San Francisco businesses learn it's easy to be green

If you think green business practices mean recycling soda cans and reducing paper use, you're not getting the big picture.

All kinds of businesses can apply for the city of San Francisco's green certification, from offices to restaurants, hotels and even dental offices.

Dr. Namrata Patel runs a green dental office in San Francisco, and has been through the city's process for certification, which includes visits from several agencies. Among the ways her office minimizes its impact on the environment:

• Using digital imaging exposes patients to 90 percent less radiation than X-rays.
• Steam-based instrument sterilization contains no harmful chemicals and reduces water use.
• A water filtration system allows for the environmentally sound disposal of old mercury fillings.