Green Business of the Year
Businesses merit this award because of their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint and make continuous improvements toward a sustainable future. Green businesses and organizations are committed to working toward sustainability and have documented efforts to refine their practices to protect the environment, support and engage employees, and give back to their community. It is acceptable to nominate businesses and/or apply for your own business.
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has worked to greatly reduce waste within their organization. Over the last year PeaceHealth has worked to successfully recycle surgical wraps, already diverting over 3 tons of material from the landfill. The food waste collection program in the cafeteria has diverted over 13 tons of food waste from the landfill. In 2022 PeaceHealth launched a program to enclose all cafeteria provided meals in reusable containers, significantly reducing landfill waste from disposable packaging.
Wallis Engineering has focused on waste reduction by expanding their recycling program to include items typically not accepted in curbside recycling bins by utilizing TerraCycle and Ridwell recycling programs. Wallis Engineering has also focused on reducing food waste by participating in a curbside collection composting program.
Columbia Springs is a local non-profit focusing on providing accessible environmental education to the Clark County community. Columbia Springs has incorporated many sustainable practices into the organization, including specialized recycling efforts, the use of non-toxic green cleaning products and a storm water management system which includes a rain garden and green roof.
In one year, Frito Lay Vancouver’s resource conservation team reduced water use by 6%, electricity by 7% and gas by 3%. They adopted Fruit Valley Park and performed clean up events, and for over 25 years have contributed to Open House Ministries.
Harvest of Peace Microgreens business owner Therese Livella made intentional decisions for sustainability right from the start. She strives to be zero waste in her business, and packaging for the microgreens is minimal.
Clark County’s public transportation provider incorporates sustainability principles and efficiency into operations. Their bus wash reclaims 60% of the water used for each wash, and more than half of their fixed route bus fleet are hybrid.
The semi-conductor manufacturer has steadily reduced hazardous waste since arriving in Clark County in 1996. WaferTech purchased green power for all of 2018, and established recycling stations for block foam, food waste and electronics.
Barre3 Felida reduces waste by offering towel service rather than paper towels, and encourages clients to use water bottle refilling stations and reusable bottles. Barre3 Felida uses only earth-friendly cleaning products for their studio and mats.
Columbia Springs provides environmental education to children and adults. They only use green cleaning products, repurpose recyclable items for event activities and crafts, and eliminated paper towel use in their administrative office.
Corwin Beverage recycled 100,000 pounds in 2017, upgraded their 85,000 square foot warehouse to energy efficient lighting, installed hand dryers, started composting for employees, and added reusable dishes to their kitchen.
Birkram Yoga reduces their environmental footprint through Energy Star rated heating for their hot yoga classes, and state of the art insulation. They forego paper products, use hand dryers and use eco-friendly cleaning products.
