Teton Valley Community Recycling has partnered with Jackson’s Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling to offer the popular RRR Sustainable Business Leaders program to businesses in Teton Valley, Idaho. Whether you are a non-profit, a government agency, a private sector business, or even a farm, you might qualify for “Green Business” recognition.

With ever increasing consumer awareness about protecting the environment, discriminating consumers and visitors to the valley are choosing to spend their money with businesses that have shown a commitment to the environment. If your business is already following “green” practices like using renewable energy, recycling, sorting waste, purchasing recycled materials, and implementing policies emphasizing health, safety, and social justice, you may already qualify for this program. Member organizations receive community recognition and a variety of networking benefits.

If you feel like your business could use some help in becoming greener, the application process alone will help you consider how you are doing with purchasing, waste management, energy use, transportation, and other key aspects you might not have even considered and give you some ideas for how you could do better. Refer to the free on-line “RRR Business Leaders Resource Guide” for specific information on easy changes you can implement. Additionally, applicants are eligible for a free waste audit by Teton Valley Community Recycling to help learn how to divert waste and recycle more effectively, saving resources and possibly even saving money.

Greening your business can appear daunting at first, however small actions easily turn into larger ones helping to make a difference in the state of our environment. In addition to helping the environment, green operating practices are often savvy business practices. Though maybe more expensive at first, many green alternatives end up paying for themselves in a short period of time, saving business owners money. Businesses that have upgraded to more efficient lighting report an average savings of 30% in their lighting bill. Similarly, finding ways to reuse supplies and reduce offices consumption saves money.

What are the benefits of membership?

• Use of decal signifying RRR Business Leaders membership (currently being redesigned to include Teton Valley, Idaho)
• Use of electronic logo signifying RRR Business Leaders membership
• Inclusion in at least one newspaper, web, or radio ad during multi-media marketing campaign
• Inclusion in RRR Business Leaders press releases
• Inclusion in the online RRR Business Leaders Directory, including a link to your website
• Profiling in “RRR Business Leader of the Week” on RRR website
• Inclusion in ISWR and TVCR electronic newsletter
• Inclusion in Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce newsletter
• Use of RRR Business Leaders banner
• Access to events calendar and blog on RRR website to list your organization’s events and happenings

How does RRR Business Leaders work?

• Apply for membership online at www.rrrbusinessleaders.org.
  The application assesses various aspects of your business operations, including practices related to reducing, reusing, recycling, energy usage and transportation.
• Host a RRR Business Leader representative for a short site visit to learn more about your sustainable operations and answer any questions you may have regarding this program.
• Pay an annual $25 membership fee.

For more information, contact Iris Saxer at tetonrecycling@gmail.com or 206-484-7354 or visit www.rrrbusinessleaders.org.