Green Businesses in Hayes Valley
By Nayelli González

Hayes Valley is turning green. Several businesses along this neighborhood’s main street have “greened” their operations to run their businesses in more environmentally responsible ways. This includes the environmental law firm of Rossmann and Moore, LLP, a Hayes Valley resident for nearly a quarter century.

Rossmann and Moore, LLP gained its San Francisco Green Business certification in December 2008 after implementing several operational strategies that have increased the firm’s recycling & waste reduction, energy conservation, water conservation, and pollution prevention.

“We are probably the oldest environmental law firm in California, and therefore it seemed both appropriate and desirable for us to set the example in our office operations that we have worked to set in our practice” said Antonio Rossmann, the firm’s Managing Partner.

To reduce its carbon and water footprints, the firm took the following measures based on recommendations from the San Francisco Department of the Environment:

Recycling & Waste Reduction

Purchasing power cannot be underestimated when it comes to being green. Rossmann and Moore only purchases 100% post consumer content recycled copy paper and at least 35% recycled paper for other paper products (toilet paper, tissue paper, hand towels, post-it notes, file folders). The firm recycles and composts most of its waste—everything from coffee cups and lids to banana peels.

Energy Conservation

Every light switch and heater control in Rossmann and Moore is accompanied with a sign that reminds the firm’s staff to turn off lights and heaters when they are not in use. The simple act of flipping a switch, combined with the use of CFLs, has increased the firm’s energy efficiency and has reduced the firm’s monthly PG&E bill compared to what it used to be when incandescent light bulbs were used.

Water Conservation

The firm cancelled its water cooler subscription, installed aerators on all sink faucets and convinced its landlord to purchase low-flow toilets with rebates offered through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. By switching to drinking tap water, which is some of the cleanest in the nation, and using a dual flush toilet system of 0.9 / 1.6 Gallons Per Flush (versus the previous 5 gallons per flush), the firm has significantly reduced its water footprint. Pollution Prevention In trying to prevent water, land and air pollution, the firm properly disposes of used ink cartridges and CFLs, and also purchases office products (pens, highlighters, printer ink) and cleaning products with low levels of toxicity. To fully comply with these standards, the firm has enlisted the help of the janitorial staff and only uses “green conscious” office supply vendors.

Most of the changes Rossmann and Moore undertook are simple, quick, and costreducing strategies that your business and home can put into practice, too.

Other local businesses are also turning a green leaf. Arlequin and La Boulange on Hayes Street provide customers with biodegradable and compostable food service ware (cups, straws, containers, spoons, knives and forks), and encourage customers to recycle and compost. And environmental law firm Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP is another certified green business in the neighborhood that follows green business principles.

For more information and resources on how to become a San Francisco Green Business, go to: http://sfgreenbiz.org/

As Rossmann and Moore’s Office Manager, Nayelli spearheaded efforts to successfully gain the firm certification through the San Francisco Green Business Program. She is currently working toward an MBA in Sustainable Management from the Presidio School of Management.