June, 2014  

Photos by Melissa Blackall Photography, www.melissablackallphotography.com

Last weekend (June 13-14th), SBN hosted its 3rd Annual Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest at the Center for the Arts at the Armory. The fundraising event highlighted and promoted local brewers of beer, cider & mead, artisan beverage makers, home brewers and food vendors. Once again, the  

On Friday night, our first session opened with a special Hombrew Showcase co-sponsored by Modern Homebrew Emporium highlighting home-brews and homebrewing with local ingredients. The Showcase, featuring a Homebrew Club Jamboree, brought together aspiring brewers, brew fans and the curious minded to experiment and learn what is available in the New England region for making their products.

Sessions II on Saturaday night was completely sold out, and III later that evening continued the celebration well into the evening. For the third year in a row, the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts threw yet another amazing Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest with over 1000 attendees. 

Find the full story, with pictures and tweets here!

Photo credit Pencil ONE

Thank you again to our sponsors, volunteers and supporters! For more photos, visit our Facebook page!

SBN's network is growing in leaps and bounds! A big welcome to our newest SBN Members:

Interested in becoming a member? 

Take a look and see what you think! Feel free to reach out to Charlotte with any questions regarding your individual, student or business membership!

Thank you all for your partnership and commitment to building a Massachusetts economy that is Local, Green and Fair!  

Remember: Think Members First! What better way to support the local economy and each other than to support SBN members who share your values and commitment to the principals of Local, Green and Fair. SBN is working on new programs to encourage and support greater B2B exchange within the network. Stay tuned for ways to get engaged!   

DATE: TONIGHT, June 24th, 2014

TIME: 6:00-8:00PM

LOCATION: District Hall, 75 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA.  02210

Join Brian Swett, Boston's Chief of Environment, and a group of climate-savvy businesses who are taking action to prepare for rising tides and moving their data to higher ground. The speakers will discuss preventative strategies to combat climate change and you can learn simple actions to help overcome extreme weather events. We will have a networking session where businesses can interact with exhibitors and obtain tips on how to keep your company afloat when extreme weather hits.

SPEAKERS

Jim Newman, LEED AP, Principal, Linnean Solutions Jim will discuss the recent report on building resilience that he and Linnean Solutions co-wrote with the Built Environment Coalition and the Resilient Design Institute prepared for the Boston Society of Architects and the Green Ribbon Commission Climate Preparedness Working Group.

Susan Labandibar, President, Tech Networks of Boston. Susan will discuss how teaming up with Tech Networks and moving your data to the cloud by use of Office 365 will be the first and most important step in avoiding data loss during an extreme weather event.

Brian R. Swett, Chief of Environment and Energy, City of Boston. Brian will discuss the City's efforts to prepare Boston for the changing climate and rising seas.

Agenda

6:00-6:30pm Networking

6:30-7:30pm Presentations and Speakers

7:30-8:00pm Networking

There will be a cocktail reception before and after the presentations with food and drink available.

For more information, e-mail james.billman@climateactioncoalition.org

Sustainable Business Leader Program Updates 

Hundred Mile Market Please join us in welcoming Hundred Mile Market to the Sustainable Business Leader Program! Bob Perry, founder and long-time President of The Elephant Walk restaurants will soon be opening Hundred Mile Market in Waltham. The Market will sell local products exclusively, using the Mini Grocery concept to sell both perishable and non-perishable foods, as well as an array of non-food items. As a registered Benefit Corporation, Hundred Mile Market operate with a focus on the Triple Bottom Line to strengthen the local economy, work to minimize it's carbon footprint, as well as ongoing donations to non-profits mitigating aspects of poverty. We are exited to work with Hundred Mile Market on their journey through development and opening in October.

Tasting Counter Similarly, we are excited to welcome the Tasting Counter into the program! The Tasting Counter is an experiential dining experience where guests face an open kitchen and watch the chefs as they carefully construct delicious, balanced tasting menus using locally sourced ingredients. With guiding principles of "0 Carbon, 50 Local, 100 Natural" SBLP is excited to work with Tasting Counter through it's build out phase and is eagerly anticipating the opening date! Tasting Counter has recently just signed a lease in Somerville, and will be joining the new collaborative workspace with Aeronaut Brewery, Brooklyn Boulders Somerville and many more.

Manchester Essex Please help us welcome Manchester Essex Regional High School to the Sustainable Community Leader Program. We are working with the Green Team at the school, a group that works to inspire Manchester Essex students, staff and community members to embrace environmental sustainability and focus on reducing each individual's negative impact on the earth-to think and act globally, not just locally! The high school has received many awards as one of the "Greenest Schools" not only in the state, but also in the country! SCLP is happy to help further the Green Team's commitment to sustainability and certify the school as a Sustainable Community leader. 

Interested in learning more about the Sustainable Business Leader Program? Contact Alex Barber at Alex@sbnmass.org to learn more about the opportunities and how you can reduce your business' carbon footprint and save money. SBLP is also seeking new participants who are committed to local, green and fair.

SBN Green Tip of the Month: Red, White and Green

July 4th has arrived once again and we're asking you to think GREEN this year! Here are some tips on how to consider the environment on this years holiday: 

2. Local Meats : Instead of going to the over crowded grocery stores this year, buy from your local market! You'll be supporting your local economy and investing in higher quality meats. If you're looking for a local butcher, try Savenor's. They are known for their commitment to shortening the supply chain between producer and consumer ultimately bringing us closer to our farms.

 

3. GO-VEG: If you want to go all the way and try something new, go meatless! Check out these great recipes for a delicious vegetarian option. A Chickpea Burger, Lentil Burger, or a Portobello Mushroom Burger. Veggie options put a great spin on traditional burgers, and offer much more flavor and variety.   

 

4. Outdoor Activities: Instead of celebrating with a big bonfire, try more eco-friendly activities such as corn hole, or swimming! While bonfires may be traditional, they emit major amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere and between grilling and bonfires, it's best to skip the latter and go green!

 

5. Use Water Containers: Who needs plastic water bottles when you can save money and waste without them? Get big containers of water that people can refill as they please, using reusable cups. This way you're both reducing plastic waste and water consumption.   

 

6. Hardwood Lump Charcoal: Instead of using regular charcoal for your barbecues this year, use this 100% All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal. This special charcoal heat's up much faster than traditional charcoal and it doesn't use coal therefore greatly reducing carbon emissions. 

Save the Date for Upcoming Events!

• June 24: BostonBARS Launch: Climate Adaptation Strategies for Small Business 
• July 9: Waltham Local Thirst!
• July 29: July B2B Networking Meeting 
• September 14: 5th Annual Boston Local Food Festival