The Sustainable Business Network of Boston and Cambridge Local First announce the Cambridge launch of the Sustainable Business Leader Program (SBLP), a sustainability initiative for small to medium-size businesses.

The SBLP was formed in 2008 by collaboration between the Department of Environmental Protection and the Boston Redevelopment Authority and has since worked with 38 businesses in Boston to become environmentally sustainable leaders in the community.

These businesses are committed to dramatically reducing their carbon footprint through SBLP’s comprehensive program, which covers everything from waste reduction, water and energy conservation, green technology, transportation and pollution prevention. In addition, each business will create a “green team” amongst their staff to enact these changes and uphold sustainability as part of company mentality.

The Cambridge program will kick off Tuesday, May 19, with Veggie Planet, 1369 Coffee House, Cambridge Naturals, Harvard Bookstore, Greenward, Harvest Co-op, Economy Hardware, the Fishmonger, Cambridge Brewing Company, Didriks, the Bamboo Fencer, Henry Bear’s Park, and Clear Conscience Café.

Leading the way for a green Cambridge was started in September 2001 by Adam Penn, who knew that vegetarians and vegans, not to mention meat eaters, would soon be lining up outside the doors clamoring for its vegetarian creations. Veggie Planet has been committed to recycling and composting for years and will be working with SBLP to “up the ante.”

“While vegetarianism is a very important step in becoming more sustainable, it’s certainly not the only one,” said Penn. “There’s a lot more that [Veggie Planet] can be doing in that regard, and I’m anxious to use SBLP as a resource to help us achieve greater sustainability.”

1369 Coffee House, run by Josh Gerber and Gerry Wolf, has been a longstanding favorite in the Inman and Central Square communities. Opened in 1993, they have outlasted the “Starbucks era” and been a beacon of hope for independent coffee houses everywhere. Coffee and tea enthusiasts can appreciate their high quality, well-prepared beverages in an atmosphere that is friendly and community-oriented.

“Our customers really care about whether we are involved in environmentally sustainable practices,” said Gerber. “We want to be engaged in our community and a socially responsible business.”

Cambridge Naturals, founded in 1974, has been an early pioneer in alternative health products and a leader in customer service. Not only popular for its extensive knowledge of supplements and herbs, Cambridge Naturals also sells natural body care, fair-trade and locally made products, organic food, and yoga supplies. Cambridge Naturals has been committed to providing its customers with environmentally sustainable and human-friendly products.
“Not only has our staff been bugging us to be even more proactive with our greening efforts, our customers expect Cambridge Naturals to be on the forefront of the sustainability movement,” said Berg. “We don’t want to just say we’re ‘green’, we want to be ‘green.’”

The Cambridge SBLP launch breakfast will be held May 19 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Veggie Planet for businesses to meet and greet, receive their assessment forms, and learn more about the next six months of the program. More information can be found at www.sustainablebusinessleader.org.