Resources for Business
To stay competitive in today’s market, it is necessary for businesses to take environmental impact into consideration. The following resources are available to make green easy and help guide you in your efforts to join the community of business leaders who are implementing sustainable initiatives into their business plans.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Throughout the year MORPC has opportunities for businesses to get involved in environmental initiatives taking place throughout central Ohio including the Clean Air Fair, Riverfest, the Erosion and Stormwater Control Expo, the Summit on Sustainability and the Environment and more. Contact Leslie Strader at 614-233-4124 to discuss which opportunity will fit best with your business.
Green Fleets
Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. Businesses can make a positive impact on the environment simply by enacting a Green Fleet Policy that encompasses even small-scale actions that have significant outcomes when it comes to improving our air quality.
The Ohio Green Fleets program is designed to significanly reduce the emission and fuel use of business and governement vehicle fleets. This new certification program is composed of three components: helping fleet managers develop green fleet policies tailored to their specific needs, hands on assistance in implementing the policies, and the development of a statewide rating system to recognize those fleets that have made measurable environmental progress. Ohio Green Fleets a program of Clean Fuels Ohio and is presented in collaboration with the Ohio Energy Office, Earth Day coalition and several local and regional organizations, including MORPC.
Greater Columbus Green Map
MORPC is a member of the world-wide Green Map system and has developed a map of all green sites in central Ohio. Visit www.greatercolumbusgreenmap.org for more information and to view the online interactive map. Green businesses have the opportunity to appear on the Green Map simply contact Leslie Strader at 614-233-4124 to register your business.
GreenSpot Program Goes Regional
The City of Columbus GreenSpot program that was launced in July 2008 is now open to other communities in central Ohio. The GreenSpot program is designed to inspire, educate and recognize those in our community who are taking steps to get green. Households, businesses, organizations and community groups can apply for a GreenSpot by visiting www.columbusgreenspot.org. Those that qualify will receive a GreenSpot decal that can be displayed in there home or business and GreenSpot businesses will be listed on the web site and can use the logo in their advertising.
Ohio MarketMaker
The Ohio MarketMaker project is an interactive mapping system that locates businesses and markets of agricultural products in Ohio, providing an important link between producers and consumers. You can use this website to find a farmers market where you live.
US EPA Climate Change Resource Guide
US EPA is releasing a new resource, A Business Guide to US EPA Climate Partnership Programs, to address the risks and opportunities associated with climate change. The guide features profiles on 35 EPA climate-change related partnership programs, as well as a table so companies can look up programs most appropriate for their industry and business objectives. Copies of the guide and more information about US EPA Partnership Programs can be found at http://www.epa.gov/partners.
The Carbon Offset Project List
The Environmental Defense Fund created the Carbon Offset List for companies. Carbon offsets allow purchasers to neutralize the carbon dioxide produced from their businesses and everyday activities – their “carbon footprint” – by supporting a variety of emissions reduction initiatives.
Reduce Waste
Ensuring proper disposal of waste and recycling of electronics is easy thanks to numerous resources.
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Recycling Database
The Waste Not Center
Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore
Recycled Content Products
Recycle Your Cell Phones
US EPA’s Plug-In To eCycling Program has teamed up with leading cell phone manufacturers, service providers, and retailers to encourage Americans to recycle their cell phones and accessories.
