Local Businesses Encouraged to Get Sustainable

A local group is trying to inspire are businesses to be more sustainable and consumers to support them with their dollars.

The Danville Area Sustainable Business Council is encouraging businesses to take its 30-day challenge to adopt sustainable practices, which runs March 1-30.

The newly launched program from Sustainable Danville Area also is designed to help businesses become a Bay Area Green Business.

Businesses that sign up for the challenge will have 30 days to make 25 changes from a checklist of sustainable practices — such as using more energy-efficient light bulbs, recycling and switching from plastic to paper bags.

Businesses that complete the challenge will be honored as a Danville Area Sustainable Business at an event in Danville on April 14. They also will receive a window decal so customers will be aware of the designation.

The Danville Area Sustainable Business Council is facilitated by the Discover Danville Association, the , Shop Danville First, Sustainable Danville Area and residents committed to sustainable practices.

Cynthia Ruzzi, a co-founder of Sustainable Danville Area, has been working to make the new program a success. The group first suggested the idea to Kim Lindeberg, Danville Area Chamber of Commerce chairman of the board, in January.

"We wanted to applaud the efforts of local businesses that are making the transition and say thank you for helping our community and our environment," said Ruzzi. "I hope to see Danville Area Sustainable Business seals on the windows of all our businesses in Danville."

The group's goals are to educate and recognize local businesses working to adopt sustainable practices, to strengthen the economy, the community and the environment, Ruzzi said.

As part of the 30-day challenge, participating businesses can attend a workshop in Danville on Monday to learn more about sustainable practices. If businesses need help implementing the changes, students from 's environmental club E2 will be available for a visit.

The checklist for the 30-day challenge has several items that are requirements to be a Bay Area Green Business. Ruzzi noted that completing the Danville program can be a "stepping stone" to earning the wider designation.

Businesses that want to participate in the 30-day challenge should download the registration form and submit it with a $25 administration fee.

For more information, visit www.sustainabledanville.com.

Check back on Danville Patch for weekly updates about how local businesses are participating in the challenge.