PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Environmental Health Department is encouraging local businesses to “go green” with the Green Business Program that began last month.
Jasmine Fry, Jefferson County environmental health technician, explained the program to about 40 people at Monday’s Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting at the Fort Worden State Park Commons.
She said the goal of the program is to decrease the environmental impact that businesses have by using sustainable techniques when possible.
“It’s really flexible and can be a wide variety of things,” Fry said.
The program is free for business owners to initiate and is meant to act as an award to recognize businesses that make efforts to minimize solid waste.
Free assistance
The Green Business Program provides free technical assistance and gives recognition to organizations that are working to reduce waste, recycle and otherwise conduct business in an environmentally conscious manner, Fry said.
The program is available to any Jefferson County establishment.
It’s very easy to apply for the program, she said.
The first step is to fill out a checklist that explains the various environmentally friendly techniques employed by a business.
The second is to have someone from the county Environmental Health Division come to the business to do a site visit.
And finally, the business must set annual goals to improve its level of environmental practices.
Once these steps are completed, the business receives a sticker to place on the front door to inform consumers that it uses environmentally friendly practices, which can attract consumers, Fry said.
She also said the businesses that are a part of the program will be listed on Environmental Health’s Web site.
“It’s free advertising,” Fry said.