Promoting Community Well-Being with New Winter Wellness Guide
This comprehensive guide aims to inspire and empower individuals to support local businesses during the winter months while fostering a sense of community connection.
Think Local First
Promoting Community Well-Being with New Winter Wellness Guide
Follow Sasquatch on the Think Local First Coffee Crawl
Your Local Guide to Winter Wellness
Meet Calypso Kitchen
9 Ways to Drink Local First This Summer
How Humble Bouquet Grows Beauty & Sustainability
Dandelion Organic Delivery Brings Produce to the People
7 Ways to Share the Local Love this Mother’s Day
Madrona Gifts: Making Reciprocity Special and Sustainable
Solidarity with Local Businesses in 2022
When COVID started oh so long ago, we suggested these 7 things you could do to support local businesses. While we are glad to see some things getting back to pre-COVID status, many businesses are still facing challenges, whether it be from inflation, staff turnover, or adjusting to current demands. We know that the current […]
Say I Love You With Waffles
Kombucha Town: Sustainability and Community with a “Can”-Do Attitude
Majestic Adventures and Other Kid-Friendly Gift Ideas!
Whatcom County’s Art World is Thriving
Local + Natural Self-Care
Cultivating Community with Marisa Papetti, Honeybee Wrangler
Storia Cucina: Where Food is a Story and a Restaurant is a Community
14 Local Drinks You Need To Try
Summer is in full, glorious swing in Bellingham and Whatcom County. We’ve been out relishing all the delights that this beautiful place has to offer. Maybe you’re off exploring Bellingham Bay or the San Juans in a kayak, sailboat, or paddleboard. Or perhaps you’re zipping around on your bike, marveling at the various shades of green that flash by. We’ve been enjoying picnics on the beach, too. There’s nothing like a spread of local food and drink enjoyed in the great outdoors, especially with friends or family.
Farmer’s Bounty Bloody Mary
Farmer’s Bounty Bloody Mary If you stop by a Whatcom County farmers market in July, prepare yourself for absolute delight and wonder. That’s because the land’s agricultural abundance is on full display – tomatoes nestle in among spicy peppers, fresh greens, and ruby-hued beets. Of course, it’s thanks to the stewardship and hard work of […]
Rose-All-Day Sangria
Rose-All-Day Sangria The days are long and the weather is what we’ve been waiting for all year long. It seems like there’s something to celebrate around every corner, whether that’s a major life event or simply breathing in fresh, clean air in the company of those you love. Whatever the occasion, it’s usually made a […]
Strawberry-Basil Sparkler
Strawberry-Basil Sparkler This sparkler is the *royal wedding* of sweet and savory. It’s fresh, vibrant, and of course, everything is made infinitely more delicious with Whatcom-grown strawberries in the peak of summer. If you’re in a creative or experimental mood, feel free to switch out the basil for another herb, or add a few. A […]
Low-Waste Libations
Low-Waste Libations Doing good tastes good. At least, it can when you’re drinking some low-waste libations that use ingredients that might otherwise head to the compost or even the *gasp* trash. 30-40% of food in America is wasted. Not only does this significantly contribute to climate change issues, it also takes a toll on the […]
Gin and Tonic Cucumber Cooler
After a long day spent playing or working in the sunshine, there’s nothing like a refreshing beverage in your hand. Bonus points for filling up your glass with local produce and products that not only support your body but also support the vibrant agricultural and economic landscape of Whatcom County (yeah, a gin and tonic […]
Find Sweet Treats with the Sweet Sixteen
Contact: Amy Vergillo, Communications Director Phone: 360-647-7093 x105 E-mail: Amy@sustainableconnections.org More Info: www.thinklocalfirst.org www.sustainableconnections.org/sasquatchs-sweet-sixteen/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BELLINGHAM, WA, February 1, 2021 – Sustainable Connections is proud to announce The Sweet Sixteen, a specially curated list of sixteen sweet treats from locally- owned Whatcom County businesses. From tried-and-true favorite desserts like tiramisu from D’Anna’s […]
Sasquatch’s Sweet Sixteen
7 Things You Can Do to Support Local Businesses Right Now
Pure Bliss Desserts
Pure Bliss Desserts is giving a wonderful gift to the community: tasty treats made with integrity and love.
2018 Think Local First Sustainability Champion
Not only does ideal support local artists and craftspeople but they collaborate with a variety of local businesses, nonprofits, and students. They are dedicated sustainability stewards and are active participants in the Toward Zero Waste program.
Paellaworks
Meet Paellaworks, one of the best local catering businesses in Whatcom! Showcasing the best of PNW ingredients with this classic Spanish dish….
Flying Bird Botanicals
Every time you brew a cup of tea, you promote peace and goodwill in your life and around the world. Because the integrity of the product benefits all the lives that have participated in bringing you a quality cup of tea. Meet Flying Bird Botanicals and the wonder woman behind it: Scout Erling.
Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants
Over 50 years of food and wine experience By Liz Hansen December 2018 If you’re anything like me, buying a bottle of wine for a special occasion consists of deliberating over the prettiest bottle on the sale rack. As you can imagine, I often get stuck with my sub-par and uncomplimentary bottle of wine […]
Free Range Flowers
Local flowers are just as beneficial as your local foods and other goods. Celeste Monke, farmer, florist, and owner of Free Range Flowers, is here to tell us exactly why local flowers are so important!
Big Love Juice
Big Love Juice is designed to satisfy the entire body, mind, and soul. From the simple delight of tasty food to the long-term satisfaction of health, vitality, and community, it’s the heartbeat that moves love through the community.
2018 Sustainability Champion Awards
Thank you to Julien Scherliss for these great photos Congrats to our 2018 Sustainability Champion Award Winners! Sustainable Connections awarded four Whatcom County businesses and two individuals Sustainability Champion Awards last Thursday for their deep commitment to making a positive impact locally. The Awards are an annual recognition of Sustainable Connections members who are leaders […]
Don’t forget the People!
He said, “My most valuable asset walks out the door every evening–that asset being my employees.” The implication being that on the most basic level they were free to come back each day–or not, and if they indeed came back, what attitude would they have when they walked in the door?
Andy Leebron-Clay Wins Lifetime Achievement 2017 Sustainability Champion Award
Every year Sustainable Connections honors five local businesses that are taking steps towards achieving a healthy triple bottom line–taking care of employees, our environment, and the local economy–with a Sustainability Champion Award. Drawn from the four tenets of our mission, the awards celebrate local businesses who are leaders in Strong Community, Healthy Environment, Meaningful Employment, […]
A-1 Builders Wins Meaningful Employment 2017 Sustainability Champion Award
Every year Sustainable Connections honors five local businesses that are taking steps towards achieving a healthy triple bottom line–taking care of employees, our environment, and the local economy–with a Sustainability Champion Award. Drawn from the four tenets of our mission, the awards celebrate local businesses who are leaders in Strong Community, Healthy Environment, Meaningful Employment, […]
Aslan Brewing Co. Wins Strong Community Sustainability Champion Award
Every year Sustainable Connections honors five local businesses that are taking steps towards achieving a healthy triple bottom line–taking care of employees, our environment, and the local economy–with a Sustainability Champion Award. Drawn from the four tenets of our mission, the awards celebrate local businesses who are leaders in Strong Community, Healthy Environment, Meaningful Employment, […]
Drizzle Lynden Wins 2017 Thinking Local First Sustainability Champion Award
Every year Sustainable Connections honors five local businesses that are taking steps towards achieving a healthy triple bottom line–taking care of employees, our environment, and the local economy–with a Sustainability Champion Award. Drawn from the four tenets of our mission, the awards celebrate local businesses who are leaders in Strong Community, Healthy Environment, Meaningful Employment, […]
Q & A with WECU CEO Jennifer Kutcher
Recently, we were lucky enough to chat with President & CEO of Whatcom Educational Credit Union, Jennifer Kutcher, about her work at WECU and their role in our community. WECU is Whatcom County’s largest not-for-profit cooperative credit union, has a huge commitment to our community and is devoted to social responsibility. Whether through financially supporting […]
8 Questions with A Local Business Owner: Valerie Wade of the Wild Bird Chalet
Open to wildlife lovers of all levels! The Wild Bird Chalet has all you need to entice the local wildlife into your backyard, from a variety of bird houses, bird and squirrel feeders (as well as squirrel proof feeders) books, art, puzzles, gifts, bulk seed, feed, and yard decorations. You name it, there are lots […]
Dynamic Duo: Ed and Janet of Boundary Bay Brewery
Janet and Ed of Boundary Bay Brewery are definitely a dynamic duo. They are tireless promoters of what it takes to have a true community, believing – and proving – that mentoring and collaborating creates a culture that’s good for business. They match affable natures with incredibly generous donations of time, product, and space – […]
Commitment to Community: Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU)
WECU is not only a leader in banking services, they also strive to support education, health and community concerns through nonprofit donations and volunteerism. They offer many financial education opportunities, free of charge, to promote the financial literacy of residents. In 2013 alone, WECU’s Social Responsibility Committee oversaw the donation of 112 thousand dollars directly […]
Committed Collaborator: Caprice Teske of the Bellingham Farmer’s Market
The Bellingham Farmers Market is an amazing gathering place for our community and it is led by a committed collaborator, Caprice. The Market’s dedication to serving its customers and meeting the needs of its vendors is unparalleled. Chef in the Market, the Bellingham Chef’s Collaborative and the Farm to School program build vital bridges between […]
Committed to the community’s health: Faber Construction
Faber Construction was founded by Rick and Debbie Faber in 1987. While originally specializing in agricultural buildings, they have since expanded both in project volume and scope of work. They are now a full service construction company working in both the public and private sectors. Faber is committed to the health of the communities they […]
Saturna Capital
Saturna Capital has been an innovator and collaborator in our community since 1989. They’re constantly working on triple bottom line practices, have recently introduced sustainable funds, are a financial sponsor of Western Washington University’s Sustainable Business Lab, and donate at least 5% of their profits to local organizations each year. Their employees engage with the […]
A Seriously Sustainable Team: Chrysalis Inn and Spa
The Chrysalis was one of the original participants in the Community Energy Challenge back in 2011. Since then they have done a series of measures to save energy in their building. Including installing; high efficiency boilers, water heaters, lighting sensors, and replacing existing lighting with LED bulbs. More recently they have done analysis on saving […]