As a result of that and other green practices, only 5 percent of the cafe's waste ends up in the landfill.

On Tuesday, cafe owner Christopher Waters received an award for going the extra mile when it comes to recycling.

The small cafe was one of 10 businesses statewide to be recognized by the California Integrated Waste Management Board, joining large businesses such as Frito-Lay in Modesto and the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Waters had a green business in mind when he opened the Nomad in May 2003 along a burgeoning section of Shattuck Avenue just three blocks from the Berkeley city line.

All the menus are printed on recycled paper.

Customers drink their coffee from glass mugs, or get a 10 percent discount for bringing their own. Take-out orders are packaged in containers made of post-consumer waste.

Leftover baked goods are donated to a North Oakland women's shelter.

Coffee grounds are set aside and used by customers as a garden fertilizer and pest-repellent.

Even the employees practice green living. All but one out of eight walk, bike or use public transit to get to work, Waters said.

Landlord Ian Martin also contributed with extensive building renovations that incorporated energy-efficient heating and lighting systems. Even a tankless, on-demand water heater was installed with the environment in mind.

Waters admits being green comes at a price. Although it's more expensive to run a green business, his customers don't seem to mind paying extra to support the environment, he said.

Alameda County also has certified the Nomad as a green business. La Estrellita Cafe, 446 E. 12th St., is the only other green cafe in Oakland. There are 15 in nearby Berkeley.

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