December 17, 2015 – Atlantic Westchester, a commercial and industrial HVAC company, and SunBlue Energy, a home and commercial solar installer, celebrated their Westchester Green Business-Certification in a joint ceremony. Atlantic Westchester and SunBlue Energy collaborated as WGB-Certified members when Atlantic Westchester engaged SunBlue Energy’s services this past summer to install solar panels at its facility to improve its own energy conservation efforts.

“It is very exciting to celebrate the Westchester Green Business-Certification of both Atlantic Westchester and Sun Blue Energy. Their collaboration represents the highest goals of the program that encourages member organizations to work together towards a sustainable future,” said Dani Glaser, Creator and Co-Director of the Westchester Green Business Challenge and Certified program. Continue Reading »

Encourage Handcrafted Yoga opened its doors in Croton-on-Hudson in mid-October 2013.  Owner Al Bingham has created a simple, warm and rustic space that encourages you to say “ahhhh” when walking through the door. “Our goal is to create an environment that encourages our clients to use their bodies, breath and attention in ways that help them recognize the quiet expanse that already exists within them.  We believe the physical environment that a person practices in plays an important role and can be a source of encouragement.”

To that end, Al chose to work with Dani Glaser of Green Team Spirit to help him realize his vision of a healthy space for people and planet, and to serve as a source of encouragement both inside and outside of the studio. Eco-friendly choices were made during design and construction and continue through daily operations.

• Demolition:
• Recycled ceiling tiles and metal grids
• Reused pipes and studs
• Construction, Building products & materials:
• Flooring – Kaindl flooring and laminate foam, GREENGUARD Gold Certified (safe/non-toxic)
• Paints/primers – no/low VOC (volatile organic compounds)
• Water fixtures – low flow toilets/sinks
• Desk – reclaimed barn wood
• Shoe caddy & chalkboards – reclaimed window frames, screen doors & wood shutters
• Signage – handmade from recycled barn wood
• Ottoman/chairs – 100% recycled plastic
• LED lighting – bathrooms & closets
• Energy efficient track lighting in studio space
• Energy Management:
• Programmable thermostat
• Industrial downdraft fan to maximize circulation of hot/cool air as needed
• Practices – natural light or dimmed lights during class
• Water Management:
• Drinking water filtration system plugs directly into water supply for cold/hot beverage use
• Waste & Materials Management:
• Zero waste facility
• Ceramic mugs provided for drinking
• Cloth hand towels in bathrooms
• Paperless – online check-in and payment
• Non-toxic cleaning products (Seventh Generation)
• Non-toxic hand soap
• Toilet tissue – 100% recycled paper
• Candles – beeswax/soy, essential oil scented

Encouraging Green Business & Community

• Encourage Yoga will be hosting Green Drinks Westchester on January 28th (RSVP HERE). The event welcomes the local community to visit the space and enjoy each others company in a relaxed environment. Food and drink are provided by Fino Ristorante next door.
• Encourage Yoga is participating in the Westchester Green Business Challenge, joining nearly 250 Westchester County businesses on the path to environmental sustainability.

Special offer to try Encourage Yoga

If you would like to learn more about Encourage Yoga, contact Al Bingham at yoga@encourageyoga.com. For a limited time, you can take advantage of a great offer: 30 Days of Unlimited Yoga Classes for just $40.

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We are excited to announce the Green Team Spirit Gives Back Contest where a winning non-profit organization in the Westchester County, NY area will receive the tools and support they need to move down the path to environmental sustainability. Valued at $2,500, the prize package includes a big kick-off event where the winner’s staff and supporters can have a hands-on experience with the green makeover. All participants will receive gifts from our sponsor, ECOBAGS®.

Green Team Spirit is also awarding two non-profits with second prizes from our newly released Toolkit – The Energy & Water Module/Tool set + 2 hours of consulting, a $650 value. Continue Reading »