Green = SMART (awards) at Rings & Things

Since I wrote the other day about “greening our commute” at Rings & Things, I though it would be fun to share more good news…

Rings & Things is in the first group of businesses certified by the City of Spokane, Washington for their implementation of green and sustainable management practices. The Spokane supplier of beads and jewelry components was awarded certification in the categories of Waste Reduction and of Transportation, as part of the city’s SMART Program.

Rings & Things gained recognition for its ongoing efforts to divert as much material as possible from the waste stream both in its warehouse and at community events, as well as for its award-winning Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program.

The SMART (Sustainable Management of Assets, Resources and Technology) Business Recognition Program is designed to encourage Spokane businesses to adopt policies and practices that encourage good management of financial, built, natural and human capital. The program was developed by the City’s Business & Development Services Department in partnership with Avista, Eastern Washington University, and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

“When we asked businesses what we could do to encourage them to adopt these practices, they told us that they needed help marketing their commitment to sustainability to their customers,” says Mayor Mary Verner. “More and more people want to do business with companies that share their commitment to protecting the environment and resources.”

Under the program, businesses can apply to be recognized at either a “participant” or “certified” level in a variety of categories, including energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, renewable energy, water conservation, green building, transportation/commute trip reduction, and pollution prevention. Businesses also can seek special “innovation” recognition in each of the categories.

“We hope people will see this as a seal of approval for these businesses,” the Mayor says. “We see it as an additional opportunity to grow our green economy.”

This is the only such program in Eastern Washington and third statewide. The other programs are in Kirkland and Olympia. The City will accept applications later this year from other businesses who want to seek this recognition. A more detailed program description is available on the City’s web site.

Rings & Things encourages other businesses to apply for recognition in this program.

The image above shows a SMART program decal that we now display at our warehouse, which says:

“Spokane Sustainable Business
—- Certified —-
* Transportation * Waste Reduction * ”

Exciting news: every month, we’re going to hold a lottery right here on the Rings & Things blog. Here’s how it will work:
*At the beginning of each month, I’ll announce a new lottery.
*You enter by leaving Replies, also known as blog comments. Comment on any post(s) this month.
*At the end of the month, I’ll randomly draw 2 names to receive surprise goodie packs!