Medford Businesses Go Green
– Allison Goldsberry
Cars are out, and walking and biking are in; at least as far as the Medford Chamber of Commerce is concerned.
The Chamber, taking its cue from neighbors Somerville and Cambridge, has started a Green Streets initiative to promote Medford’s businesses and clean energy.
The goal is to get increased foot-traffic (literally) into businesses that have agreed to offer discounts or raffle prizes to customers who can show they biked, walked, or took public transportation to get there. The only proof needed is a bike helmet, pair of sneakers, Charlie card, or even just a green piece of clothing. Sweat and shortness of breath are optional.
Chamber Executive Director Cheryl White said the business community response so far has been slow, with only a handful of businesses on board. White expects that to change once Board member Mary Sbuttoni and White hit the pavement in key business districts within walking and biking distance of residential neighborhoods, such as Salem Street, Medford Square, the Hillside, and West Medford Square.
Sbuttoni, who initially brought the idea to the table after hearing about it in Somerville, is excited about the potential for good PR for businesses as well as promoting clean energy and physical fitness on behalf of the consumer.
“It’s kinda nice because it promotes the businesses…people might think these businesses are doing a good thing,” said Sbuttoni.Â
Environmentally-conscious consumers looking to cash-in on their green attitude can find participating businesses on the Chamber’s website or www.gogreenstreets.org, or can just look for the green sign in the window.
Participating businesses so far include Ward’s Gifts, Riverside Wrap, Medford Muscular Therapy Center, Rainbow Solutions, and Rhona’s Hairport. Interested businesses should email the Chamber at director@medfordchamberma.com or call 781-396-1277.
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