..."As a green business we operate with a double bottom line, so environmental and social responsibility are part of our core business values," said Elephant Pharm CEO Kathi Lentzsch...

Elephant Pharm�s Stores Now All Certified as Green Businesses

�For Customers, Employees and Communities,� explains CEO Kathi Lentzsch

Issued June 07, 2007 

Elephant Pharm, the drug store with a revolutionary approach to health and wellness, today announced that all three of its stores -- in Berkeley, San Rafael, and Los Altos � have been certified as �Green Businesses� by the Bay Area Green Business Program.   

The Los Altos and San Rafael stores are the first and only pharmacies in Santa Clara and Marin counties to be certified.

�As a green business we operate with a double bottom line, so environmental and social responsibility are part of our core business values,� said Elephant Pharm CEO Kathi Lentzsch.   �It�s the right thing to do for our customers, our employees and our communities.�

Elephant Pharm also provides a number of ongoing environmental programs including regular recycling of consumer and company electronic waste, composting classes, and classes on green interior design and green cleaning for the home.    The company strives to select merchandise for its stores that can be produced and used responsibly, socially and environmentally, or in terms of public health.     

To be certified �green,� participants must be in compliance with all regulations and meet program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste.   That includes using more efficient lighting, purchasing in bulk, watering landscapes efficiently, recycling cardboard and other materials and using less toxic products among other things.

Developed by Bay Area local governments in collaboration with the U.S. EPA, the California EPA Department of Toxic Substances and the business community, the Bay Area Green Business Program assists, recognizes and promotes businesses and government agencies that volunteer to operate in a more environmentally responsible way.    Seven Bay Area counties take part in the program.

Elephant Pharm will be opening a store in Walnut Creek , CA this summer, and plans to apply for green business certification there as well.