Marion County, OR EarthWISE Business Assistance Program
Type: Program
Status: Ongoing
Source File: http://www.co.marion.or.us/PW/ES/earthwise/
Description:
What is the EarthWISE Program?
The EarthWISE program is a FREE business environmental assistance program offered to all businesses in Marion County. EarthWISE program staff are available for anything from a quick phone call to answer an environmental question to a full-service environmental assessment site visit - whatever you need to get your business recycling, reducing waste, and/or saving energy and water.
All services are customized to meet your business's specific needs. Your business can receive resources and assistance in any or all of the EarthWISE focus areas (see below). You set the pace and priorities.
The EarthWISE program can provide your business with FREE deskside recycling boxes, recycling stickers, posters, energy saving devices, environmentally preferable purchasing guides, and much, much more!
What are the EarthWISE focus areas?
- Recycling
- Waste reduction and prevention
- Environmentally preferable purchasing
- Energy efficiency and conservation
- Water pollution prevention
- Outreach and education
What is EarthWISE certification?
EarthWISE Certification recognizes businesses in Marion County that have made a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Businesses that immediately or over time meet pre-established criteria in the EarthWISE focus areas will earn the EarthWISE Certification. These businesses will receive public recognition for their green practices. Click here to view a list of EarthWISE certified businesses in Marion County.
How does my business become EarthWISE Certified?
To obtain EarthWISE certification, businesses must meet the criteria outlined in the EarthWISE certification application. Some businesses meet criteria right away. Most businesses however, find that they need to make changes in their business practices to qualify for certication. An EarthWISE program staff member is available to assist your business with identifying and implementing these changes. When your business has met the EarthWISE certification criteria, fill out the EarthWISE certification application and fax, email, or mail it in. Once your application is received, an EarthWISE program staff person will contact you to set up an on-site certification assessment.
For more information or questions about becoming an EarthWISE certified business, contact Marion County Public Works - Environmental Services at 503-588-5169 ext. 5920. To view our new newsletter, The Sustainable Business Bulletin, click here.
Why should my business become EarthWISE Certified?
Should your business become EarthWISE certified, you will receive an engraved plaque, an EarthWISE window sticker, a website decal to display on your homepage, permission to post the EarthWISE Certified logo on promotional materials, recognition in articles and advertisements in the major newspapers in Marion County, inclusion in the EarthWISE Program Member Directory, recognition in WasteMatters, a county-wide twice yearly newspaper insert, and potential recognition in other forms of media, such as radio and television spots, bus advertising, and billboards.
Becoming EarthWISE certified is a great way to showcase your business' environmental commitment to your customers and the community. Many EarthWISE businesses also recognize savings from reducing their garbage costs and lowering electric and water bills.
How do I get started?
Is your business ready to get started? To set up an environmental assessment fill out this form and an EarthWISE representative will contact you shortly. Is your business already going above and beyond? If so, fill out the EarthWISE application and mail, email, or fax it to the EarthWISE program.