WSWRA Recycling Award Application (PDF)

JACKSON RECRUITS RESTAURANTS
Posted: February 18, 2009 - By Heather Overholser

Recycle Business Leaders program is appealing to all Jackson Hole restaurants to join this successful and growing local green business certification program.

 

Phase Five of the RRR Campaign begins in March with a focus on valley restaurants. "We're bringing the RRR Business Leader program to the next level by featuring restaurants and food service. There's so much that can be done within this business sector to improve and "green" business practices," says Heather Overholser, Jackson Community Recycling Executive Director. "We feel there is a great opportunity for restaurant owners to reduce their waste and improve their energy efficiency. We know that many restaurants throughout the valley are already doing a great job of being sustainable; this is their chance to prove it and our chance to recognize them."

 

"We're finalizing our advertising campaign for Phase Five, and we are asking local restaurants to join the program so they can be featured in our advertising campaign. We will feature Business Leader restaurants in print, radio, and cable television advertising. Also, a new advertising venue this year is with the local movie theatres. We're excited about the opportunity to feature local restaurants this spring and early summer," adds Overholser.

 

According to the results of a National Restaurant Association consumer survey conducted in November 2008, 44% of men and women surveyed said they are likely to make a restaurant choice based on an operation's practices in the areas of energy and water conservation. In an operator survey conducted by the association in October 2008, 45% of restaurant operators reported they planned to devote more resources to green initiatives in 2009 compared to 2008.

 

To find out more about the RRR Restaurant Leaders survey, go to www.howdoyouRRR.org for program details and the membership survey. Please note that there are two surveys on the website: a General Business Survey and a Restaurant-Specific Survey. Complete the survey and see if your restaurant qualifies! The website also provides tips on how to make your business more earth-friendly, and lists the current RRR Business Leaders.

 

The RRR Campaign was first launched in 2005 as a collaborative effort of Jackson Community Recycling, Habitat for Humanity, Teton Sustainability Project, and the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. "It began with a small group of passionate individuals with great ideas and the energy to share them," says Overholser. The RRR Business Leaders program was developed in 2006 to encourage and help local businesses work towards a strong, sustainable economic bottom line while contributing to the health of our community and environment. The program is continuously trying to find ways to engage and recognize businesses for their sustainable practices. This year, businesses that score well in the "Energy Reduction" portion of the survey will be awarded a 10x10 "merit badge" in addition to earning the RRR certification. ­RRR Business Leaders know that customers are increasingly being drawn to businesses whose bottom line incorporates environmentally friendly practices. Since the program was launched, 80 Jackson businesses have joined.

 

The Teton County Commissioners recognized the success of the campaign in 2006, and since then have allocated $10,000 in annual support. A big thank you to Teton County for their continued support!

 

 

 

Back to TOP