Environmental group launches initiative to recognize local businesses that go green

The Southeast Missouri Climate Protection Initiative has launched a program to recognize local businesses that are going green.

So far, 36 businesses have participated in the 'Local Businesses Go Green' program, but leader Jill Wicks hopes many more businesses will join in the effort.

"Many businesses are already conserving energy, and we want to let the public know which ones are making that effort," Wicks said. "We're wanting to show businesses that the little things they do count."

The initiative's website, http://cstl.semo.edu/semocpi, so far lists the efforts of six of the 36 businesses.

The climate initiative and the Southeast Missouri League of Women Voters have released a survey through the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's weekly newsletter. The survey can be accessed at the initiative website. Questions cover topics such as examples of energy conservation activities and how recycling can be made easier and more cost-effective for businesses.

"There's such a misperception out there that going green costs you a lot of money, and that may be true in some cases," Wicks said. "But mostly it's just taking steps such as recycling cans or using fluorescent light bulbs."

Wicks' employer, Daniel and Henry Co., recycles such items as paper, newspapers and empty toner cartridges and turns off lights, printers and computer monitors when they're not in use.

Other businesses in Cape Girardeau participating in the effort include restaurants, grocers and manufacturers.

Delta Companies' efforts have included using an asphalt mixture on some projects that reduces energy consumption and a renovation of its regional construction office in Cape Girardeau.

The company's first warm mix project was completed in October. The warm mix reaches temperatures of 250 degrees, compared to 300 degrees or higher with a hot mix, which saves the company up to 30 percent in energy consumption and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

A month later the company renovated its office at 1208 S. Kingshighway to include a high-efficiency heating and cooling system, an automatic lighting system, high-efficiency insulation for better heat retention and recycled asphalt. The project also used paint that does not contain volatile organic compounds, and 20 trees and shrubs were planted to provide long-term shading for the parking lot.

"We're trying in what we do to conserve and make our footprint smaller," said human resources manager Debbi Robinson.

For its part, the Corner Grocery Store sells local products such as free-range eggs year-round and vegetables from the Old Town Cape Scholarship Fund program in the spring and summer. The store also recycles cardboard and aluminum.

Co-owner Robert Gentry said when he and others conserve, it's a win-win situation for all involved.

"When we and others sell local products it's a good feeling, too," Gentry said.

Wicks will post businesses and results on the climate initiative's website as more surveys are submitted.

"We're not policing businesses to make sure they follow up on what they say they're doing," Wicks said. "... This whole program is what you can do to better yourself, your future and your world."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628