The Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies has been a certified Green Business in Alameda County since 2009, and has committed to improving our air quality in the Bay Area by being a member of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Spare the Air Employer Program.  

The Green Business Program recognizes businesses that:

• Comply with all environmental regulations.

• Take steps to conserve natural resources, prevent pollution, and reduce waste.

  • At the Gerlind Institute, we have energy-efficient lighting and equipment, low-flush toilets, and energy-efficient windows, and doors.

  • We use energy wisely when heating and cooling our space. We use fragrance- and chemically-free cleaners and teaching materials.

  • We use recycled paper and used textbooks. When using new paper, we use recycled, biodegradable, nontoxic paper, and support businesses that do the same.

  • We offer students filtered water and tea using glass and porcelain.

  • We participate in a Zero Waste program, where we recycle, reuse, and compost our garbage to reduce our waste to almost nothing. When traveling we group trips, promote car and ride-sharing, and encourage public transportation whenever possible.

  • We encourage students and members to incorporate more cycling and walking into their commutes where possible. 511.org and bayareacommutetips.org are good resources for finding a way to go places without using your car. 

  • These actions are aligned with our mission of being an environmentally conscious business.

Thank you for supporting our efforts.