November 11, 2009 > Go green, save money and environment Go green, save money and environment By Meenu Gupta Global warming is everybody's problem because it eventually affects all of us. If we don't make a conscious effort to reverse the trend of the earth's increasing temperature, the potential risks of food water shortage, displaced habitats, rising sea-level is very much possible in this century. Businesses may help protect the environment while reducing their operating costs. The Bay Area Green Business Program, coordinated by the Association of Bay Area Governments, offers free resources and technical assistance to a wide variety of businesses interested in improving environmental performance. "Because Green Businesses look for opportunities to cut chemical use, they save money, offer a safer workplace, and are better neighbors in the community. By conserving energy and water, they are operating a leaner, more efficient business that is more competitive. And, by cutting down on waste to the landfill, along with the many other efficiencies they implement, they are reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Coordinator, Alameda County Green Business Program, Pamela Evans. Alameda County businesses may request an application by contacting Pamela Evans at pamela.evans@acgov.org. Businesses in Milpitas may contact Coordinator, Santa Clara County Green Business Program Lisa Rose at (408) 282-3166 or write to lisa.rose@aem.sccgov.org. For more information visit www.greenbiz.ca.gov/greenbiz.html.