The Nevada Green Business Network Launches Webinar Series
The Nevada Green Business Network (NVGBN) announced a webinar series to raise awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of green business practices during and after COVID-19. Green business is good for Nevada and great for business. Businesses will help fight climate change by saving valuable resources and protecting the environment, while also saving money by implementing sustainable practices that lead to cost savings in energy, water and waste. These environmental practices help keep employees healthy and engaged, enable businesses to comply with regulations, and help attract customers that are increasingly interested in supporting businesses that are helping to protect the environment.
"How Green Business can Support Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery" Webinar Schedule – Thursdays Biweekly at 12 Noon (Webinar Links)
The webinar series will be held every other Thursday beginning on July 16 as a virtual brown bag lunch-time meeting (bring your own). The topics and speakers are identified below:
July 16 – Waste Reduction and Recycling Guides presented by Patty Moen, Recycling Coordinator, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP)
NDEP and the Business Environmental Program at UNR developed recycling guides for households, restaurants and hotels to assist in making choices to reduce waste, reuse, and recycle during the COVID-19 reopening. The webinar presents facts regarding the latest credible information on the virus transmission and how it relates to waste. Patty will also provide an update on the state of recycling in Nevada.
July 30 – Nevada’s Climate Action Plan presented by Kristen Averyt, State Climate Policy Coordinator
Under the leadership of Governor Sisolak, Nevada is accelerating efforts to achieve a clean, sustainable, and climate-resilient future for all Nevadans. Today and in the future, Nevada will continue its leadership in advancing clean energy solutions and addressing the growing impacts of climate change that are already being felt in all corners of the Silver State. The webinar presents the state’s process for developing a climate action plan, and explores how COVID-19 may impact efforts to reduce climate pollution.
August 6 – Repair and Fix-It Panel moderated by Patricia Moen (NDEP) and Kim Rios, Community Educator for Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful
One strategy for achieving waste reduction is through reuse and repair activities. A panel will discuss current practices and suggestions on growing the reuse and repair movement in Nevada, and how COVID-19 is impacting the burgeoning repair economy. Panelists and presentations by Patagonia, Reno Bike Project and Computer Corps.
August 20 – Nevada and the Circular Economy moderated by Lynne Barker, sustainability consultant
Waste reduction and recycling are integrated processes, often referred to as the “circular economy,” involving collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing. The circular economy also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions reduction, economic development and job creation. Investments in recycling infrastructure that processes waste materials into usable feedstock or new products can support Nevada’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Panelists and presentations by Great Basin Brewery, Conscious Container and Full Circle Compost.
September 3 – Implementation of the City of Reno’s Sustainability & Climate Action Plan presented by Suzanne Linfante, Management Analyst, City of Reno
The City of Reno Sustainability Plan was adopted July 2019. An update will be provided on barriers to implementation, progress made to date, and how the community can be more involved and assist with long-range goals and specific actions.
September 17 – Green Building in Northern Nevada moderated by Jaime Villarino-Eilenberger, Sustainability Manager, Leading Edge Consulting Services
Webinar links and more information about the webinar series can be found on the Webinar Landing Page. The webinar series is made possible through funding by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.
ABOUT NEVADA GREEN BUSINESS NETWORK:
The Nevada Green Business Network (NVGBN) is a partnership program founded by the environmental nonprofit greenUP! and Western Nevada College (WNC) to launch a statewide green business certification program. The voluntary program will utilize the GreenBizTracker, a web-based software tool that provides an easy-to-use framework that helps businesses adopt sustainable practices and report savings in energy, pollution prevention, solid waste, transportation, wastewater and water. Certified businesses are recognized for their leadership and featured in a green business directory.
To become a certified green business program in Nevada, visit: https://nvgreenbiz.org. For more information about certification contact Erica Gallegos, GreenBizTracker Manager at erica.gallegos@wnc.edu.