The Minot Environmental Policy Group is inviting local businesses to be a part of the Sustainable Minot initiative this year.

“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely difficult on businesses and has forced our community to change. As we work through this period, we believe that there is an opportunity to emerge from these tough times with a renewed focus on rebuilding our economy around environmental sustainability. Now is the time to retool, retrofit and rebuild for a cleaner, more resilient and fairer future,” said group organizer Tim Baumann.

To participate in the Sustainable Minot Business 2020 program, each business must set at least three goals to reduce its environmental impact in the coming year. Participating businesses will receive signage to display in their shops.

Some examples of possible goals:

– move to LED lights as current lights burn out to save on energy bills.

– install low-flow toilets and faucets or other water saving measures.

– use a smart thermostat to control temperatures and save money on heating and cooling.

– landscape with native grasses and flowers to conserve water and build pollinator habitat.

– encourage and enable employees to bike to work to save fuel, reduce air pollution and promote healthy activity.

Members of the group are available to work with businesses to help develop goals. Contact environmentminot@gmail.com. Goals are due Sept. 15.