Spring 2019
Enjoy a Recap of the Big 50 Green Business Celebration
On March 27, the City’s Commercial Recycling team hosted a celebration to honor the businesses that helped t he Green Business Certification (GBC) program reach the milestone of certifying 50 companies. The theme for the luncheon was Leading Today for a Greener Tomorrow . We gathered in Historic Downtown Plano at event1013 — the 50th business to be certified! Representatives from current certified businesses were treated to an impressive buffet of appetizers, entrees and cakes. Special thanks to fellow GBCs Bavarian Grill, Millstone Bakery, Snappy Salads and Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar for adding their flavors. Featured speakers Ana Meade, Toyota Motor North America senior manager, Social Innovation – Community Connections and Christina Day, City of Plano director of Planning presented “Community Innovation by Design.” They emphasized how communities can be strengthened when the city, businesses and residents work together for the common good by sharing expertise, technology and strategies.

Listen to the WBAP News story that aired Tuesday.
Welcome Our New Certified Green Businesses
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott makes it easy to be green. This hotel has green amenities—inside and out. Exterior features include an albedo roof that reflects heat and saves energy, and two electric vehicle charging stations. Interior green initiatives include four tankless water heaters, 100% nonsmoking guest rooms, all LED lighting and single-stream recycling containers in guest rooms. They also offer guests an incentive of earning Marriott reward points for skipping housekeeping. Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee can be enjoyed from compostable cups with heat guards made from 60% recycled fiber. Team members are provided with Fairfield insulated bottles and ongoing environmental training. Amenities seen and behind-the-scene make this hotel a suite retreat for environmentally-conscious guests.

 Propac Agency

Propac Agency specializes in activating retail brands by engaging buyers through creative programs. The self-dubbed brand warriors are creative with their green initiatives too—a pond funnels water through the irrigation system to their community garden. LED lighting and motion sensors save energy and low-flow water fixtures and automatic faucets conserve water. The Propac team’s sustainable purchasing includes low VOC paint, rechargeable batteries, non-toxic cleaning products and recycled-content office supplies. 

Interested in becoming Green Business Certified? Go to plano.gov/greenbusiness or contact Angela Hernandez with questions.
Still time to volunteer for the Great American Cleanup
Show your Plano pride by participating in the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 13. This community effort, part of the national Keep America Beautiful project to remove litter, is perfect for groups of coworkers, families, neighbors or friends. You may choose to clean your work campus, neighborhood, church, school or a Plano park starting at 8 a.m. that day. Cleanup supplies are provided along with free t-shirts while they last. Register at plano.gov/GAC before Sunday, April 7 . Join us at the volunteer appreciation party from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Chase Oaks Church, 281 Legacy Dr., for free food, music, games, prizes and more.
Texas Pure Products Awarded
Compost Manufacturer of the Year
The U.S. Composting Council named Texas Pure Products Compost Manufacturer of the Year in January. The City of Plano established Texas Pure Products in 1992 in partnership with the cities of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Richardson and the North Texas Municipal Water District. The award-winning compost is created from feedstock collected from residential and commercial yard trimmings and the City’s organic recycling program. Sherrian Jones, Texas Pure Products operations and marketing manager, says “A special thanks to residents and businesses who participate in collections, to the customers who buy our soil blends and mulch, and to our crew who works hard creating the best OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) listed organic compost and delivering the best service.” Not only is the compost STA certified and OMRI Institute listed, it represents full-circle recycling and extends the life of our shared landfill.
How Will You Embrace Earth Day on April 22?
Earth Day is an event observed annually on April 22 to demonstrate and promote environmental awareness and calls for the protection of our planet. Earth Day was founded in 1970 and has grown to be celebrated with events in over 193 countries. The Earth Day Network coordinates events globally and provides a theme each year. The 2019 theme is Protect Our Species .

If your company hosts an activity or event for Earth Day 2019, please send a description and photo to andreaa@plano.gov . Your info could be shared in the summer edition of The Business of Green in June.