The San Rafael hotel's efforts have produced thousands of dollars in savings over the years. Among their areas of focus are recycling, energy-efficient lighting and ENERGY STAR rated equipment.

They recycle everything they can from the restaurant, bar and guest rooms. And guests have the option of helping to conserve water and energy by reusing towels and sheets.

Keeping up the neighborhood
An active member of San Rafael Clean, Embassy Suites takes special care to keep their property pristine, and extends their attention to the nearby creek area. Staff volunteers also partner with neighbors from Autodesk to polish up the neighborhood on California Coastal Cleanup Day.

Green Committee Promotes Certification 

Do your part! Buy from Green Businesses and you help protect our environment and support responsible business practices.

One of our committee's chief goals this year is to help fellow Chamber members become more environmentally aware and to participate in the Marin County Green Business certification program.

Part of a Bay Area-wide certification effort, the designation distinguishes  businesses that protect, preserve and sustain our environment.

The business case for certification
Participating in the Green Business program helps companies and organizations identify opportunities to save money, enhance work quality, improve employee health and safety, and reduce liabilities. The program also provides benefits such as increased employee retention, marketing advantage, and potential for press and other public relations coverage.

Marin Bocce on B St., recently certified as a green business. Roughly 25% of Marin Certified Green Businesses are in San Rafael. Photo courtesy Marin Bocce Federation

Green business goals

The goals of the Marin Green Business program are:

1. Help businesses consume less water and energy while reducing pollution and waste
2. Award certificates to--and promote--certified green businesses to help complete the cycle of sustainable business: buy recycled products, do business with environmentally sound green companies
3. Improve the environment of Marin and the Bay Area

Certification may involve, depending on the business sector:

• energy and water conservation
• waste reduction, recycling ( i.e., electronics and durable goods)
• toxics & pollution prevention, including environmentally-friendly cleaning products
• green purchasing & greening the supply chain
• environmentally responsible business travel, shipping and transportation

Hands-on help

Dominican University's Green MBA Program offers free graduate level assistance to businesses preparing for their green business certification. Email adjunct faculty and advisor Susan Briski for more information.

Trash and Recycling Tips for Green Business Certification 
By Devi Peri, Education Coordinator, Marin Sanitary Service  

Sorting bins by Recycle Away

You can get your organization certified as a Marin County Green Business by adopting measures for waste reduction, energy and water conservation, as well as pollution prevention.   

This time, we'll give you an overview of requirements and suggestions for reduction of waste and improved recycling practices. The numbered items are mandatory and the bulleted ones are additional ways you can choose to meet the required number of measures in each area.

Reduce waste

1. Eliminate all single-use plastic water bottles
2. Set all copiers and printers on duplex printing if they have that capability
3. Eliminate the use of all polystyrene, such as Styrofoam, in beverage and foodware
4. Stop using disposable plastic bags (exceptions for meat and produce bags)

Choose from additional measures like these:

• In the lunchroom, replace all disposables with permanent ware (e.g. mugs, dishes, utensils) and refillable condiment containers
• Reduce junk mail. Go to the Stop Junk Mail site for tips

Reuse materials

1. Look in your garbage dumpster regularly and remove any items that could be reused by you or someone else (or recycled)

Other suggested measures:

• Print on the back side of previously printed paper whenever appropriate, and keep a stack next to the printer for handy loading
• Reuse garbage bag liners or eliminate where not needed
• Donate furniture, supplies, scrap materials, etc., to local organizations or schools

Recycle materials

1. Recycle all newspapers, office/mixed paper, junk mail, glass bottles and jars, metal cans and foil, plastic bottles and containers
2. Provide recycling containers at convenient and appropriate locations

       Additional suggested measures:

• Compost food waste and landscape trimmings

Use recycled content materials

1. Use recycled copier/printer paper with at least 30% post-consumer waste

Other suggested measures:

• Purchase folders, business cards and all office paper products with the highest recycled content available
• Purchase restroom paper products with recycled content

Here are two excellent sources for learning about where to dispose of certain materials, find re-used goods, etc.:   www.marinrecycles.org   www.marinsanitary.com 

To learn more about the green certification program for Marin businesses, visit www.greenbusinessca.org or contact Dana Armanino at (415) 499-3292 or darmanino@marincounty.org.  

Did you know that each year our San Rafael Public Works crews spend an estimated $ 325,000 in time and money on litter removal?

And the hazards of litter aren't just financial - they include pollution in surrounding waterways, danger to wildlife, broken glass, disease transmission, etc. Litter is a blight on our community. Litter also causes customers to think twice before patronizing a business or business corridor.

1. Keep trash in enclosed receptacles
2. Keep parking lots and other areas cleaned
3. Prevent litter in any form, including cigarette butts
4. Make sure all pollutants are captured and do NOT enter storm drains