San Benito County businesses strive to “go green”

More than 20 businesses in San Benito County are enrolled in the county’s green business program. The goal of the certification is to make businesses in the county more environmentally friendly.

Margot’s Ice Cream Parlor in San Juan Bautista is one of the businesses currently going through the process of becoming certified. The shop has already made changes to its ice cream tubs, cleaning products and trash bins in an effort to be a more green business.

“It’s just knowing that we’re able to compost or recycle most of what we have here,” owner Margot Tankersley said.

The local businesses must follow San Benito County’s Integrated Waste Management’s elective and core criteria. The criteria is different depending on the kind of small business.

Margot’s has added an organic waste bin and has seen a decrease in the amount of trash they produce.

A big difference has been the ice cream tubs. The shop now removes the plastic from the top of the bin, and the rest can go in the organic waste bin.

According to the county, three businesses are already green certified. 24 others, including Margot’s Ice Cream shop, are in the process of becoming certified.

“Respecting the Earth,” Tankersley said. “It makes you kind of feel good.”