Local businesses were celebrated for their love of green this week.
The 24th annual Sustainable Quality Awards took place at the Le Meridien Delfina Hotel in Santa Monica Tuesday, April 30. The awards, produced in a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Sustainable Works, recognized local businesses that have successfully put sustainability practices into effect at their workplace.
Awards were given out for Excellence in Economic Development, Excellence in Social Responsibility and Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment.
Prominent community members in attendance included City Manager Rick Cole, Representatives from Assemblymember Richard Bloom’s office and Mayor Gleam Davis, who gave a speech at the event.
“The businesses honored here today prove a business can thrive while being protective of the environment,” Davis began.
Davis then announced that Santa Monica electricity customers would be receiving 100% green electricity starting Wednesday, May 1. She also added that the City has made future sustainability targets — water self-sufficiency by 2020, zero waste by 2030 and to become carbon neutral by 2050.
“Working together, we can all be part of this sustainability movement for years to come. With the leaders in this room, I know we’ll be successful.”
Winners of the awards were diverse; winners included businesses ranging from bakeries to salons, all making changes to their businesses to become more green.
For instance, Santa Monica Motel moved towards making everything from planting to light changes to be more efficient in usage of electricity and water.
The Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District, who have made efforts to be more sustainable in their practices and provided a future roadmap for green goals, say they have the next generation in mind when it comes to their own earth-saving efforts.
“We at SMMUSD believe the future of the world can be shaped through public education,” SMMUSD superintendent Dr. Ben Drati said. “We serve over 11,000 students. Imagine if they’re educated on these practices, we can multiply that effect. They can impact the world.”
2019 SQA Winners
Grand Prize Winner
Back on the Beach Cafe
Tradesy, Inc.
Excellence in Economic Development
Arthur Murray Dance Center
Bezian Bakery
Excellence in Social Responsibility
Santa Monica Motel
Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment
Global Green
Salon Tru Santa Monica
Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District
angel@smdp.com
