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Spring 2023 members will receive a certificate as part of the California Green Business Network.Photo credit: Gabriel Dillard
Written by Frank Lopez
For most consumers, company culture can be just as important as what a company sells.
Many people, especially younger generations, want to know more about companies, such as where their products come from, whether they are ethically sourced, how they treat their workers, and their commitment to the environment.
California is leading the way in driving the Green Revolution in the United States, and the Golden State has a vast array of programs, resources, and resources to help business owners reduce their environmental impact and save money. , funds are available.
The California Green Business Network works with counties and cities across California to help local businesses conserve energy and water, minimize waste, prevent pollution, and reduce their overall carbon footprint. A network of local programs run by
The network recently recognized 14 local businesses at the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation offices that are part of the program’s first local cohort.
Businesses recognized for Spring 2023 include unCOMPlicate HR, Uplift Balloon Events, La Patroncita LLC, Witrago E. Creations, Ofelia Sandoval Elizondo, Pretty Pickie, and Marisol Perez Family Daycare.
Businesses recognized for fall 2023 are Belen Sanchez Insurance Agency, Reclaim Technologies, GD.STWRD, Bookish, and Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce.
Brooke Wright, program director for the California Green Business Network, said the main reason businesses should go green is because it ultimately saves them money.
“We’ve already done all the preparatory work. If they work with us, we can support the most sustainable products, while also providing resources to help them save money,” Wright said. .
Common green business measures the cohort will learn about include using only LED lighting, separating waste from landfills, recycling, composting, using certified non-toxic cleaning products, and reducing employee commuting options. This includes offering, trading with other green businesses, and more.
Wright said some of the standards have been enacted into law in various cities and counties, but going green can pre-empt compliance and avoid penalties and fines.
Standards are constantly evolving, and new standards will likely be created as current measures become law.
Carla Elizabeth Osborn, owner and founder of Pretty Picky Boutique in Fresno’s River Park, has always been conscious of not only the health of the environment, but also a healthy lifestyle for herself and her children.
As her children grow up, they help Osborn’s business grow.
“They know everything about the business and having them in this part of my life is huge,” she said.
She said it wasn’t too difficult to become a certified green company because she has always been environmentally conscious. California Green Business Network resources were helpful every step of the way.
Originally from Mexico, Osborn followed his passion for coding and studied computer science in college.
Like a scene from a love story, Osbourne met an American tourist in Mexico, fell in love, married, and immigrated to the United States in 2009.
I started designing leather handbags in 2016 and have created a line of 15 designs. The business was successful.
After moving to California from Arizona, she decided she still wanted to work with leather, but in a different way. She began designing and making custom her designs for earrings, necklaces, rings, and jewelry using leather, wood, stone, and other materials.
She originally started selling her crafts at farmers markets in 2020, vending at six farmers markets throughout the week to save money for a storefront.
By August 2022, we will have a grand opening in one of our retail spaces in the River Park parking lot.
Her business continues to be strong and she plans to offer free craft and jewelry-making classes to seniors. It’s just one of the ways she chooses to contribute to the community and sustainability.
“I’m so proud of us,” she said. “We’re moving in a green direction and we’re very happy. We feel like we can help,” she said.
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