Green Business Program

The goal of the ETCOG Green Business Program is to recognize and promote businesses that voluntarily operate in a more environmentally responsible manner through sustainable practices.

How to Apply

WE'RE SEEKING

to recognize businesses that are environmentally responsible

Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs is a powerful way for businesses to reduce their environmental footprint, reduce waste disposal costs, conserve landfill space, avoid greenhouse gas emissions, create nutrient compost, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. 


Starting from scratch doesn't have to be overwhelming, whether for a small office or a large industrial facility. Our Green Business Program toolkit outlines a practical plan with strategic steps to support effective, easy-to-maintain waste reduction and recycling programs...and reward your business for its efforts!

GOALS OF THE PROGRAM

The Green Business Program is intended for businesses, governmental entities, schools, and non-profits. In accordance with the ETCOG Regional Municipal 

Solid Waste Management Plan, the goals of this program are to:

  • Reduce the amount of waste generated and requiring disposal through source reduction, reuse, and recycling
  • Create local recovered materials markets
  • Develop specific strategies for recovering organics from the waste stream
  • Increase landfill diversion awareness
Program Eligibility

Reasons to Apply

Businesses participating in the Green Business Program may improve their operations, reduce waste management costs, boost brand visibility, and benefit the environment. Achieving Green Business recognition may result in business recognition, media exposure, business growth, customer appeal, and beautification appeal.

Business Eligiblity

Businesses can apply to the Green Business Program at no cost. To be eligible for the Green Business Program, the business must:

  • Be located within the ETCOG region, defined as Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties
  • Achieve a minimum of 10 points based on action items on the Green Business Program Award Application
  • Have a contract with a recycling or organics collection service, or self-haul recycling or organics
  • Complete the Waste Evaluation Toolkit of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkit, which includes the Facility Survey, Observation Checklist, and Waste Composition Form

Recognition & Award Types

There are two tiers of recognition in the Green Business Program: Green Business Partner and Green Business Pioneer. Both recognitions last for one year.


Green Business Partner:

  • Completes minimum requirements
  • Scores at least 10 points


Green Business Pioneer:

  • Completes minimum requirements
  • Scores at least 20 points


Green Business Pioneers also receive eligibility for the “Green Business of the Year Award.” This holistic award recognizes overall efforts to increase recycling and waste reduction, as well as innovative programs or policies related to these areas.

Application Timeline

  • Applications are due April 1 of each year
  • ETCOG reviews applications for the minimum criteria by June 1 each year
  • The ETCOG Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) reviews applications by July 1 of each year
  • Award winners are announced in July/August of each year
  • The Green Business of the Year Award will be celebrated at an event at the business location or a special recognition event
How to Apply

How to Apply

  1. Print and fill out the Green Business Program Award Application in Section 1.4 and check the actions the user’s business is currently taking.
  2. Print and fill out the Waste Evaluation Toolkit in Section 2.0.
  3. Submit the completed Green Business Program Award Application (Section 1.4 and Section 2.0) by calling ETCOG at 903-218-6400 and asking for the Solid Waste Coordinator.
  4. Provide verification of action items on the Green Business Program Award Application, which may include the following:

       a. Proof of recycling or organics collection service

       b. Photos of collection containers

       c. Policy and program documentation

       d. Recycling rate

       e. Completed Waste Evaluation Toolkit


Read and Utilize the Program Overview Packet

An overview of the Green Business Program and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkits is presented in the downloadable report below. All templates and tables required for consideration are included in the packet.

Program Packet

Waste Reduction & Recycling Toolkits

The Waste Evaluation Toolkit provided in this document is required to be completed to be eligible for the Green Business Program. A Quick Start Guide that outlines the steps the user needs to take to begin using the Excel-based

toolkit is provided in Appendix B.

Download Toolkits

Contact Us

If you have questions about the Green Business Program, please get in touch with our Economic Development Manager, Lisa Smith, at Lisa.Smith@etcog.org.