My name is Darby Martinez, and I am working as the Colorado Green Business Intern for Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC) this summer. I am currently working on compiling a Story Map for YVSC’s website that features the Colorado Green Business Network of the Yampa Valley (CGBN-YV), including ways to get involved, current members, and resources to become more sustainable.
The Colorado Green Business Network of the Yampa Valley is a free program that supports businesses in becoming more environmentally conscious in all aspects of their companies. Grants, funding, and workshops are provided for business owners interested in going green. By participating in the Colorado Green Business Network, companies gain access to a community of like-minded organizations committed to environmental stewardship.
A green business is typically thought to manage a product or service that helps the environment directly. A tree planting service, a composting business, or companies that align with protecting the environment typically come to mind when thinking about what a green business is. The reality is that any business can join the program if they consider ways to help the environment. This could be saving energy by switching to energy-efficient lights, saving fuel by using electric cars, or composting.
YVSC’s Paul Bony meets with a representative from Northwest Data Services, a bronze recognized member of Colorado Green Business Network of the Yampa Valley.
Reducing the amount of energy or electricity your business uses can be an easy way to reduce the carbon emissions produced. According to Energy Star, switching to LED lights within your business produces light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs. Lights are an essential part of every day, and reducing the energy used to produce electricity is an easy way to work toward becoming a green business without sacrificing much. You also might consider an energy audit for your company to assess buildings, vehicles, and overall energy consumption and efficiency. As a member of the Colorado Green Business Network, funding is available to cover audits, and grants are available by application to convert to sustainable lighting for your business.
How do you get to work? Carpooling, bus, biking, or walking are great alternatives to driving a car to work. Reducing the amount of emissions produced through transportation is one way you can make a difference every day. If biking or taking the bus is not an easy, accessible way to get to work, then consider electric vehicles for your personal or business use. Fully electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, so driving one won’t add greenhouse gasses to the air. Colorado and other states are adding more and more electric vehicle charging stations to their communities. Many charging stations are located in premium parking locations, so investing in an electric car will save you time, and money, and will help decrease your carbon footprint. The Colorado Green Business Network has funding available to provide help in converting your company’s fleet to electric vehicles.
“The journey to becoming a Green Business is accessible to any company that is willing to make conscious choices.”
Addressing what you throw out, recycle, or compost is a great way to establish a waste reduction program within your business. Increasing the amount of recycling can save you money by cutting down on disposal costs, and giving products a longer life. Improving waste, water, and energy management can boost your business’ image and attract quality clients. Recycling within your company conserves natural resources and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the silver-certified members of the Colorado Green Business Network, Cowgirl Compost, provides the Yampa Valley’s only carbon negative community composting service.
The journey to becoming a Green Business is accessible to any company that is willing to make conscious choices. Reducing energy consumption, exploring sustainable transportation options, and implementing effective waste management practices are just a few ways to contribute positively to the environment. To learn more about the CGBN-YV, visit yvsc.org/colorado-green-business-network/.
Darby Martinez | 12 August 2024
