Oceanseed Project is proud to announce that it has been honored by the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program as the recipient of the highly esteemed Green Business Certification. Oceanseed Project is recognized for excellence in exceeding environmental regulatory requirements, preventing pollution and conservation of natural resources.

American’s and global citizens have had a complex relationship with nature and environmental stewardship. Historically this has been the result of a struggle between a misperception of limitless resources, ever growing human needs, greed, lack of awareness and apathy. As humans we have exploited the natural resources of our nation and world with devastating speed ⏤ over fishing, clearing forests, damming rivers, killing wildlife, polluting the air and water. Conversely many Americans and global citizens have fought hard to protect our environment. As a result there remains so much extraordinary natural beauty and wonderment for us to take pride in, enjoy, discover and steward responsibly.

How we care for our environment is directly linked to how we care for ourselves and each other. Science shows that environmental stewardship is inextricably linked to human rights, animal protection, economic and political issues.

Oceanseed Project is proud to innovate, foster and lead with organizational best practices in business, human and environmental well being for the greatest global return. The most advanced science and research unequivocally prove that wellbeing in each of these areas is tightly interconnected, that without equal consideration and care for all, none will thrive of survive for very long.

John Muir touched on this point often first writing in his journal for July 27, 1869.¹

“When we try to pick out anything by itself we find that it is bound fast by a thousand invisible cords that cannot be broken, to everything in the universe. “

Later John Muir abridged and published this observation in his book My First Summer in the Sierra.²

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.”

At Oceanseed Project it is our vision to create a healthy, just and compassionate world through fostering a direct connection with our oceans, natural environments, education and mentorship, changing the life trajectory not only for the at-risk youth we work with but additionally for the world. The result, an inspired and empowered, civics minded generation that lives life powerfully, live lives that they love, with the capacity to address the most pressing issues of our time.

Oceanseed Project is proud of the recognition and certification bestowed upon it by Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program yet this is just that start. Imagine the world we create when each of us, business and individuals alike, live life powerfully, fostering inspiration, empowerment, health and well being for all through the choices made in every aspect of our lives and business, both now and for future generations.

About Oceanseed Project
Oceanseed Project inspires and empowers at-risk youth transforming their life trajectory and our world by providing a direct connection with our natural world, access to coastal, watershed and headland environments along with ongoing mentorship and curriculum in the humanities, sciences and ecology that compliment and extend state standards.

Established in the winter of 2012, Oceanseed Project is a California State nonprofit public benefit corporation, headquartered in Santa Cruz County. Oceanseed Projects’s current geographic focus includes the neighboring communities within the counties of Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara.

Additional Information at: http://oceanseedproject.org

About The Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program
The Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program is a successful partnership of environmental agencies, utilities and nonprofit organizations that assist, recognize and promote businesses and government agencies that volunteer to operate in a more environmentally responsible way. To be certified “green,” participants must be in compliance with all regulations and meet program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste. We offer motivated businesses and agencies an easy-to-use framework for improving environmental performance.

The Task Force championed the Program as a way to reduce hazardous waste generation and promote pollution prevention and resource conservation. The Task Force began planning efforts to establish the Green Business Program in August 2002. The Green Business Program was officially launched in early 2004.

The Bay Area Green Business Program was initially developed by local governments in the San Francisco Bay Area in collaboration with US EPA, Cal EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control and the business community. This original San Francisco Bay Area program has grown to include 7 participating counties who have certified over 300 businesses and public agencies since 1996. The program has expanded beyond state lines, with new Green Business Programs starting up in San Diego, Sacramento, Arizona and Hawaii as well as right here in the Monterey Bay area.

Additional Information at: www.montereybaygreenbusiness.org

Bibliography
1. Limbaugh, Ronald H. and Kirsten E. Lewis, editors,
The John Muir Papers,
1858-1957 MICROFORM,
(Stockton, CA: University of the Pacific, 1980)
With accompanying Guide
(Alexandria, Virginia: Chadwyk Healey, 1986)
See John Muir Collections, University of the Pacific

2. My First Summer in the Sierra
(Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1911)
Page 110 of the Sierra Club Books 1988 edition
Found in Chapter 6 online