March/April 2014

Green Business Profile:
Rincon Consultants, Inc.

"Environmental Sustainability has been part of our mission statement since our company's inception," said Ashley Myers, Green Team Coordinator and Administrative Assistant for Rincon Consultants.

Rincon Consultants, Inc., is an environmental consulting firm that assists cities, public works agencies, energy companies, and other clientele, with their environmental needs, including impact assessment, planning and remediation, and is comprised of over 85 environmental scientists, planners, and engineers. The firm is headquartered at 180 N. Ashwood Avenue in Ventura, and maintains eight offices throughout California.

"In 2008, a 'green team," was established to monitor and strengthen the company's sustainable initiatives," said Myers. "When our Monterey office became certified as a Monterey Bay Area green business in 2012, management began looking into what it would take to become certified in Ventura."

The Rincon Green Team convenes regularly through conference calls to check in and make sure every office is on board with signage, literature, staff education, and company practices. A few of the green goals set by the company include reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, aiming for a 10% reduction in water use, a 20% reduction of energy consumption by 2015, and a mission to recycle 70% of all waste by 2015. READ MORE.

Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (VMSG)

"There's a famous saying, 'A dog is a man's best friend,' and at Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (VMSG), we pride ourselves on providing extraordinary medical, surgical and critical care for people's best friends," said Leah Basinais, Chief Operations Officer at Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group, a 16,000 square foot, 24/7 world-class specialty referral and emergency veterinary hospital.

In addition to taking superior care of people's pets, VMSG is also mindful of taking care of the environment. The specialty medical center originally became interested in finding out more about green practices and how they could contribute after a talk with City of Ventura Environmental Specialist Courtney Lindberg. READ MORE.

Livin' Green: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle at the Office

The Three R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - help save money, energy, natural resources and keeps waste out of the landfills. Here are some simple tips to save resources in the workplace. READ MORE.

Water Wise Turf Alternatives Class

Free Water Wise Classes March-June 2014

While they are appealing to the eye, green sprawling landscapes and lawns use a tremendous amount of water and energy in order to thrive. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

reports that the average American household uses 320 gallons of water per day. In Southern California homes, 50-60% of household water usage goes to maintain outdoor landscapes. On the average in the U.S., 1 trillion gallons of water is wasted annually due to leaks and wasteful practices.

Green lawn lovers have another concern as last month, in facing what may be California's driest year in recorded history, Ventura Water asked customers to make a 10% reduction in their water consumption in order to conserve our local water supply.

So what are the options? On Saturday, March 1, 2014, Professional Garden Landscape Designer Lisa Burton (nbdgardens.com), served up some promising and beautiful solutions to a packed house. READ MORE.

Recent Environmental Sustainability Events

Home & Garden Show

March 14-16

Home & Garden Show

Environmental Sustainability and Ventura Water talked to visitors about recycling practices, composting, and water conservation at the 22nd Annual Home & Garden Show in Seaside Park.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

March 14 & 15

Wild & Scenic Film Festival at the Poinsettia Pavilion

Environmental Sustainability and Ventura Water were sponsors of the Fifth Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival. The event showcased inspirational movies with environmental themes, delicious food and fun for all.

March 20
Green Drinks: It's Easy Being Green at Ventura Executive Suites

Environmental Sustainability partnered with the Ventura Chamber of Commerce's Green Task Force and Ventura Executive Suites for "It's Easy Being Green" Green Drinks business networking event. The event, which was FREE and open to the business community, is specifically designed to promote awareness among locally owned businesses to create a "greener" environment. VIEW MORE PHOTOS.

Left Photo Above from Left to Right: Joe Yahner (City of Ventura Environmental Services Supervisor), Courtney Lindberg (City of Ventura Environmental Specialist and Green Task Force Co-Chair) and Diane de Mailly (President of DDM Metering and Green Task Force Co-Chair).

Right Photo Above from Left to Right: Courtney Lindberg (City of Ventura Environmental Specialist and Green Task Force Co-Chair), Brad Hudson (Field Representative Congresswoman Julia Brownley's office) and Ventura Water's Nancy Broschart.

A GREEN THUMB UP TO OHANA PET HOSPITAL

Congratulations to Ohana Pet Hospital for winning a 2013 Climate Leader Award! The California Air Resources Board recently announced the winners of the fourth CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards, which recognize small businesses that demonstrate leadership and make notable, voluntary achievements toward reducing their carbon footprint. Thirteen Award winners were selected representing a variety of business sectors from across California. The awards ceremony was held on February 12, 2014 in Sacramento. READ MORE. Ohana Pet Hospital is also

the recipient of the 2013 Environmental Excellence Award. READ MORE.

STORMWATER TIP

Keep Ventura Beautiful!

Properly dispose of all trash, rubbish and garbage. Trash that is left in your yard, or on the street will eventually end up in the closest creek or stream!

Programs, News & Events

STAY CONNECTED

Rain Barrel Discount

Rain Barrel Discount program for City of Ventura residents is available through Environmental Sustainability and Ventura Water. Working in cooperation with Smith Pipe and Supply at 3060 Sherwin Avenue in Ventura, the Channel/Bushman 60-gallon rain barrel (with a retail value of $85.00), will be available for $42.00 plus tax at their store with a Rain Barrel Discount Voucher. Two rain barrel discounts are available per residential address with the voucher. READ MORE.

$85.00 Rain Barrel available for $42.00 plus tax with Discount Voucher