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Intuit Sustainability Project Highlights

CAGBN and Intuit Efficiency Mini-grants:

Sustainability Project Highlights and Impact Stories

Sustainability is at the top of every Green Business’s agenda, but with the day-to-day reality of running a business, sometimes the financial resources aren’t available to complete efficiency upgrades. For this reason the California Green Business Network (CAGBN) partnered with Intuit, a financial software company, to launch a mini-grant program, financially supporting small businesses in sustainability projects beyond Green Business Certification. By supporting small businesses in adopting environmentally friendly measures, the program aimed to promote sustainability while also benefiting businesses through cost savings and increased efficiency. This project has assisted 61 eligible businesses in reducing their environmental impact.

The awarded businesses cover a diverse range of industries and services, including restaurants, cafes, salons, preschools, breweries, healthcare providers, galleries/studios, retail shops, real estate, consulting firms, churches, schools, and more. The businesses described vary widely in ownership and focus. They include BIPOC-owned, woman-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, employee-owned, and family-owned establishments. 

The completed projects range from energy efficiency upgrades to waste reduction initiatives and sustainable transportation solutions. Some examples include, electric bike purchases, LED lighting and insulation installation, HVAC and energy efficiency upgrades, and electric hot water pumps. These projects demonstrate a commitment to sustainability by implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing water and waste, and transitioning to eco-friendly transportation options.

Project Ropa

Project Ropa, located in Gardena, CA, woman-owned, operates as a Los Angeles Certified Green Business. Their business redirects unused clothing, deadstock fabrics, and other textile waste produced in Los Angeles away from landfills and carbon-heavy recycling centers. These items are then distributed directly to individuals experiencing homelessness, extreme poverty, or housing insecurity. They annually recycle and upcycle approximately 50,000 pounds of post-consumer textiles.

To further reduce waste and their carbon footprint, they used the grant money to purchase more eco-friendly hangers and storage containers made from sustainably-sourced wood and biodegradable materials. These upgrades not only contribute to waste reduction, but also enhance the boutique feel of their Mobile Clothing Closet, reducing trauma and stigmatization associated with homelessness and poverty. Moreover, they were able to upgrade the takeaway bags provided to clients, offering portable and sturdy backpack bags as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. These bags serve as a dignified alternative for individuals to carry their belongings, providing a sense of security and reducing the reliance on disposable plastic bags.

Through these efforts, Project Ropa anticipates preventing 500 plastic hangers, 25 plastic displays/totes, 1000 plastic bags, and 5,000 pounds of textiles from being discarded into landfills. They also work with local recycling partners to recycle unusable plastic waste produced.

Overall, Project Ropa’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond clothing redistribution, aiming to foster a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible society by minimizing textile waste and supporting vulnerable communities in Los Angeles.

Petroglyph

Petroglyph, Inc., a woman-owned ceramic lounge, located in Santa Cruz is dedicated to focusing on environmental sustainability and cleaner operations. Their grant project involved implementing several upgrades to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. These upgrades include installing air filters in the kiln room and office, replacing light bulbs with LED ones, upgrading faucets for better water regulation, and introducing green toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaners.

Additionally, staff members received education on recycling and the company’s environmental ethos. Petroglyph, Inc. also provided bike tools and bus passes to encourage alternative transportation methods among employees.

Although it’s challenging to quantify the exact reduction in water and power usage due to fluctuating rates and consumption patterns, the implemented green upgrades have been beneficial. The replacement of T-12 incandescent bulbs with T-8 LED bulbs in the kiln room and storage area, is estimated to save approximately 29.2 pounds of GHG emissions per week. Furthermore, with the new aerators, they are saving approximately 21 gallons of water per week!

Overall, these efforts demonstrate Petroglyph, Inc.’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, aligning with their mission to provide family entertainment while minimizing their ecological footprint.

Fruition Brewing

Fruition Brewing, a woman-owned establishment in Watsonville, CA, understands the importance of minimizing their carbon footprint in order to do their part, and lead by example. They do this by reducing their waste and energy consumption in their operations, and by featuring organic and small-batch beers and food from local farmers and businesses.

In 2019, during their initial construction, budget constraints led them to utilize second-hand sinks for their small brewery and kitchen. While aligned with their commitment to sustainability, these sinks, though mostly in good condition, experienced significant wear and tear. Despite efforts to capture small leaks for plant watering, a faulty faucet incident led to a night-long water wastage incident, resulting in the loss of thousands of gallons of clean water.

With the help of a grant, they collaborated with a local plumbing business to replace the faulty faucets with durable ones, requiring the procurement of hard-to-find parts due to the age of their large industrial stainless sinks. It is estimated that they were able to save 5-7 gallons a day by making this change!

“We are excited to look at our next few water bills, and compare to when they leaked. We’re especially excited not to have to worry about the water accidentally left on flowing all night long ever again!”

The California Green Business Network expresses pride in all green businesses, all of the grant applicants, and is committed to seeking additional opportunities beyond certification to support the business community. “What happens when a company and a nonprofit that both support small businesses like Intuit and the California Green Business Network partner?  You get large economic benefits to small businesses and substantial environmental benefits. It’s a win for everyone. We hope to do more partnerships like this in the future.” Jo Fleming, Executive Director of CAGBN

If you are interested in learning more, please visit our website here.

This Efficiency Mini-Grant is a partnership between Intuit and the California Green Business Network. Funding is generously provided by Intuit. Intuit remains committed to supporting programs that help communities make sustainable choices. Intuit applies its unique approach to problem-solving and innovation to create new sustainability solutions for our small business customers, which make up half of the US and global economy.