it is good for us, good for our students, and good for our planet. It's what a campus community does."

—Clint Jeffries

Preferred Plumbing
80 Airport Blvd., Freedom

"We at Preferred Plumbing have always educated our staff on the most environmental business practices and strive to communicate this to our customers.
Some examples would be super efficient office lighting, hydronic heating and timers on lighting and fans. We also use a paperless administrative system and use the reverse side of plans, that would typically be discarded, for notes, scheduling and drawings. As for our plumbing services, they include: Rain water catchment systems, Gray Water systems, Solar and on demand water heating,low water consumption fixtures, drip irrigation, and water usage design and sizing. Naturally the above commitments are the beginning steps in our efforts to sustain our children's future."

—Jeff Rodriguez, Owner

Prime Landscape Services Inc.
5940 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

"Our pledge is to uphold best environmental management practices through our educated landscape design and build team. We commit to be more environmentally conscientious and to promote the conservation of resources to our clients."

—Prime Landscape Services

Pristine Clinical Skin Care
607 Capitola Ave, Capitola

"I am proud to be part of the green business program. I believe this is a positive step in the right direction for our community and the environment! It is said that every great journey starts with a single step!"

—Sharon Williams, Owner

Renovations
9698 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel

“As the1st certified Green Business in Carmel Valley, we at Renovations are very excited about the opportunity to align our office practices with our commitment to sustainability. Through innovative, sustainable actions we are able not only to create value and beauty beyond expectation for our clients, but also help to contribute to the long-term global vision of respect, reuse and recycle. Renovations promises our clients will feel the excitement of getting something special. Being a part of the Green Business Program helps us to deliver that promise.”

Rick’s Auto Shop
1050 B 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz

“It’s been good for our business and we’ve been surprised by how many customers have been impressed and happy that we are a Green Business.”

“I am extremely pleased with all the business I have been receiving from the advertising associated with the Green Business Program. I no longer advertise on the radio because I have been getting plenty of customers that come to our shop because we are a Green.”

—Ricky Pearce, Owner

Rock Solid Engineering Inc.
1100 Main Street, Watsonville

"One of the benefits of being the owner of Rock Solid Engineering, Inc., is that I get to choose the direction the company will follow. When I heard about the Green Business Certification, I saw an opportunity to join a growing movement towards protecting our environment. I have grown up here on the central coast and enjoy the beautiful surroundings that we call home. I was eager to learn some simple steps that our firm could take to reduce our impact on the environment. Many of the suggestions are quite simple and inexpensive to implement. In addition, we recently expanded our office and moved in to a large office space. I took the opportunity of this expansion to purchase a non-nuclear density gauge. For those of you not in this field of work, we use a density to gauge to measure the density of the soil at job sites. For the past few decades the standard for this type of testing has been a nuclear density gauge which uses a small radioactive element. There is now new technology to accomplish the same task without the radioactive element. To my knowledge, we are the only Geotechnical firm in this county to use the non-nuclear gauge."

—Yvette Wilson, Owner

Rusty’s Honda & Mazda Repair
318 River Street, Santa Cruz

“Rusty’s has been green with our fluids, filters and cardboard recycling program for over 20 years. The Certified Green Business program has allowed us to use new resources to enhance the practices we already have in place. We all need to do our part to keep our earth clean for future generations.”

—Rusty Carl, Owner

Sandabs        
11 Camp Evers Lane, Scotts Valley

“Sustainable is savable.”

—Mickey Phelps, Executive Chef

Santa Cruz Community Credit Union
324 Front Street, Santa Cruz

"We are delighted to be a certified green business.  We support sustainability through our own policies and through our Get Green personal and business loan program."

Santa Cruz County Bank,
Administrative Office
740 Front Street, Suite 220

"The Green Business Certification formalizes Santa Cruz County Bank's commitment and practices established since we opened our doors in February 2004. From the beginning, we have made a conscious effort to be environmentally conscious in selecting Herman Miller furnishings, utilizing local vendors wherever possible, and opting for recycled paper with low VOC ink for printed materials."

Santa Cruz County Bank,
Business Lending    
1500 41st Ave # 100, Capitola

"The Green Business Certification formalizes Santa Cruz County Bank’s commitment and practices established since we opened our doors i