EnviroStars is Washington’s green business resource.
Access environmental assistance, gain recognition and connect
with other business leaders.
Meet EnviroStars Business: Argyle Apartments
Meet Argyle Apartments, an EnviroStars business located in Federal Way! This newly recognized EnviroStars business worked hard over the last year taking numerous steps to improve the health and environment of its tenants and employees. Argyle Apartments organized, contained, and labeled chemicals in onsite storage areas, ordered new dumpsters to better organize solid waste collection and storage, and switched out fluorescent lighting for LEDs. Argyle Apartments feature Energy Star appliances, double-paned windows, and low-flow faucets to help save energy and water.
During the EnviroStars verification visit, a member of the Hazardous Waste Management Program team introduced Argyle management and staff to Safer Choice products. They enthusiastically accepted trial products and are considering adding them to their cleaning supplies instead of some of the traditional and more toxic products they currently use. We're excited about Argyle's improvements, and we look forward to following their sustainability journey.
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!
Would you like to be featured? Please reply to this email and let us know!
The latest business support resources to consider.
$50 Gift Card Winners!
Winner 1 - Plantscapes, Inc. Winner 2 - The Dazzle Cleaning Company Winner 3 - Rat City Bikes
Winners, please send us an email that confirms which email address we can send the digital gift card to.
The EnviroStars team is raffling off $50 Visa gift cards every month until the end of 2022! If your business renews in 2022, you may be randomly selected. Renew today to be included in each upcoming monthly drawing.
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
How can you elevate and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month? Show your Hispanic staff and customers that you value their contributions to community!
Spanish Language Materials Available
Do you need resources to better serve Spanish-speaking staff and customers? We have posters for the kitchen, bathrooms, and staff bulletin board. If you need copies, please email info@envirostars.org.
Celebrating National Public Lands Day on September 24
National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands when thousands of volunteers gather to help restore and improve public lands around the country. NPLD is also a “Fee-Free Day”—one of only five days a year when entrance fees are waived at national parks and other public lands.
Organize a staff outing, encourage customers to volunteer, or simply take the day to rest and rejuvenate in any natural space in celebration of NPLD.
At the two-year mark, we ask you to tackle one new green action to renew your recognition. If you received an email from our team, please respond to it with at least one new sustainable practice that your business is particularly proud of.
September is a Great Time for Stormwater Management
September is here - We’re ready for the fresh air, changing leaves, and falling rain! With rain comes increased stormwater (rainwater that travels over our streets, yards, and driveways and picks up pollutants such as oil and pet waste) that flows directly into our waterways without being cleaned.
Here’s how we can work together to reduce stormwater runoff, keep storm drains clean, and prevent pollution in our local waterways:
Stenciling storm drains serves as a reminder and learning moment for those who may not realize storm drains lead to local waterways. Many jurisdictions send out stenciling kits or hold stenciling events to remind community members that drains lead to waterways. This September, learn how to mark your local storm drains.
Free Spill Kits Available
Ensure you have a spill kit at your business and that your employees know how to use it. If you need a spill kit, please email info@envirostars.org with your business address and we will connect you to the correct resource.
Celebrate National Clean up day on 9/17
On the third Saturday of September, organizations around the country celebrate National CleanUp Day, with efforts aimed at reducing litter and cleaning up local communities, parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces.
This year, clean up around your local storm drains!
Celebrating EnviroStars Renewal Actions that Positively Impact Stormwater Systems
This month we are celebrating EnviroStars renewal actions that positively impact our local stormwater systems.
Tacoma Aroma Flavor
For Earth Day 2022, Tacoma Aroma Flavoradopted 3 storm drains via WA Adopt-a-Drain. Kris Hay, owner of Tacoma Aroma Flavor, named the drains after local, historical women who cared about the environment. Kris is maintaining the drains and promoting the program. Kris went a step further and reached out to the city of Tacoma to see about getting the drains marked with spray-painted images by local artists who the city worked with for this purpose.
Jade & Co
Jade & Co, a community-focused plant shop located in Tacoma, reported that they were awarded a partial grant from Pierce Conservation District and a rain tank installation. Hank the Tank is the hunkiest 400+ gallon rain tank that supplies rainwater to their plants during the driest months, prevents unnecessary tap water usage, and diverts stormwater out of the neighborhood parking lot and sidewalks.
Britescape
Recognized EnviroStars business, Britescape, adopted a street near their shop at N 95th and Aurora in Seattle. N 95th is an industrial area with some residences nearby. Lots of trash accumulates each day and green growth builds up in cracks along the street. Every week or every other week, Britescape staff completes a trash sweep. They also call in Find-it, Fix-it to remove any sighted needles that need to be disposed of. Each month, they mow, trim, and manage the green growth so that the street continues to be enjoyable and well-maintained.
How does your business positively impact stormwater and storm drains?
Reply to this email and let us know how you have a positive impact in your community. We'll feature your business in an upcoming post on the EnviroStars social platforms, and we'll have this awesome information for storytelling in the future!
