BRING Rethink Business Program

09/02/2026

ICYMI: Check out this coverage of one of our most recent Rethink success stories!

Three local convenience stores cut energy use and emissions through a pilot project led by the City of Eugene and BRING.

09/01/2026

We’re excited to share the results of a pilot project with the City of Eugene Government that helped three local convenience stores make much-needed improvements to their refrigeration systems.

With an initial $9,200 grant from the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, BRING’s Rethink Business team helped Tom’s Market, Gilbert Street Market and Corner Market and Deli tap into additional grants and EWEB utility rebates to make nearly $16,000 in improvements possible.

And those improvements will keep paying off: together, they’re projected to save about 40,000 kWh of electricity, 23.28 metric tons of CO₂e and nearly $4,000 in energy costs every year!

08/27/2026

Certification Highlight: Brigadoon Wine Co. 🍷

Nestled in the coastal foothills outside Junction City, family-owned Brigadoon Wine Co. has long incorporated thoughtful stewardship into how they grow grapes and make wine. Now, they’ve earned Innovator-level Rethink Business Certification!

Through the Rethink Business program, Brigadoon identified opportunities to make its winemaking operations even more efficient. With support from a $1,000 GBENN x Intuit Green Business Grant, the winery serviced its glycol chiller. This essential piece of equipment is used to control temperatures during fermentation, and will improve performance, reduce leaks, save energy, and help protect each vintage from equipment failure.

They also added exterior window screens to keep their tasting room cooler during the summer while preserving its beautiful vineyard views, reducing the demand on their air conditioning system.

And the sustainability efforts don’t stop there. Brigadoon is incorporating Revino reusable wine bottles into production and will serve as a Revino drop site, helping build a more circular system for wine packaging right here in Oregon. Cheers to Brigadoon Wine Co. for showing how sustainability can support great wine, resilient operations, and care for the land.

08/26/2026

Green Business Tip: Old electronics should be donated or recycled responsibly (via NextStep Recycling), not thrown away.

Properly disposing of electronics helps keep hazardous materials out of landfills and allows valuable parts and materials to be recovered for reuse. Whether it’s an old monitor, computer, charger, or printer, creating convenient options for electronics recycling can strengthen waste diversion efforts in any workplace.

08/25/2026

⭐️Certification Highlight: PLAY Eugene

PLAY Eugene is all about bringing people together, with food carts, drinks, games, and activities for all ages—and they’re bringing sustainability into the mix, too! Through the Rethink Business program, PLAY took a closer look at its day-to-day operations and identified opportunities to reduce waste, make more sustainable purchasing choices, and support a healthier environment for employees and visitors. As part of their certification, PLAY switched to paper products made with at least 30% post-consumer recycled content and third-party certified safer cleaning products, including products that meet the EPA Safer Choice standard.

Small purchasing changes can add up to a meaningful impact, especially in a busy community gathering place. Congratulations to PLAY Eugene on earning Rethink Business Certification!

08/19/2026

Huge announcement!

08/18/2026

⭐️Certification Highlight: Growers Market

Growers Market put their Rethink Business rebate funding to work with an upgrade that delivers benefits year-round!

The cooperative replaced an aging, inefficient natural gas heater with a new heat pump and added ducting to better distribute conditioned air throughout the store. The upgrade substantially reduced natural gas use and CO₂ emissions and added something they didn’t have before: cooling during the hottest days of summer.

That means a more comfortable space for shoppers and staff, plus cooler conditions that can help extend the shelf life of delicate produce. Less energy, fewer emissions, and less potential food waste. Win-win-win!

Congratulations to Growers Market on achieving Innovator-level Rethink Business Certification!

08/14/2026

🌧🍂 DO YOU HAVE A STORM DRAIN? 🍂 🌧

Storm drains discharge rain water to local streams and rivers and require regular maintenance to remove contaminants and prevent flooding. Lane County Government coordinates the Stormdrain Cleaning Assistance Program (SCAP) in partnership with Stormwater Protection Systems to help area businesses maintain their parking lot drains at a discounted price.

Stormdrains often empty into vegetated water quality facilities or to the public stormwater system, which leads straight to our local waterways. Businesses are responsible for maintaining storm drains on their property. It is best to clean out catch basins at least once per year and replace oil-absorbing media annually.

SCAP can help your business:
💸 Save! Discounted rate of $68 per drain for professional cleaning of a parking lot standard basin
💧 Prevent parking lot flooding and reduce water pollution
📝 Automatically submit storm drain maintenance records

Sign up by OCTOBER 31 at LaneCountyor.gov/SCAP or email: SCAP(a)lanecountyor.gov with questions.

08/04/2026

⭐️Certification Highlight: Rosen Aviation

Rosen Aviation has spent decades designing premium cabin electronics and in-flight entertainment systems while continuing to find ways to improve sustainability behind the scenes. Through the Rethink Business program, Rosen Aviation reviewed its operations to identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and support healthier workplace practices.

Rosen Aviation earned Innovator-level Rethink Business Certification by strengthening practices across transportation, product sourcing, and day-to-day operations. Current efforts include prioritizing teleconferencing over air travel when possible and using third-party certified non-toxic cleaning products to support healthier workplace practices. Together, these actions reflect Rosen Aviation’s commitment to reducing environmental impact through thoughtful operational choices.

07/24/2026

Oops! Are you accidentally recycling the wrong stuff? 😬 About 15% of what’s put in Oregon recycling bins doesn’t belong there.

The culprits? Plastic bags, food, clothing, batteries, twisty-tangly stuff… you get the idea. They clog machines, prevent the right things from being recycled, and even injuring workers. 🙅🧠 The fix? Check your local recycling guide to make sure only the right things are going in the bin. ♻️