Bainbridge Island’s TimberGrass LLC, a manufacturer of bamboo flooring and panels, is the latest firm to be recognized as Business in the Green. The company became a member of the County’s Green Works program in December, and was singled out for meeting program criteria in the categories of waste prevention, recycling, and buying recycled-consent products.

Bamboo has gained popularity as a renewable, quality hardwood that complies with specifications of the nation’s growing number of green construction professionals. It is grown in a relatively short time compared to other hardwoods, and is recognized by builders as being harder than most types of hardwood traditionally used for flooring.

The product itself is only one aspect of the company’s commitment to the environment. TimberGrass follows the principles of The Natural Step program, which focuses on applying basic concepts of sustainability to build a company that is environmentally, socially, and economically responsible.

For example, the adhesive used in the lamination process has virtually no free formaldehyde — a healthy plus for the manufacturer, installer, and the homeowner. Even the company’s office practices include twenty-three waste prevention strategies to lessen its impact on natural systems.

Their routine activities include reducing paper usage by revising forms to use less paper, reusing office supplies, and using both sides of the paper when copying documents. Virtually all incoming boxes and packing materials are reused for outgoing shipments, keeping purchasing and disposal costs to a minimum while conserving resources. The company estimates they recycle about 90 percent of their waste. Learn more about the company at www.timberarass.com.

Any business is eligible to receive technical assistance from the Green Works program. Call Kitsap County Public Works at (360) 337-4678 for more information.