Green Star is a non-profit organization that encourages businesses to practice waste reduction, energy conservation and pollution prevention. After meeting specific standards, organizations are eligible for the Green Star Award, for general waste reduction, or the Air Quality Award, for reduced air pollution.





Green Star Programs:



- The Green Star Award:



The Green Star Award is the original award on which the Green Star program was based. It is given to businesses, organizations, schools, and agencies that demonstrate a strong environmental and business ethic by implementing the eight Green Star Standards. These Standards encourage waste reduction within several media, as well as education and outreach. Examples of Standards topics include recycling, waste prevention, improved purchasing, outreach to other organizations, education of employees, reduction of toxic materials, water conservation, and energy efficiency.



- The Air Quality Award:



The Air Quality Award is Green Star’s newest award, unveiled in 2000. The Award focuses on outdoor air quality improvement activities. It is given to businesses, organizations, schools, and agencies that demonstrate a strong environmental and business ethic by implementing eight Air Quality Standards. The Standards encourage the reduction of air emissions through technical improvements, behavior changes, and outreach and education activities. Examples of Standards topics include improving equipment and vehicle maintenance, encouraging the use of alternative forms of transportation, and making vehicle plug-ins available.



- Green Events:



Green Events is an assistance program designed to make public event recycling more accessible. The program targets recycling as well as waste prevention activities. Recycling bins are available for use and technical assisstance is provided for setting up a successful temporary recycling program.



- Site Assessments:



The Site Assessment program is designed to support the Award programs by providing individual assistance to organizations. Green Star staff are available to visit enrollee facilities to identify current positive practices, potential improvements, and resources.



- Green Schools:



The Green Schools program has several components. The specialized Schools version of the Green Star Standards are available with specific examples focusing on schools. Green Star staff often make presentations to elementary and middle school students about recycling. In addition, a pilot project is underway to incorporate a comprehsive recycling program into a local high school's current waste management system. This two-year grant project is intended to demonstrate successful school recycling and encourage an expanded district-wide recycling program.



- Electronics Recycling:



The Electronics Recycling program consists of an annual event to collect and recycle electronics from both businesses and households in Anchorage and other Alaskan communities. Additional assistance in placing useable equipment is provided throughout the year at the Alaska Materials Exchange. Green Star assists organizations and communities seeking recycling and reuse options for their electronics.