Local Businesses Demonstrate Three R's: Reuse, Reduce and Recyle

It's week three of the 30-day challenge and two more businesses have completed 25 changes to get sustainable.

Read how a few business are taking steps to reuse items, reduce electricity use and recycle paper and other resources:

Norm’s Place and Christine’s A Complete You have made a commitment to the three R’s:  Reuse, Reduce and Recycle.

Businesses like these and others participating in the Danville Area Sustainable Business program have purchased or donated used furniture and supplies to waste exchange programs, like the California Materials Exchange Program (CalMax).

CalMax’s mission is summarized by their slogan “One business’ trash is another business’ treasure.” 

CalMax builds reuse markets for materials from businesses, organizations, industry, schools and individuals. 

The commercial sector contributes approximately 60 percent of materials to landfills. Finding a way to reuse these non-hazardous materials reduces disposal and purchasing costs and conserves energy, resource and landfill space.

From the home office of Lani Studio, LLC, to the offices of William White Insurance and the stylish Christines A Complete You salon—businesses have reduced their electric bills by installing energy efficient lighting and turning off fixtures when lights are not needed.

With standard 100-watt incandescent light bulbs phased off California shelves this year, many businesses are adopting new energy efficient compact fluorescent or LED lighting for their stores and offices. 

No longer limited to the ‘curly-coil’ of the first generation of CFLS—newer technology provides more natural, day-light coloring to showcase a stores wares and ‘enlighten’ office tasks.

Next time you see a local business recycling bottles, cans or paper, remember that  many properties do not provide facilities or such service to their tenants. They Business owners like Cottage Jewel and One Earth Health Food Store cart home paper and cardboard from packaging to recycle these items. They really are going the extra mile.

Our local businesses continue to join the 30-Day Challenge including the newest participant Design Elements who has just relocated from Hartz Avenue to 409 Sycamore Valley Drive in The Livery. Designer Judith Clark welcomes you to "come sit on her eco-friendly sofa" with fabric made from recycled water bottles with Soy plush cushions.  

To see if your favorite local business is adopting environmentally-friendly practices and learn more about the 30-Day Challenge, check back on Mondays and Fridays or visit:  Danville Area Sustainable Business Challenge.