“The only way we can achieve freedom and security is by offering free or low-cost energy to everyone. This is a tiny step in a long journey.”
So spoke Jack DeNicola, manager of The Lobster, one of Santa Monica’s most famous landmarks, as he held up the Green Business Certification just issued by Sustainable Works.
According to DeNicola, in addition to working with Solar Santa Monica, the City of Santa Monica’s program that encourages residents and businesses to adopt solar technology, the restaurant has been on the greening path by installing low voltage lighting and recycling just about everything “including its oil and grease which goes to a company that converts it into biodiesel fuel.” In addition, with the support of the restaurant’s owners, DeNicola is planning to use solar thermal and tankless technology for hot water.
Literature provided by The Lobster stated: “As a participant in the Business Greening Program, The Lobster follows the guidelines laid out by Sustainable Works, which includes purchasing meats and fish from sustainable growers, diverting 50 percent waste to landfill by recycling paper, cardboard, cans, glass, and plastic containers, printing menus on acid-free recycled paper containing 30 percent post-consumer content, purchasing biodegradable to-go containers, purchasing refurbished toner cartridges, installing ultra-low flow flush-o-meter toilets, installing sensors on restroom sink faucets, purchasing green cleansers, installing solar panels, keeping lights off and using natural daylight in dining area, installing bike racks and providing secure area for racks, purchasing LA Metro bus passes in bulk so staff can purchase at a discount.”
Mayor Herb Katz, who joined in celebrating the new solar installation, which consists of 54 solar panels on the building’s curved roof, referred to DeNicola as “the first solar champion in the community,” and hoped that many other Santa Monica businesses would follow in his footsteps.
For more information on going solar contact Solar Santa Monica at 310.458.4992 or solarsantamonica.com.
