GLOUCESTER -- Dave and Paula Jasinski of Gloucester Point have made it their business to give back to the Chesapeake Bay in any way possible.

Last year, the couple started Be The Bay, an enterprise that sells bay-related products wholesale to stores in Virginia and Maryland.

The business owners say they donate 10 percent of the company's profits to groups and clubs that help restore the Chesapeake Bay.

"We wanted to capture what people knew best about the bay," Dave Jasinski said.

The store began by selling T-shirts and hats depicting aspects of the bay, such as marine life and boats used by watermen.

The items also have facts about the bay and the environment printed on them.

In addition to hats and shirts, Be The Bay's products include neckties, window decals and items for "green living," including reusable bags.

On the sideline, Dave Jasinski makes rain barrels from recycled oak wine barrels. The barrels have been a popular item with customers, he said, especially because of the $50 rain barrel rebate offered to James City County residents.

At the end of each fiscal year, the Jasinskis add up their profits for the year and send a message to environmental groups, clubs and schools, saying that they have funds that they want to donate to bay cleanup efforts.

Be The Bay sells its products online and through eight retail stores. Five of the stores are in Virginia; three are in Maryland.

The Jasinskis also visit local farmers markets on the weekends to raise awareness and offer their products for sale.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.