The following local resources have been compiled in order to aid businesses
in meeting the green business standards. They resource list generally follows the outline of the checklists so as you work through it, check here for assistance. The Marin County Green Business Program provides this
information not as a recommendation of any companies listed below but as a service to those looking for assistance in implementing green measures in their facilities. It is not an exhaustive list.
Energy. You can either use monthly bills and create a sheet either in excel or on paper to track each month, or you can visit www.pge.com, and set up a Business Tools Account, which provides internet access to your energy usage history.
Water. You can use your monthly bills and create a sheet either in excel or on paper to track usage each month.
Waste Audit/Services from Marin Sanitary
Marin Sanitary Service can help businesses located in Central Marin save some green by going green with complimentary and customizable services and products including FREE waste characterization studies, commercial recycling consultations, customizable recycling pick-ups, container options to fit various space constraints, and confidential paper shredding and recycling. Call Marin Sanitary Service to discuss options and resources - 415-485-1702.
Office Products - including copy paper, computer or fax paper; folders or other paper products; pencils, rulers or other desk accessories; boxes or bags for retail use or shipping.
Avatar Community Business Center .A Marin Certified Green Business.www.avatarbiz.com
Printed Materials - including letterhead, envelopes, business cards or brochures.
Janitorial Supplies and Services
Green Seal - When evaluating janitorial supplies, Green Seal is a useful reference. It is an independent, non-profit organization that evaluates and recognizes less toxic products. www.greenseal.org
Janiline. Cleaning Supply Company. A Marin Certified Green Business.www.janiline.com
Food Service Supplies - including biodegradable cutlery, plates and to-go containers.
Biodegradeable Products Institute . A useful site for leaning about biodegradable products and searching for products. www.bpiworld.org
SF Environment's Composting . The City of San Francisco's Department of the Environment has an excellent site that including information on compostable products and links vendors of compostable foodware. www.sfenvironment.org
Smart Lights - They are funded by the state to provide free energy audits to businesses and can also help pay for up to 75% of energy efficiency upgrades. Call 510-981-7750 to request a free energy audit.
or, call PG&E - call Eva Chu of PG&E to schedule a free business facility audit.
707-577-1063
Energy Star Equipment - Products in more than 40 categories are eligible for the Energy Star logo. They use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. This page provides details and lists of Energy Star products in categories including appliances, HVAC and electronics.
EnergyGuide.com - This web site is a "one stop shop" for energy conservation information and products.
It provides access for buying energy efficient products, analyzing energy use,
finding contractors for energy services, choosing green power and getting rebates.
The site filters data by zip code so that the search results are from other
businesses in your area.
Marin Solar Program - The County provides outreach and education to residents, businesses and public agencies throughout Marin on technology, financing, incentives and site suitability.
Marin Clean Energy - Provides 25% green, renewable energy from sources like solar, wind, geothermal and biomass called Light Green. MCE also gives customers the option of 100% clean power, called Deep Green.
Green-e.org - Offers
information on purchasing Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs or "green
tags"). Each unique certificate represents all of the environmental attributes
or benefits created when electricity is generated from renewable resources instead
of fossil fuels, like coal and natural gas, that release air pollution. Includes
list of companies that sell TRCs.
Industry Specific Energy Resources:
Restaurants - Food Technology Center - Offers information and services relating to commercial kitchen energy efficiency and equipment performance.
North Marin Water District - Call 897-4133, option 5 (water conservation)
Water Conservation Measures:
MMWD Resources & Rebates - The district has a variety of incentive programs including rebates to purchase water efficient toilets, commercial dishwashers and clothes washers.
ULF Toilet Information - The Flex Your Power website provides tips and information on the current ulta-low flow toilet technology.
Landscaping Conservation:
MMWD Landscaping Resources - The district provides information on water-wise plants, design of efficient irrigation systems, water waste prevention and incentives for installation of artificial playing surfaces.
Janiline. Cleaning Supply Company. A Marin Certified Green Business.www.janiline.com
Green Seal - When evaluating janitorial supplies, Green Seal is a useful reference. It is an independent, non-profit organization that evaluates and recognizes less toxic products. www.greenseal.org
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
MCSTOPPP - The Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program has information on less toxic pest management including where to buy less toxic products in Marin.
Safety Source for Pest Management - The National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides produces this website that provides excellent information on pesticide ingredients, less toxic alternatives and information on choosing a pest management provider.
Low-Emission Building Materials
Build It Green - A Bay Area non-profit center with a searchable database to find local retailers of low-emission and green building products.
Recycle/reuse Hazardous Substances
Marin Recycling Guide - to search for drop off locations for all types of materials including hazardous waste like batteries, fluorescent tubes and e-waste, visit the County's Recycling Guide at www.marinrecycles.org/recycling_guide.cfm
Marin Recycling Center - Paint, adhesives, motor oil, pesticides, batteries, latex paint, computer monitors, televisions and bleach cleaners. Residents of Marin County, with the exception of Novato, may bring these hazardous materials for free to the facility at 565 Jacoby Street in San Rafael. Businesses may dispose of small quantities of hazardous waste by appointment and for a fee. Please call the facility for a list of approved materials and to make arrangements.
Novato Sanitary District - Household cleaners, paint & building products, lawn & garden products, televisions and computer monitors. Novato residents and small businesses can drop off hazardous wastes on the first and third Sunday and Mondays of each month. An appointment is necessary - to schedule, call 892-7344.
Prevent Stormwater Run-Off
Label Stormwater Drains - Check the storm drains near your business. If they do not have the blue fish that says "No Dumping, Flows to the Bay", visit www.mcstoppp.org to find out who to contact to request free stenciling.
Help Reduce Air Emissions
Spare the Air - Join the Air District's "Spare the Air" program to notify employees of "Spare the Air" days and what they can do to help out.
511.org - This site provides useful information public transit, rideshares, traffic and bicycling. Visitors can enter their start and destination to find the best route via public transit.
Fuel Economy Database - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides a tool that will allow you to compare new and used car models' gas mileage, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution ratings and safety information.
Biodiesel - The National Biodiesel Board provides information on technology, incentives and where to purchase biodiesel.
Northbay Family Homes - Provides education and resources to assist working families in buying a home closer to the workplace, including down payment assistance and loan counseling.
Cool California - The site was developed by the California Air Resources Board and partners. It has an excellent carbon calculator (one for small businesses and one for individuals). Calculate your business' carbon footprint as www.coolcalifornia.org/business-calculator
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - Do you have financial, operational or marketing questions about managing your business? Could you benefit from fresh independent advice regarding your business, product or service? With six outreach offices throughout Marin County and a focus on economic development, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides current and future business owners with FREE, confidential, one-to-one counseling, various low cost training programs and partial scholarships. Funded in part by the federal government (Small Business Administration) and the Marin County Board of Supervisors, the SBDC has helped thousands of North Bay business owners. It does not matter if the business owner works in an office, a retail store, a restaurant or from home. To learn about the SBDC's various services or to register for their programs, visit their web site, www.sbdcsantarosa.org, or call (707) 524-1770.
GreenBiz.com - The GreenBiz website has many useful reports, tools and articles. Their GreenBiz Essentials provides a series of easy-to-read overviews of to help businesses get started.
Cal Gold - This site provides
businesses with information on permits and other requirements of California agencies at all levels
of government, including addresses, telephone numbers, and links to agency internet web pages.
Worldwise's Wiseguide - This resource guide (created by one of our Green Businesses) is designed to help visitors understand and embrace the
concept of sustainable living. Learn about what product labels are actually
saying, find assistance with making wise choices in over 100 product categories,
and get help with recycling tips.
