Biz Spotlights
Green Business Spotlight: Exquisite Crystals
Since 1999, Exquisite Crystals has been dedicated to sourcing and selling a selection of crystals from around the world. They have a gallery in Vancouver and offer online sales on their website.
The operations of this small, family-owned and eco-friendly business are largely centered around shipping and receiving crystals. Lots of packing materials are necessary to keep the crystals safe during shipping, so they make sure to choose the most environmentally responsible options. Some of their green practices include:
- Repurposing incoming packing material as much as possible to use for outgoing shipments.
- Purchasing shipping boxes made of 100% post-consumer recycled content.
- Using FSC certified paper-based wrap instead of plastic bubble wrap when appropriate.
- Collecting film plastic and block foam for recycling.
"We are sensitive to the fact our business is directly tied to the Earth and its well-being. Therefore, we include environmental initiatives in our business model to contribute to local and global efforts to its health and longevity."
-Exquisite Crystals
In addition to earning Green Business certification, Exquisite Crystals is also Climate Neutral certified for their efforts to measure, offset and reduce their carbon impacts. High efficiency heating, cooling and lighting is used throughout the building to cut down on their carbon footprint. As a certified member of 1% for the Planet they support environmental projects all over the world, and they partner with Eden Reforestation Projects to fund the planting of a tree for every purchase. Locally, Exquisite Crystals supports the community by offering employees paid time to volunteer with local organizations including Clark County Food Bank and Clark County Search and Rescue.
For more information about the environmental initiatives of Exquisite Crystals, visit their website.Solid waste regional planning and programs are a cooperative effort of Battle Ground, Camas, Clark County, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, and Yacolt.
