Nationally recognized, the EnviroStars Program certifies businesses whose practices and policies demonstrate proper management & reduction of hazardous waste. The program was created in King County, Washington in 1995 and has expanded to include Jefferson, Kitsap, Pierce, Whatcom, and Snohomish Counties in the Puget Sound region, and most recently Spokane County.
The goal of the EnviroStars Program is to give businesses incentives and recognition for reducing hazardous waste, while giving consumers an objective way to identify environmentally sound businesses. The partnership between agencies and non-profits provides participants public recognition & advertising.
Businesses certified by EnviroStars are given a two-to-five star rating based on their demonstrated commitment to reducing hazardous waste. The higher the star rating, the more proactive the business has been, and the more recognition they receive. Businesses with three stars or more are featured in success stories sent to local media, highlighted in radio and print advertisements, and nominated for environmental awards.
See a listing of businesses certified by Envirostars of Jefferson County.
Benefits of Becoming an EnviorStars Certified Business:
- Show the community your commitment to the river, aquifer and water quality
- Attract customers, be green! (Survey results show that 88% of consumers want the businesses they patronize to reduce their use of hazardous materials)
- Free advertising and promotion to attract eco-smart customers.
- Create a safer, healthier work environment
- Reduce regulatory burden
- Strengthen supplier and agency relationships
- Increase efficiency, save on disposal and material costs
- The EnviroStars certified logo to use in marketing
- Promotion on our web site as well as the state-wide website (www.envirostars.org)
- An EnviroStars window decal
- Promotion in state-wide Green Business Directory
- A certificate of recognition (signed by Jefferson County Board of Health)
Program Requirements:
- Generate only small quantities of hazardous waste. Typical businesses include auto body and repair shops, dentists, dry cleaners, landscapers, print services and small manufacturers.
- Participate in a voluntary site visit with EnviroStars representative to verify that you meet qualification standards.
- Set a goal to reduce hazardous materials/waste and improve practices.
- Renew EnviroStars certification annually .
How is Green Business certification different from EnviroStar certification?
Any type of business can be certified as a Green Business if they meet the criteria. However, the EnviroStar program is a certification for businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous waste. The program is designed to encourage and recognize these businesses for reducing their hazardous waste. Auto shops, dentists, dry cleaners, print shops, boat yards and landscapers are types of businesses that would be eligible for the EnviroStars certification. For more information on either of these programs, please contact Lori Clark at (360) 385-9444.
How to Apply:
Review EnviroStars Checklist and submit electronically, email or mail it to JCPH. Contact Lori Clark, EnviroStars Coordinator, at (360) 385-9444 with any questions or to schedule a site visit to assist with the checklist.
