Empowering Businesses for a Greener Future

In this episode of The Wild Party Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Susy Borlido, the Co-Executive Director and Green Business Program Director at Sustainable Works. If you haven’t heard of them yet, Sustainable Works is a nonprofit dedicated to environmental education and helping businesses implement sustainable practices. With over two decades of experience, Susy has been a driving force behind numerous municipal green business certification programs in California, empowering companies to reduce their environmental impact while also boosting their bottom line.

Susy's Journey into Sustainability

I was so excited to dive into Susy’s background and learn about her journey. She shared how she grew up in Toronto, Canada, and first got into environmental studies at the University of Toronto. It was there that she discovered her passion for geography and environmental resource management. When she moved to Los Angeles in 2001, Susy volunteered at the Center for Urban and Environmental Studies at Santa Monica College. This led her to Sustainable Works, where she has been ever since, advocating for businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

Listening to Susy's story was truly inspiring. I came to the sustainability movement later in my life, so I admire those like Susy who have dedicated their careers to making a difference.

The Evolution of Green Business Programs

Susy and I discussed the origins of California’s green business programs, which I found fascinating. These programs started in the Bay Area back in the 1990s, initially focusing on helping businesses comply with environmental regulations. Over the years, they evolved into a statewide network that encourages businesses to go beyond compliance and fully embrace sustainability.

Today, the California Green Business Network (CAGBN) operates in over 50 jurisdictions across the state, offering businesses a clear pathway to reduce their environmental impact. Susy explained that businesses can now choose from three levels of certification: entry, tier 2, and the advanced innovator level. The process involves implementing measures across six key resource areas: energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution prevention, waste reduction, transportation, and community engagement. It was eye-opening to hear how these programs work and how they can help businesses make small but meaningful changes.

What Does It Mean to Be a Green Business?

For those of you wondering what it takes to be a green business, Susy gave us some excellent insights. Whether a business is in the restaurant industry or an office setting, the certification process looks at various aspects of their operations, from how they handle waste to how they use energy and water. For example, an office might need to switch to LED lighting, implement recycling programs, and adopt water-saving practices to achieve certification.

One of the things that really stood out to me during our conversation was when Susy talked about community involvement. A crucial part of the certification process is how businesses engage with their local communities. It’s not just about making changes within your four walls but also about being a positive force in the wider community. I think that's a powerful message for businesses that are looking to have a real impact.

Educating the Next Generation

Susy also shared how Sustainable Works educates the younger generation through student programs at Santa Monica College and local high schools. I loved hearing how these workshops cover topics like energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction, helping foster environmental stewardship among students. This work is so important because, as I’ve come to realize, teaching kids about sustainability early on sets them up to make conscious choices throughout their lives.

Tackling Sustainability Challenges

Susy and I didn’t shy away from discussing some of the challenges businesses face when implementing sustainable practices. One topic that came up was greenwashing—the practice of marketing products as more environmentally friendly than they actually are. Susy gave a great example of how businesses often think they’re doing the right thing by purchasing bamboo products, when in reality, recycled content paper products are more sustainable. This was a lightbulb moment for me, and I’m sure it will be for many of you as well.

Susy emphasized how important it is for businesses to support the recycling industry by choosing products made from recycled materials. It's a small change, but it can have a big impact, especially when scaled up across businesses with hundreds of employees.

Making Sustainable Choices

On a more personal note, Susy talked about her own commitment to sustainability. She shops exclusively at thrift stores and challenges herself to buy used goods whenever possible. This inspired me to think about my own consumption habits and how I can make more sustainable choices in my daily life. I even mentioned my recent attempt to avoid buying new clothes, which has been challenging in our consumer-driven society!

Susy’s message was clear: start with small changes, like buying used items or opting for recycled materials. It’s all about being more mindful of our actions and how they impact the planet.

How You Can Get Involved

If you're a business owner in California and are interested in getting green certified, Susy shared a super simple way to get started. Just visit greenbusinessca.org and click on "Get Certified." Enter your address, and if your city pops up, it means there's a green business program in your area that you can take advantage of for free. These programs offer resources, support, and even rebates to help businesses make sustainable changes.

To learn more about Sustainable Works and their initiatives, you can visit sustainableworks.org.

Final Thoughts

Talking with Susy was such a rewarding experience. Her passion for sustainability and the incredible work she does through Sustainable Works is truly inspiring. This conversation reminded me that, whether we’re business owners or consumers, we all have a role to play in protecting our planet. It’s about making informed choices, supporting sustainable practices, and continually learning how we can do better.

I hope you’ll check out this episode of The Wild Party Podcast to hear more of Susy’s insights and learn how you can make a difference, both in your business and in your personal life. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to explore how we can use business as a force for good!