The Napa Chamber of Commerce is pleased to assist Web site visitors searching their online business directory for environment-friendly businesses by adding two new categories: green-certified and green-minded businesses.

Green-certified designates businesses that have completed a green-certification program. Green-minded business is a general directory category created to acknowledge member companies that are practicing green business in some manner.

   “Businesses that are working toward sustainability, using practices that are environmentally sensitive, socially equitable, and economically viable are good for the community,” said Jeri Gill, chairman of the Napa Chamber Board of Directors. “It’s great to see so many of our local businesses working together with community members and leaders to educate themselves and each other about green business practices. More and more consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability and as a result, they are expecting it from those with whom they do business and they support them with their dollars.”

   Many of the Chamber’s green-minded businesses have been recognized by the community with awards and are leading the way by example. They are taking steps to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution, such as using more efficient lighting, purchasing in bulk, watering landscapes efficiently, recycling cardboard, using less toxic products, etc. Successful business is dependent on a healthy environment and the Napa Chamber supports these efforts. “We applaud these member businesses for their proactive green practices, which contribute to a healthy and sustainable environment as well as contributing to a strong local economy,” said Kate King, Chamber CEO.

   Visit www.napachamber.com and click on the global recycling logo to access the business directory for these categories.

   For more information about going green, check the Bay Area Green Business Program Web site www.greenbiz.ca.gov.

Napa Recycling Awards

   This spring, 10 local businesses, three schools and two apartment complexes split $12,000 in cash prizes for their outstanding recycling efforts.

   Customers of Napa Recycling and Waste Services were rewarded for keeping recyclables out of garbage and garbage out of recyclables.

   The highest prize, $1,500, went to Charter Oak Apartments. Receiving $1,000 awards were: Vintage High School, Valley Oak High School, Trinity Grammar & Prep, Aldea Children and Family Services, Valley Oak Apartments, Blood Centers of the Pacific and Lucy’s Panaderia.

   The $500 winners were: Napa Infant Program, Copia, Tacqueria Rosita, Julia’s Kitchen, Andretti Winery, Breaktime Coffee and Downtown Joe’s.

   Funding for the program came from local garbage revenues and a state recycling grant.

Green among the grapes

   Wineries have been among the leading enterprises in Napa County in tapping into solar power.

   In September, Cuvaison Estate Wines fired up a solar power system to handle nearly all of the winery’s energy needs. Cuvaison President Jay Schuppert said the move would save the winery $51,000 in annual electricity costs.

   Earlier this summer Amizetta, a boutique winery in Conn Valley, inaugurated a 27.7 kilowatt-hour solar power system — large enough to power nine average homes. The winery sized its system to power the winery, one home and up to five wells in the 40-acre vineyard.

Spencer Clark, Amizetta’s owner, said he paid $160,000 to install the solar panel system and knock down monthly PG&E bills of $1,500 to $2,000.

   He figured, that with the financial incentives governments and energy providers give for going solar, the system will be paid off in four to five years.

His PG&E bill is now “pretty much zero,” he said.