Doin' right by the river makes good
business sense.
Businesses and industries are proudly joining the River Stars program of The
Elizabeth River Project...and it just makes sense. Let our technical volunteers
and advisors help you develop an appropriate project and watch the benefits
begin! From voluntary reduction of toxics to building or conserving
wildlife habitat, we can help you make it happen.
In 2009, this latest galaxy of
Stars documented:
-
50 acres of wildlife habitat
created or conserved
-
11 million pounds of pollution
reduced
-
31 million pounds of other
materials reduced and/or recycled
Since the
program began in 1997, River Stars have documented:
- 1,043 acres of wildlife habitat created or
conserved
- 215 million pounds of pollution reduced
- More than a billion pounds of other materials
reduced and/or recycled
Click here
to learn who these outstanding industries are.
Why it Makes Sense
- Increasingly, consumers look for
environmentally responsible businesses. Becoming a River Star demonstrates
your stewardship and appeals to these buyers.
- Employees take pride in their companies and
love to volunteer for River Star projects.
- River Stars discover great alternatives to
past procedures and often find that avoiding pollution through these
projects is cheaper and safer than cleaning up.
Other
Benefits
When Old Dominion University improved
lighting, water use and HVA efficiency, including replacement of older boilers
with high efficiency boilers and chillers, they saved $162,146.
Christian Broadcasting Network saves $1
million per year through creative reduction of its energy needs, such as using
energy at night (off-peak time) to freeze water that supports the air
conditioning during the day (peak time) by reducing the amount of cooling effort
(energy) that is needed from the air conditioning units for proper climate
control.
Island Properties, the first developer to
become a River Star, received the equivalent of $9000 in newspaper advertising
when the Virginian-Pilot ran a full-page article extolling the conservation
virtues of the company!
How We Help
We help River Star participants carry out wildlife
habitat projects and pursue "win-win" alternatives to pollution with our "can
do" assistance. Our staff and advisors provide recommendations customized for
your facility and your needs. We help you find resources you need whether they
are grants, sources for native plants, research on pollution prevention
technologies, or volunteers to help you on planting day.
And we don't stop there! We make sure the public hears about
your achievements.
Getting Started
First, call or email us and ask to become an organizational
member of The Elizabeth River Project (ERP). Facilities eligible for River Star
membership (non-profit and government agencies are exempt from the ERP membership
requirement) join at the level related to their number of employees. While our
services are free, we always appreciate additional donations to help
offset intensive River Stars assistance.
Once you've joined call 757-399-7487 for a startup packet
and appointment. Our specialists will visit your site and help your business
develop a meaningful, customized project for the River Stars program. Let the
benefits begin!
Download forms and other information from links at right and
see what great company you'll have!
