News & Events

by Leo Place October 6, 2025

VISTA — As the region celebrates its first annual San Diego Climate Week, North County businesses and city personnel gathered on Friday to discuss initiatives related to reducing waste and promoting resilience in the face of climate change.

The inaugural San Diego Climate Week featured over 100 events from Oct. 1-8, including panels, workshops, film screenings, and tours, led and organized by thousands of community members, scientists, business owners, and policymakers. 

Each day’s schedule was packed with events exploring topics like clean energy, disaster relief, climate careers, sustainable business practices, food systems, Indigenous resilience, biodiversity, youth development, and more. 

During the Resilience in Action event on Oct. 3, attendees heard from a panel of North County businesses about the initiatives they are undertaking to reduce their carbon footprint and eliminate waste wherever possible. 

Panelists included leaders from Vista-based Solatube International (whose headquarters hosted the event), Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Pure Project brewery, and plastic wrap recycling nonprofit Plastic Beach.  

Plastic Beach, based in Encinitas, collects and recycles soft plastics from supply chains that are typically sent to landfills, partnering with Trex to reuse the material for composite decking products.

Founder Matthew Clough said the nonprofit is one of a kind, gathering the plastic film wrapped around the thousands of parts and products in the supply chain process. Since its founding in 2019, the nonprofit has diverted over 60 tons of soft plastics from landfills. 

“Plastic Beach is providing downstream for material they’re desperately trying to get rid of,” Clough said. “Most of us are not aware that, as a community, there are no groups that will gather that material.” 

Plastic Beach has partnered with several entities to divert their soft plastic waste, including Hansen Surfboards, Jimbo’s Market, Seaside Market in Cardiff, Pizza Port Brewing Company, and Cal State San Marcos, as well as fellow event panelists Solatube International and Pure Project. 

Individual residents can also pay a monthly fee for Plastic Beach to collect and recycle soft plastics, including stretch film, plastic food storage bags, grocery bags, trash bags, bubble wrap, and plastic shipping bags from Amazon. 

Solatube International also shared information about its sustainable practices in the development of tubular daylighting systems, which provide natural sunlight to buildings by ducting daylight into interior spaces.

In addition to the environmental benefits of Solatube’s products — reducing the need for electricity, lighting, and air conditioning to mitigate heat — the company itself also incorporates a climate-conscious ethos into its operations, said Neall Digert, Vice President of Solatube.

Solatube utilizes tubular skylights to illuminate its office and factory spaces, uses renewable energy to produce its products, and reuses any scrap material left over during manufacturing.

“We aim to have no scrap material come out of the manufacturing process,” Diegart said. ”Sometimes we will end up with scrap trimmings that become fully reground into new alloys … we can fully upcycle or recycle all materials.” 

Attendees were also able to tour the Solatube factory to see some of these steps in action. 

Another panelist was Kylie Volk, events supervisor at Pure Project, which operates breweries and taprooms in Vista, Carlsbad, and has three locations in San Diego, including North Park, Miramar, and near Balboa Park.

Volk said the brewing company has dramatically reduced its need for bagged grain by installing a grain silo at its brewery headquarters in Vista, saving around 11,000 bags per year. 

The brewing company is also gradually developing a carbon capture program, which captures, stores, and reuses the carbon dioxide naturally produced as a byproduct of the fermentation process. 

While these initiatives are pricey, Volk said they are essential to the company, which is trying to find ways to do its part. 

“Beer is on the low priority sometimes when it comes to policies and how sustainable initiatives can be practiced … We’re trying to stand out in our industry of beer,” said Volk. “As much as we don’t want to believe it, there are establishments out there that don’t care at all.”

Kevin Lee, Environmental Impact and Compliance Specialist at Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, discussed how the soap company’s values of respecting the planet have informed its business practices. 

On the manufacturing side, Lee said Dr. Bronner’s has pivoted in recent years to using 100% post-consumer recycled plastic for its bottles and has moved away from using “virgin” plastic. The company has also started using paper cartons, which utilize considerably less plastic, for some of its liquid soaps. 

Outside of the production floor, Dr. Bronner’s is known for being an avid vocal and financial supporter of various environmental, human rights and drug policy causes. Putting their money where their mouth is, Lee noted, is as important as the practical changes along the supply chain. 

“It’s important to support projects supporting the climate, even if they’re not connected to Dr Bronner’s,” Lee said. “I’d like to see more of an adoption of the human element as well. Our most marginalized folks in society are the most impacted by the climate emergency right now. I’d like to see more businesses show up.” 

The Resilience in Action event also featured a panel in the afternoon, hosted by the individuals who are leading local sustainability efforts for the cities of Carlsbad, Vista, Oceanside, and Solana Beach, to discuss ongoing climate initiatives in their cities. 

Several cities, including Solana Beach, have focused on converting their city vehicles to electric power. Additionally, they have emphasized the importance of solar power, with the Vista Civic Center installing a solar project that covers around half of the complex’s energy needs. 

Others, such as the city of Carlsbad, have established a Green Business Network to recognize local enterprises that implement environmentally friendly practices. 

City sustainability leaders encouraged residents to share their input about sustainability efforts with the city, especially with elected leaders at the City Council.  

“A lot of what I do is powered by the city council. Sustainability is a non-partisan issue; it’s truly our world,” said City of Vista Sustainability Programs Manager Cassidy McCarthy. 

Sometimes, cities find that sustainability work is best tackled as a group. Panelists noted that joining the Clean Energy Alliance with other North County cities was a crucial step toward achieving sustainability goals in their Climate Action Plans.

The cities of Oceanside, Solana Beach, and Carlsbad, among others, are also seeking a joint contract for a greenhouse gas emission inventory. 

To conclude the event, local artists participated in a reception to showcase their art pieces focused on climate issues.

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On April 29, 2025, the Carlsbad City Council recognized and honored 15 outstanding local businesses newly certified and recertified through the Carlsbad Green Business Program. The council presented an official proclamation acknowledging their efforts to support the city’s climate action and sustainability goals.

The celebration continued the following day, with a mixer hosted by New Village Arts, one of the newly certified Green Businesses, with delicious food sponsored by another newly certified green business, Verdani Partners. Current and past green-certified businesses gathered alongside program partners and supporters to honor this year's accomplishments and the growing impact of our green business community.

Congratulations to the newly certified and recertified businesses (listed alphabetically):

- Bamby’s Flowers

- Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce

- Carlsbad Pipelines

- City of Carlsbad Faraday Center

- City of Carlsbad Stagecoach Community Center

- Illuminous Marketing, Inc.

- La Costa Neighbors Magazine

- Living Design Interiors

- Marcy Browe Photography

- Microscope World

- New Village Arts Inc.

- Shout and About

- Smartville Inc.

- Straight Talk Solar Co.

- Verdani Partner

Earning the Green Business certification is a testament to these businesses’ dedication to environmentally responsible operations. By embracing sustainable practices, they are making a positive impact on both the local community and the planet. Several more businesses are actively working toward meeting the program’s requirements, joining over 50 green businesses in the city.

We applaud their leadership and commitment to a greener future. Congratulations!

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May 2025 - We’re excited to share that not one, but two of Carlsbad’s Green Businesses received the Intuit Electrification Mini Grants, supporting their efforts to operate more sustainably and improve energy efficiency.

Congratulations to Beacons and Vintage Wines Storage for being recognized for your strong commitment to sustainability. We’re proud to have you both certified through our Green Business Program.

Learn more about the energy-efficient actions these businesses are taking to make a difference in the video below.

Tune in at minute 5:56 for an interview with Rob Spence from Vintage Wines Storage, and at minute 7:59 to hear from Suzanne Phillips of Beacons North County.

Intuit Mini Grant Video

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April, 2024

Nineteen Carlsbad businesses that have taken steps to implement environmentally friendly business practices are officially part of the Carlsbad Green Business Program. On April 16, the Carlsbad City Council recognized the newly certified green businesses for demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. The city now has more than 40 businesses certified through the green business network.

The steps to becoming certified vary for each business, but they can include things like switching to paperless recordkeeping, installing solar panels or properly storing and disposing of hazardous waste.

Local businesses are encouraged to learn about the program. It’s free to get certified, and every little action helps make our community more sustainable.

Congratulations to these newly certified green businesses:

• Adobe by Jess Vargas
• BayWa r.e. Wind, LLC
• Beacons, Inc.
• City of Carlsbad – Dove Library
• City of Carlsbad – Fire Station 2
• Fusion Essentials
• Hera Hub Carlsbad
• Koza Law Group, APC
• Marie Monforte Photography
• Napatini Bistro & Wine Bar
• Pro Engineering Consulting
• Pure Project
• Republic Services – Palomar Transfer Station
• Taylor Custom Rings
• The French Delights, LLC
• Viasat – HQ E1
• Vintage Wine Storage
• Visit Carlsbad
• Waste Not Consulting

Carlsbad was the first city in San Diego County to join the California Green Business Network, a statewide network of 4,000 certified businesses in 40 cities that are committed to environmentally sustainable practices.

Studies have shown that practicing sustainability is often good for the local community and good for a business’s bottom line. Reducing water consumption through low-flow devices saves both money and resources. Upgrading lighting to energy-saving fixtures can help reduce costs over the long term. Reducing waste, using environmentally friendly cleaning products and cutting down on the use of toxic chemicals helps a business and its local community.

As part of the network, Carlsbad businesses can access promotions and rebates that help them go green. Participating in the Green Business Network is another way the city is working toward meeting its Climate Action Plan goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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January 2024 - We're thrilled to announce that one of our Green Businesses was showcased in the Carlsbad 2023 State of the City video.

Congratulations to GelatoLove! We are proud of having both of your locations recognized by our program.

Discover more about the sustainable practices they've embraced to earn their certification as a Green Business, starting at minute 6:50 of the following video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHnE7jopJAQ

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On April 18th, 2023, the Carlsbad City Council presented a proclamation recognizing the newly certified Carlsbad Green Business enrrolled in the Carlsbad Green Business, for their contributions to the city’s climate and sustainability goals. 

Following the proclamation, during a private mixer held at Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, twelve locations were honored for completing the necessary steps to become fully certified. Several other businesses are in the process of completing these requirements.

Congratulations to our certified businesses (in alphabetical order):

1. Au Savon de Provence

2. AVO Café

3. City of Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Department - Pine Community Center

4. Dancin' Soul Boutique

5. Develop your team

6. GelatoLove - Tasting Room & Kitchen

7. GelatoLove - Carlsbad Village

8. Morrison Insurance Services, Inc. 

9. Mylene Merlo Inc.

10. Solatube International Inc. - Cousteau

11. Solatube International Inc. - Oak Ridge

12. Wiegand Realty

The certification seal shows their commitment to incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of their operations, striving to reduce their impact on the environment through sustainable and source reduction initiatives. 

Congratulations!

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On May 17, 2022, the Carlsbad City Council presented a proclamation recognizing the Carlsbad Green Business Program and the certified businesses that help to support the city’s climate and sustainability goals.  Since the launch of the Carlsbad Green Business Program, ten businesses have completed the necessary steps to become fully certified and several other businesses are in the process of completing these steps.  Congratulations to our certified businesses (in alphabetical order):

·Activ8, LLC

·Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation

·Calsense

·Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce

·Living Design Interiors

·Marcy Browe Photography

·Microscope World

·Old School Shave Ice

·Straight Talk Solar Co.

·Virtual Workplace Solutions

To view the proclamation, click here! (Note: Jump to minute 17:30 for the Carlsbad Green Business Program portion)

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Carlsbad joins California Green Business Network

by Steve Puterski

December 20, 2019

CARLSBAD —The city is now part of a new green network and is aiming to draw as many businesses as possible.

During its Dec. 10 meeting, the City Council approved the city’s inclusion with the California Green Business Network, which helps businesses establish with being more eco-friendly. As part of the program, if Carlsbad certifies 15 businesses by Feb. 28, 2020, the city will receive a $30,000 grant from the state to augment the program.

Mike Grim, who is overseeing the program, said upgrading will help businesses save money in addition to conserving resources. Also, the city and its contracted partner, Environmental Innovations, Inc., have streamlined the process to make sure small- and medium-sized businesses don’t feel rushed to complete the recommendations.

“The programs are intended to encourage small- and medium-sized businesses to be more sustainable through a certification process,” Grim said. “All the certification areas are not only going to help the business but help the environment. We can walk them through everything. We don’t it to be so daunting that a small business owner … who wants to be sustainable feels it’s out of reach.”

Timaree Nelson of Environmental Innovations said the California Green Business Network is a statewide program with more than 3,100 businesses actively participating. Carlsbad is the first municipality in the county to join the network.

As for the process, business fill out a short application and Nelson’s team from Environmental Innovations will come out for a site visit to walkthrough the property. The checklist depends on the size and sector of each business, so it is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Home businesses and those business owners who are tenants can also apply, Grim said. Home businesses are reviewed in their immediate workspaces and bathroom. Tenants, meanwhile, will be reviewed on the items they can control, such as LED light bulbs and water regulators on faucets.

Businesses can qualify for up to a $500 rebate from the state to help ease the burden of the cost for upgrades, Grim said. To become certified only takes a couple of weeks, Nelson said.

The six sectors measured include energy, pollution prevention, wastewater, solid waste, water and community, she said.

“They can get a rebate from us for anything that helps them reach their measures,” Nelson said. “We contact them and start the process. There are core measures they have to meet.”

According to the California Green Business Network, in 2018 those in the network saved $7 million in utility costs, 64 million gallons of water, 50 million kilowatts of energy, reduced greenhouse gasses by 110,000 metric tons and diverted 33,000 metric tons of waste from landfills.

Most of those businesses part of the green network are classified as small- to medium-size, Grim said. Of the 5,353 businesses in the city, 88% are considered small or medium, he said.

Some of the aspects Environmental Innovations will review include water flow from faucets and sinks, lighting, landscaping (if applicable) and appliances.

Bret Schanzenbach, chief executive officer of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, said his organization is currently going through the process to show leadership and initiative. He said the process has been enlightening as the reviewers have found small gaps in places he didn’t think to look, such as energy-efficient appliances.

The chamber’s Green Business Committee partnered with the city to bring the program its businesses, Schanzenbach said.

“We wanted to get certified to be a leader and encourager of the program,” he said. “We wanted to actually engage in the process to say this is a legit thing and encourage our members to participate. It’s a very comprehensive program.”

Steve Puterski

Steve Puterski covers Carlsbad and Vista. For tips or story ideas, contact him at steve.puterski@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @StevePuterski.

BUSINESSES       CALIFORNIA GREEN BUSINESS NETWORK

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Carlsbad Green Business Network

The City of Carlsbad is the first city in San Diego County to join the California Green Business Network, a statewide network of 4,000 certified businesses in 40 cities that are committed to environmentally sustainable practices.

As part of the California Green Business Network, small to medium sized businesses in Carlsbad can now get certified, have access to energy-saving resources and save money while practicing sustainability.

In addition, the City of Carlsbad is now eligible for $30,000 in state grant funds if it certifies 15 businesses as green businesses by Feb. 28, 2020.

To become certified, businesses apply for certification through the local program administrator whom the city has contracted with, Environmental Innovations, Inc. Environmental Innovations will then support businesses to meet a number of environmental standards and adopt an environmental policy statement. Certified Green businesses exceed all environmental regulations and implement specific practices to reduce pollution, save water and energy and protect human health.

Studies have shown that practicing sustainability is often good for the local community and good for a business’s bottom line. Reducing water consumption through low-flow devices saves both money and resources. Upgrading lighting to energy-saving fixtures can help reduce costs over the long term. Reducing waste, using environmentally friendly cleaning products and cutting down on the use of toxic chemicals helps a business and its local community.

The California Green Business Network is funded in part by the California Environmental Protection Agency. As part of the network, Carlsbad businesses gain access to promotions, financing and rebates that help them go green.

Launching the Green Business Network locally in Carlsbad is also another way the city is working toward meeting Climate Action Plan goals which is to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapor. 

More Information

• Learn about joining the Carlsbad Green Business Network here.
• Mike Grim, Climate Action Plan Administrator, mike.grim@carlsbadca.gov, 760-602-4623

December 11, 2019 

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November 12 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am

 $10

PRESENTED BY: 

*Join the Green Business Committee  as we visit two Carlsbad Chamber businesses – Viasat, Inc. and ZUZA LLC – who have adopted sustainable best practices throughout their company. Learn firsthand what they did and how it is making their business prosper.

Check in and breakfast at the Chamber at 8:00 a.m. Must travel with pre-arranged carpool to participate.

Deadline to RSVP is Nov. 1

The Eco Tour is held instead of the regular committee meeting.

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