Mar. 23—ROCHESTER — Cate Stacy knows Rochester business owners have more on their minds than protecting the environment.
"It's not something that is at the forefront of what they need to do," the Mayo High School junior said. "I know this is a rebound year for a lot of businesses, so this is not exactly on the top of the agenda for them."
However, the Rochester-Olmsted County Youth Commission member is working to make sure those who are helping protect the environment amid their daily business practices are recognized.
The commission recently launched the
Green Business Recognition Program
, an idea Stacy brought back from a meeting with other youth commissioners throughout the state.
The pilot program seeks to recognize local businesses that are adopting environmentally sound practices.
Businesses score themselves on a variety of actions related to how they dispose of solid waste and recycling, make purchases and use energy, as well as a variety of other choices made on a daily basis.
With the goal of recruiting the first 10 participating businesses this spring, seven have already signed up to be ranked for bronze, silver and gold recognition that can be displayed in their windows.
Paige Jehnke, owner of Janky Gear, 204 N. Broadway Ave., was the first to be recognized but said she wasn't trying to be a trailblazer.
The bronze award recipient said she just saw it as a good thing to do.
"Since we are completely reuse, it fits perfectly," she said of the outdoor clothing and equipment consignment shop she opened last year.
Abe Sauer, owner of Old Abe Coffee Shop, 832 Seventh St. NW, recommended Stacy contact Jehnke after he was approached to participate in the program.
He said many locally owned businesses are already making choices that benefit the environment, but they aren't always recognized. He said the youth commission program is a way to provide that recognition, especially among teens and young adults.
"Statistically, they are more interested in environmental consciousness and making consumer decisions on that," he said of younger customers.
Stacy, an Old Abe customer, agreed that business participation can send a message.
"Abe has also been very supportive of youth-led initiatives in our community," she said. "It's one of my favorite places to eat in Rochester, so I am excited to highlight their green practices."
The program is launching alongside the
Rochester Energy Benchmarking Program
, which is entering its fourth year with 90 participating businesses.