Filling a niche key to green economy success
For Kelly Raiser’s new venture in the green economy, stimulus doesn’t come from the government. It comes from dedication to sustainability as a core business value.
Raiser’s Arlington company, Max & Ruffy’s, makes organic, healthy, vegetable-based dog treats. The handmade treats include vitamin-rich molasses, antioxidant-packed herb, and gluten- and wheat-free pumpkin. The market: People who want healthy, easily digestible foods for Fido that are free of artificial coloring, flavoring, additives and harmful preservatives, fair-trade sourced, and packaged in 100-percent recyclable paperboard and home-compostable bags, says Raiser. “It’s about making a positive choice for your dog and the environment.”
Increasingly, people are evaluating consumer goods to make greener buying decisions. It’s an example of voting with dollars to make a difference.
Sustainable enterprises range from Potomac-based Green Earth Travel to Community Forklift, a “home improvement thrift store” in Edmonston, Md. that sells salvaged materials out of a 40,000-square-foot warehouse.
Operated by D.C. nonprofit Sustainable Community Initiatives, Community Forklift’s goals are to cut waste, create green jobs, and make home repair and remodeling more affordable and eco-friendly for everyone, says outreach director Ruthie Mundell.
“We’ve been doing quite well throughout the recession because we have a green business model,” Mundell says. “Stores like ours are popping up in every state.”
One example: Whole House Building Supply & Salvage in East Palo Alto, a California “Small Business of the Year” award-winner.
To help sustain sustainable businesses in D.C., Steve Ma started Live Green last year. The co-op works as a green buying pool to negotiate prices and curb costs for member businesses, which currently number three dozen. Funds come from $13 memberships that give consumers discounts for Zipcar, restaurants, graphic design, cleaning services, yoga, energy audits and other businesses. “It’s win-win,” Ma says. “We need to debunk the myth that green costs too much.”
Reach Robin Tierney at [email protected].
