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.
Since the program began in 1997, River
Stars have documented:
- 1,194 acres of wildlife habitat created or conserved
- 279 million pounds of pollution reduced
- More than a billion pounds of other materials reduced and/or
recycled
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!
