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Monthly Newsletter
May 2022
EnviroStars is Washington’s green business resource. 

Access environmental assistance, gain recognition and connect
with other business leaders.
Meet EnviroStars Business: Irene Akio Illustration 

Meet Irene Akio from Irene Akio Illustration, a recognized EnviroStars business since 2019! Irene was born in Japan and raised in Michigan. Irene moved to Seattle about 15 years ago. She feels at home here in an area with a long and diverse Asian American history and enjoys the beautiful outdoors and delicious food! 

Not only does Irene love to make original art and stationery, but Irene also stays true to Aiko Illustration's values by supporting the local economy. Aiko Illustration partners with other Seattle woman-owned businesses for printing and implements sustainable practices wherever possible by using post-consumer paper for her product line. 

Irene hopes to bring a moment of joy to people who view her miniature pieces of artwork. Bring a moment of pleasure to yourself by checking out Irene Akio Illustration’s greeting cards, art prints, stickers, original artwork, and more! 

Connect with Irene via Aiko Illustration's Facebook & Instagram
What is an EnviroStars Featured Business?

Every month, the EnviroStars team features a recognized EnviroStars small business owner. We highlight sustainable business practices, share tips for success, and learn how the EnviroStars program has benefited businesses! 
The latest business support resources to consider.
Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Month

Why May? AAPI Heritage Week began on May 4 and marked two historic occasions: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the mainland United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, thanks in large part to the work of as many as 20,000 Chinese immigrant laborers.

There are many ways you can celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Month!
Happy National Tourism Day

National Tourism Day takes place today, May 7! National Travel and Tourism Week was first celebrated in May 1983, as President Ronald Reagan signed a Proclamation urging all citizens to observe the week. The EnviroStars team was unfamiliar with this holiday, but we're taking it as a cue to remember that Washington has many visitors each year and it's our responsibility to welcome them to the state and make their vacation better off for meeting us. What do you say? Are you with us? #WelcomeToWashington
May is National Bike Month
 
40% of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles, making bicycling a feasible and fun way to get around.  #BikeThere 

May is National Bike Month, a celebration of biking as transportation, recreation, and essential to our well-being and everyday lives. May also kicks off the National Bike Challenge, which continues through September.  

Bike to Work Week is May 16-22, and Bike to Work Day is on Friday, May 20. So celebrate your employees, encourage them to bike to work, and offer an extra incentive this May! Even better? Sign up for Bike Benefits and offer your customers an incentive too!
Complete an EnviroStars Checklist Item by Offering Secure Bike Parking

Looking to earn more points and increase your EnviroStars tier status? Or maybe your business is up for renewal? If so, you need to complete and submit an additional Green Action to remain EnviroStars recognized.

Here's a simple one in honor of National Bike Month - Offer secure bike parking for employees.

Scope out your space and see how you can make more room or a few minor improvements to offer secure bike parking.
  • Clean out the junk room that never gets used
  • Install a secure bike rack so employees have something safe, close, and convenient to lock their bikes to
  • Use a light sensor that responds to movement around the bike rack so employees feel as safe and secure as their bikes after a long shift

 
Landscaping Tips from EnviroStars Business: MicraCulture! 

It's spring and time to feed your soil to avoid common gardening issues and decrease the need for toxic garden chemicals like pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Healthy living soils have a diverse community of soil microbes that help plants defend themselves from pests and disease and absorb nutrients and water already in the soil, making gardening easier for you.  

Recognized EnviroStars business, MicraCulture, has a few tips for your soil. 
  • Grow your soil by adding compost, vermicompost, and soil microbes. 
  • Minimize tillage, grow a cover crop, and use mulch in the offseason. 
  • Choose a selection of plants that you both love to eat and know how to grow in our local growing zone and microclimate. 
 
Check out MicraCulture’s organic Plant Probiotics to get started. Happy growing! 
Rebates & Free Trial Products Available!

Your eligible business can receive up to $599 cashback for hazardous waste improvements that protect your workers and the environment. Reimbursement is available for lab testing, disposal and recycling, equipment and process changes (including secondary containment, spill control, and substitution of less toxic materials), and protective equipment for employees.

King County is also offering free trial products to encourage the transition to safer degreasers. The products King County is currently distributing include CRC and GUNK brake cleaners, simple green spray bottles, reusable metal canisters for bulk solvent systems, and ECOS all-purpose light duty degreaser.  

 Call 206-296-4692 for assistance, free products, and to get your degreaser voucher!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. As an employer, coworker, and human being it's important to show up for and support each other. Mental Health Awareness Month is a good time to pause and ensure your staff knows what type of resources are available should they find themselves struggling. It's also a good time to reflect and understand how your mental health may impact those around you. Are you supporting yourself appropriately? Are you taking time to refill and refresh your cup each week? Everyone has different needs when it comes to mental health - below we share some helpful resources.
Mental Health Resources at Work
Ensure your staff knows how they can access mental health resources at work whether it's through insurance, help hotlines, or onsite support that you may offer. Allow staff to take a sick day if they are not feeling mentally healthy or able to work. Make these policies known by having a meeting, sending an email and requiring a read receipt, and posting information in the break room. 
 
Be a Leader and Fight the Stigma
 
To talk about mental health is to support someone who is struggling with mental health. Be a leader at your workplace to destigmatize mental health struggles. Support others by knowing the signs, making resources available, and being ready to connect individuals to the care and support they may need.

Learn more:
 
Facilitate Group Activities to Recharge
Utilize one of the most accessible mental health resources - the great outdoors! 
Here's how to get ready for a hike in Washington.


Here's how to get there; no car, no problem!
Provide a Calm Space to Recharge at Work
 
Create a space where employees can mentally and physically rest for at least fifteen minutes during the workday. Provide comfortable seating in a zone that is quiet and provides nice lighting,

Bonus points if you offer employees an additional way to take a mental respite. Consider using the green business directory at greenbiztracker.org to purchase from local, organic, and EnviroStars-recognized tea vendors for your employees!  

 
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