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The Lower East Side Ecology Center’s EcoBizNYC program announced that six East Village storefront businesses are receiving grants to help make their daily operations more sustainable. The grants were awarded to businesses with a proven commitment to environmental sustainability, and will fund the businesses’ implementation of additional operational changes to support sustainable business practices.

EcoBizNYC will award sustainability grants to: Big City Records, B-Side Bar, Dusty Buttons, Kumo Sushi, Michael Mut Gallery, and Ost Cafe. The businesses are being awarded grants for weatherization products, lighting upgrades, energy- and water-efficient appliances, and for the purchase of products that help reduce paper waste.

EcoBizNYC, a program of the Lower East Side Ecology Center, works to help small businesses reduce their environmental impact and carbon emissions through environmental auditing, education, and action. It provides small business owners with environmental consulting for improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower operating costs. Using a team of trained interns, the program identifies strategies to reduce carbon emissions and improve overall sustainability. The program supports businesses committed to making a significant, positive impact on community health and actively contributing to a more sustainable New York City.

EcoBizNYC is free for businesses in Community Board 3, including the East Village and Lower East Side.

“As the world’s local bank, HSBC is proud to support this unique program that addresses the needs of small local businesses while simultaneously contributing to worldwide efforts to protect the environment,” said Heather Nesle, Vice President, Community Investment, HSBC Bank USA. “We congratulate the honorees for making investments to responsibly manage the impact of their business operations on the surrounding community and global environment, and are grateful for all the businesses taking advantage of the valuable resources and services offered by EcoBizNYC.”

“It is a unique and noteworthy event when local businesses and non-profits work together so concretely to make improvements in our quality of life,” said Council Member Rosie Mendez. “I salute the Lower East Side Ecology Center and all the businesspeople recognized with EcobizNYC awards.”

“I applaud Big City Records, B-Side Bar, Dusty Buttons, Kumo Sushi, Michael Mut Gallery, and Ost Cafe for their commitment to achieve environmental sustainability and the Lower East Side Ecology Center for leading the way,” said Assembly member Brian Kavanagh who represents parts of the East Village and Lower East Side and serves on the Assembly Environmental Committee. “I hope that their example will help others see that green business practices are not only good for our communities and the environment; they’re also good for business.”

For more information on the EcoBizNYC Program go to www.lesecologycenter.org under “Environmental Education.”

Funding for the EcoBizNYC program is generously provided by Community Board 3, Con Edison, and HSBC Bank.