Ecotech Solar Kicks off Eat Local Month by creating sandwiches from solar-powered partners

Since Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared September as Eat Local Month, Ecotech Solar decided to embrace the theme and put our values into action. Inspired by Sustainable Connections’ Sandwich Showdown, our mission was to challenge our Sales & Marketing team to create a sandwich made entirely of ingredients from solar-powered farms and businesses in Skagit, Whatcom, and Island counties.

It was both a delicious challenge and a reminder of why we do what we do. Whether it’s a farm, home, or business, solar fuels more than energy. It fuels community.

Curious about going solar for your home or farm?

Sourcing Local, Solar-Powered Ingredients

While we were tempted, we decided not to start the day off with blueberry pie liquor from solar powered Probably Shouldn’t Distillery/Brekenridge Blueberries. “Pie goes so well with coffee, though,” argued Riley, Ecotech’s Procurement Specialist. Instead, we used Brekenridge Blueberries to top off our refreshing blueberry sparkler beverages that accompanied our lunchtime sandwiches.

Learn more about Probably Shouldn’t Distillery and Berkenridge Blueberries’ solar journey from Whatcom Family Farmers:

Building the Solar Sandwich

Armed with fresh produce, artisan bread, and sparkling blueberry drinks, our Sales & Marketing team came together to assemble the ultimate solar-powered sandwich. The kitchen filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and conversations about how solar energy connects us to the food we eat.

And the result? A bright, flavorful meal that highlighted the impact of solar in Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties, where farms and families alike are choosing renewable energy to lower costs and protect the environment.

The Foundation: Angela, our Skagit County Energy Consultant, picked up fresh Breadfarm bread on her commute through the Skagit Valley. You can also find their loaves at Snow Goose Produce, a family-run country market on Fir Island powered by solar, just one of the many projects Ecotech Solar has installed in Island County and Skagit County.

Fresh Vegetables: Spring Time Farm in Everson provided some of the tastiest greens and tomatoes you’ve ever had. They power 95% of their farm with solar energy, proving that sustainable farming and exceptional quality go hand in hand. You can find their vegetables at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market every Saturday in the Summer located in the Depot Market Square, where solar panels adorn the roof and provide solar power to the market.

The Missing Piece: We had our hearts set on adding bacon from Alluvial Farms to our sandwiches, but their solar-powered farm produces bacon so delicious that they’re completely sold out! “This is the kind of problem we love to see,” said Ty, our Sales & Marketing Manager. “Local, sustainable producers who can’t keep up with demand because their food is so good!” 

In this recent video by Spark Northwest, they highlight solar projects with Alluvial Farms and Spring Time Farm. Since 2001, this nonprofit has worked with rural communities to support renewable energy and efficiency upgrades.

Local Cheese: The Community Food Coop was the source of some incredible local artisanal cheeses that elevated our sandwiches from good to extraordinary. Supporting the Co-op means supporting their commitment to local sourcing and sustainable practices that align perfectly with Ecotech Solar and our solar-powered ingredient theme. Learn more about their solar journey.

Sweet & Spicy: Local honey from Beeworks Farm and garlic from Osprey Hill Farm added the perfect balance to our homemade honey mustard dressing. Beekeeper Rob from Beeworks recently worked with Jack, Ecotech’s Energy Consultant, to switch to solar, adding a sweet connection, and Osprey Hill’s garlic from their organic family farm complimented our values and our taste buds.

Perfect Pairing: We paired our culinary adventure with blueberry sparklers created with blueberry juice from Bow Hill Blueberries, who have been powered by solar since 2016. There’s nothing quite like blueberries from a farm that’s harnessing the sun’s energy to power their farm AND grow their berries.

Table Setting: A gorgeous bouquet from Free Range Flowers brightened our lunch table and will continue to bring cheer to our office. Grown in their solar-powered greenhouse, these stunning blooms are the perfect way to show our appreciation for Amanda, our Sales Administrator, and all of her hard work.

Our Fall To-Do List: Staying Connected to Solar-Powered Farms

Why it Matters

Creating these sandwiches was fun, and reminded us about living our values. Every ingredient represented a partnership where we’ve helped local businesses reduce their carbon footprint and produce their own energy.

When we bite into a sandwich made from solar-powered farms and businesses, we’re tasting the future of sustainable agriculture. We’re supporting entrepreneurs who understand that environmental responsibility and business success can complement each other. Whether it’s powering a farm like Springtime, a small business like Snow Goose Produce, or a home in Skagit County, solar is helping shape a healthier, more resilient future.

Ready to power your home, farm or business with clean energy….

Looking Ahead

As we wrapped up our solar-powered lunch and got back to work (energized by all that local goodness!), we reflected on how this simple meal represented something much bigger. It showcased a community of businesses that are choosing renewable energy.

This fall, as we check items off our to-do list and continue supporting our solar-powered food partners, we’re reminded that our work is more than the technology we install. It’s about the communities we help build and the connections we strengthen.