There is a new green buzz in town and it is coming from a local coffee shop that has made numerous improvements to become more sustainable, encouraging customers to think about even the small decisions they make throughout the day.

Eric Thomas and his wife Tricia DiBernardo purchased Red Cup Espresso, located on California Avenue Southwest, in May. They immediately started making changes that would make their business greener. They hoped to keep the community vibe alive, but also stand out and lead with a new way of thinking, said Thomas.

The changes started with small things like composting their coffee grounds.

A major addition was a solar-powered system installed on the roof that converts sunlight into electricity. According to Thomas, the solar system produces about 25 percent to 30 percent of the shop's annual usage.

"When it's cloudy, we pull the electricity off the regular line," he said.

The solar panel is the first of its kind in Seattle, he said; it has six, 200-watt solar modules stationed on a carousel which rotates so the panels can track and follow the sun.

Inside the coffee shop there is an inverter located above the door, which shows customers how much electricity is being converted as it happens. Many of the customers are supportive and curious about the system, DiBernardo said.

Another thing that is going green is the cups. Thomas explained they are in the process of phasing out their current cups and are purchasing biodegradable ones in order to reduce the amount of waste produced.

"We are trying to promote good behavior and make it easier for people to do things that are more sustainable," DiBernardo said. The cost of the compostable cups will be more than regular cups but for the owners of Red Cup, it will be worth it.

Thomas said businesses generally make their decisions based on the bottom line. For Red Cup, saving money wasn't the bottom line. They wanted to educate their customers about sustainability, and living greener.

"For us the payback was immediate because we wanted to raise awareness," he said. In a press release he added that businesses should create a new bottom line that is both sustainable and profitable.

The customers are given incentives to make positive changes as well. Red Cup takes $1 off drinks purchased for those who drive electric cars and 50 cents off for hybrid drivers. Customers can also receive 25 cents off if they bring in their own cups. "I want to have every person bringing their own cups," said Thomas.

Waste from plastic water bottles is also something the couple is trying to avoid. They are investing in a water refilling station for the shop, so people can refill their reusable water bottles and decrease plastic waste. The business also has three different waste bins. One is for trash, another is for recycling, and the last is for compost.

"It takes time to separate the trash, but it's worth it. It feels really good to be a part of a progressive movement," said Sara Rose Hansen, an employee of Red Cup.

The owners of Red Cup Espresso feel passionately about becoming greener, and it is a lifestyle choice they hope will impact others in the community.

"It is a responsibility and privilege to create a better future," said Thomas. "We're not waiting for it to become mandatory."

Alison Ingham is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory and may be contacted via wseditor@robinsonnews.com