Green Business Award winners were announced by Mayor Jim Slowik at the November chamber of commerce meeting.

Mailliard’s Landing Nursery came in third for their organic compost and community service.

Whidbey Wild Bird was a close second with their offering of earth-friendly products including some made of recycled materials, and their educational programs.

First place went to Angelo’s Caffe. Owner Kathy Collantes was there to receive the award to resounding applause.

Angelo’s was started in Oak Harbor in 2005. Since then they have won many loyal customers. They offer free Wi-Fi and leather couches around their fireplace where their new award is now displayed, along with several tables for breakfast and lunch. Elfuel Collantes offers chess sets for customer use and plans to install one outside for the summer. If you can’t stay to enjoy the atmosphere, you can get a cup of coffee to go.

Green contest judges were particularly impressed by Angelo’s cups and pastry boxes made of compostable materials. You can dispose of them in your worm bin or compost pile.

The job of judging this competition was not be easy, said Oak Harbor Environmental Educator Maribeth Crandell. “It was like comparing apples to rutabagas!”

Businesses competed in six criteria: waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, toxic reduction, alternative transportation and education and outreach. Each business owner documented their efforts in these areas. Professions representing each criteria did the judging.

Crandell said several Harborside Merchants on Pioneer Way have made efforts to increase their recycling rate, declared their street a “No Idle Zone” and installed storm drain markers that remind the public that “only rain should go down the storm drain.”

Many of these businesses are also participating in the Waste Wise Holiday offering discounts on gifts of experience rather than stuff in an effort to reduce holiday wrapping waste. For discount coupons visit www.wastewise.wsu.edu. For more information on the Waste Wise Holiday or Green Business Award call 279-4762.