Green Your Business for Earth Day!

Earth Day was founded on April 22, 1970, by Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin as an environmental teach-in and to raise awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It started in the United States, but is now a world-wide event coordinated by the Earth Day Network.

's Sheila Fagliano says there are five reasons you should make your business green:

It's almost Earth Day: This time of year, your staff and customers are more likely to be thinking "green." They probably are going to be more open to embracing eco-friendly changes in the workplace.

Being green can save green: It costs less to recycle than to put waste in the landfill.

Boost your company image: Having eco-friendly policies and practices contributes to a positive image.

Set a good example: By implementing successful waste reduction, recycling and other green practices, you set the bar for other businesses. This motivates them to make changes, too.

Free assistance is available: Livermore Sanitation offers free recycling opportunity assessments, staff training, outreach materials and more. 

Twenty-one Livermore businesses have received the California Green Certification, including the and . By adhering to the standards, reducing their waste stream, conserving energy and water, they became green certified.

These companies are encouraged to work with other green companies. You can search for other Livermore green companies to do business with on their websites.

The Bay Area Green Business Program distinguishes and promotes small businesses that protect, preserve and sustain our environment. If you want to have your business certified, contact the Alameda County coordinator, Pamela Evans, at pamela.evans@acgov.org.

Be sure to review the commercial section of www.LivermoreSanitation.com for other ways you can help the environment. If you have questions, contact Sheila Fagliano at 925-583-3517 or by e-mail at sheila@livermoresanitation.com.