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. What better way to celebrate than by creating a team lunch using ingredients exclusively from farms and businesses we’ve helped power with solar energy? Inspired by Sustainable Connections’ Sandwich Showdown, we decided to make the ultimate solar-powered sandwich for a special team lunch.

Our Sales & Marketing Team (Jack, Angela, Riley, Ty, Amanda, and Amy) was full of excitement as they assembled a truly solar-powered sandwich that showcases the incredible local producers who embrace renewable energy.  

Starting the Day Right

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 Our Solar Sandwich

The Foundation: Angela, our Skagit Energy Consultant, snagged some Breadfarm bread on her way into work from the Skagit Valley. Their bread is also available at Snow Goose Produce, where solar panels power their family run country market located on Fir Island. 

Fresh Vegetables: Springtime 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 about their solar journey and check out their real-time solar generation!

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

As we head into the busy fall season, we’re planning ways to continue supporting our solar-powered local farm and food businesses.:

• Volunteer at Solar-powered Alluvial Farms on the Whatcom County Farm Tour on Saturday, September 13th. Even if we missed out on their famous solar-powered bacon, we can celebrate this solar-powered farm by showcasing their sustainability to tour attendees. Say hello to Amy from Ecotech Solar as she volunteers at this stop on the Whatcom County Farm Tour.
• Sign up for a CSA from Small Acres Farm or a home delivery service from Dandelion Organic Delivery (both solar powered!) When life is busy, it’s helpful to have fresh fruits and vegetables delivered right to your door. 

Why This Matters to Us

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 compliment each other.

The Ripple Effect

Our solar installations reduce energy costs for these farms and food businesses, and they also create a ripple effect throughout our community. When Snow Goose Produce saves money on electricity, they can invest more in local sourcing. When Springtime Farm reduces their carbon footprint, they’re contributing to the environmental health that makes our region such an incredible place to grow food.

Every sandwich we made represented local jobs, reduced carbon emissions, and stronger connections within our local food network.

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.