Santa Monica & Surrounding Areas

General Commitment To Sustainability :

The Library Alehouse, a restaurant and bar, completed one of the first pilot Business Greening Programs in 2001 . Upon Sustainable Works' recommendation, they implemented a company-wide environmental policy incorporating actions to help preserve natural resources and improve their bottom line. They received the top scoring 2003 Sustainable Quality Award (visit www.smsqa.com) which recognizes voluntary activities by companies including those resulting in conservation of natural resources.

"What is good for the environment is good for my business and the Sustainable Works Business Greening Program helped us save hundreds of dollars per month. I highly recommend their free service to all eligible businesses."  

David Lackman, owner of the Library Alehouse

Energy Savings:

ZJ Boardinghouse who sells surf, snow and skate equipment claims a 45% reduction in energy usage after completing a professional lighting retrofit in their main facility upon Sustainable Works' recommendation . Over 50 incandescent bulbs were replaced with high-efficient lighting. In order to keep in line with their newly implemented eco-friendly procurement policies, all office machinery is Energy Star ® rated including an all-in-one fax/copier/printer . Their efforts were also rewarded with a 2003 Sustainable Quality Award.

Seashore Motel, a family run motel with 20 rooms replaced over 100 incandescent bulbs with high efficient 11-16 watt compact fluorescents resulting in a 15% decrease in overall energy usage and a cost savings on their energy bill. After implementing various other Business Greening recommendations, Seashore Motel received honorable mention in 2003 for Stewardship of the Natural Environment

Solid Waste Reduction:

Vidiots , a video/DVD rental and sales facility focusing on independent films began in-store recycling for paper, cans, plastic and glass in 2002 via the Business Greening Program. Six months later, records boasted a 50% waste reduction resulting in a $450 savings in waste hauling costs. Vidiots won a 2003 Excellence award in Stewardship of the Natural Environment.

Duke's of Malibu featuring Hawaiian/ Pacific cuisine initiated their participation in the Business Greening Program in June 2002. Since then, they implemented a staff e-mail list serve in order to communicate information and shift schedules in place of printed paper copies for each of their 65 employees. As a result the company saved 2,400 pounds of paper and an additional $1,000 per year in costs. Various eco-actions, like these, won them a 2003 Excellence award in Stewardship of the Natural Environment.

Holiday Villas saved $200 per month in waste hauling costs after setting up recycling programs for aluminum, paper, and cardboard provided free by City of Santa Monica.

Water Savings:

Mani's Bakery promotes healthy eating via their "whole foods" oriented menu. By participating in the water efficiency aspect of the Business Greening Program, they saved about $5,500 in water and sewer bills in the year following installation of free water saving devices via a City Program. Installations included six flow restrictors, a pre-rinse spray nozzle and a high-pressure waterbroom for cleaning outdoor pavement. Water use was cut by 30%. Mani's also received a 2003 Excellence award in Stewardship of the Natural Environment.