Insights

Washington Compost Market Study

Greene Economics’ compost market study for the Washington State Department of Ecology identifies state and county-level gaps and opportunities in organic waste collection, processing, and markets. The study projects organic material collected for composting will nearly quadruple by 2035, helping local governments and compost facilities plan for infrastructure growth and GHG reduction.

Greene Team

Oct 282 min read

Washington Shellfish Fee Review Recommends Public Funding for Biotoxin Testing

Greene Economics’ Washington Shellfish Fee Assessment reviewed the state’s commercial shellfish fee structure, analyzing industry impacts, program funding, and producer equity. The study recommends adopting the PFCR license fee proposal while funding biotoxin testing separately as a public good—about $674,000 annually from the state General Fund. This approach protects public health, small producers, and industry diversity.

Greene Team

Oct 174 min read

Lush green hemp (cannabis) plants. Washington-grown hemp could play a central role in green construction. Photo: WSDA

Feasibility Study of Hemp for Building Materials in Washington

Washington’s hemp industry is shrinking—but it could be key to building a greener future. A new feasibility study by Greene Economics for WSDA explores how industrial hemp could support sustainable construction, rural job growth, and climate goals. The report outlines major barriers, models potential economic impacts, and offers strategic recommendations to help Washington’s hemp sector unlock its full potential—if policy and investment align.

Greene Team

Aug 64 min read

Helping DNR Leverage Ecosystem Service Markets in Washington

Greene Economics led a strategic evaluation for Washington DNR to explore how ecosystem service markets—like carbon offsets, water leasing, and wildfire resilience—can support climate goals and generate new revenue from state trust lands. The resulting roadmap offers DNR a practical framework to assess future opportunities.

Greene Team

Jun 302 min read

Farmers participate in hands-on hemp agronomy training. Photo: IND Hemp

Can Industrial Hemp Build a Greener Washington?

What role could industrial hemp play in solving Washington’s housing and climate challenges? James Kunetz of Greene Economics shares takeaways from the Goodness of Hemp Summit and early research findings from our work with WSDA on sustainable building materials, industry barriers, and opportunities to grow the hemp supply chain in Washington State.

Greene Team

Nov 8, 20245 min read