Environmental Policy Statement

We strive to incorporate sustainability into our core operations through internal and external efforts. Specifically, we adopt the following policies and practices:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair.
2. Avoid the use of toxic chemicals.
3. Conserve energy, water, natural resources, and move away from fossil fuels where possible.
4. Promote environmental education, outreach, and awareness to our staff.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair

We commit to –

• Work tirelessly to reduce our waste stream by increasing our recycling.
• Strive to increase waste diversion by recycling all paper, cardboard, wood, metals, bottles, plastics, packaging, and cans.
• Discourage the use of disposable products by using washable/reusable items.
• Reduce the waste generated by donating reusable office items (appliances, electronic equipment, and furniture) to charitable organizations.
• Reuse envelopes and packaging.
• Promote the use of natural lighting and solar energy, where feasible.
• Institute a policy to turn off lighting and appliances in unoccupied rooms.
• Conserve water with the installation of ultra-low flow and/or dual flush toilets, plant native drought-tolerant plants. 
• Repair items when possible instead of purchasing a new one immediately. 

2. Toxics Reduction

We minimize the use of toxic materials to protect employee health and the environment. Specifically, we do the following –

• Purchase low to non-toxic janitorial cleaning products (only those approved for use by the CA Green Business Program). Certified by Green Seal, UL Ecologo, EPA Safer Choice, or with a rating from the Environmental Working Group of an ‘A’ or ‘B.’
• Use recycled-content products, materials, and supplies when available.
• Recycle universal wastes (electronics, batteries, fluorescent light tubes, used motor oil) and prohibit purchasing materials that may lead to hazardous waste generation. Find a drop-off for universal/hazardous waste at Earth911 or your local waste hauler’s website.

3. Conserve Resources

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

We purchase/use the following:

• Office paper with 100% recycled content or 30% + FSC certified; bathroom, and kitchen papers with at least 30%+ post-consumer recycled content as well.
• Refillable bottles, canvas bags, and reusable to-go containers.
• LED lighting and Energy Star appliances and electronics.
• Water-efficient toilets and faucet aerators.
• Sustainable gifting practices to reduce carbon emissions.

Conserve Fossil Fuels

We shall conserve fossil fuels by:

• Upgrading vehicles to fuel-efficient hybrid or electric vehicles.
• Allowing personnel to work remotely.
• Encouraging the use of public transit.
• Promoting biking to work and carpooling.

Community Participation

We will help to keep our local community healthy by:

• Joining and participating in 1% for the Planet
• Adopting a local trail through I Love a Clean San Diego
• Co-hosting community drives and events for those impacted by climate change

4. Employee Education

We shall educate employees on resource conservation and pollution prevention through –

• Hosting only zero-waste events i.e. ensuring that little to no waste is generated during work parties, picnics, and meetings. 
• Training programs to educate employees on proper recycling & composting practices, resource conservation ideas, the importance of low-toxic purchasing, etc.
• Informing staff of environmental issues in training materials and staff meetings.
• Hosting and/or partnering with other organizations to host trash cleanups in our community.
• Participating in the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Green Committee and passing along learnings. 

Through the course of our work, we endeavor to promote these policies to other companies, organizations, and individuals.  Through donations, we will support the work of local environmental organizations.

OWNER/AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE NAME – Gwen Beren

SIGNATURE – Gwen Beren

DATE OF ADOPTION – January 13, 2025

POSITION/TITLE  – CEO