The program also serves as a great employee education tool. As is obvious, waste reduction is the central goal of the Green Star Program. It includes all activities that avoid, eliminate or reduce the creation of waste at its source in a business. So far, a number of businesses have taken part in the program, including Larson-Juhl, ENT Associates, Ison Equipment, Heritage Real Estate, New Horizons North, Bodins by the Lake, The Chequamegon Food Cooperative and the Ashland and Washburn School Districts. Since its inception in August 1993, the program has awarded several businesses in the community, namely Northward Books, The Restaurant, Larson-Juhl, Northern States Power Company Business Office, Northland College, and the Ashland Chamber of Commerce.
Participation brings many benefits to the business.
It is our feeling that a business which demonstrates that it is keeping up with the global trend toward environmental responsibility is making a calculated marketing move which will increase its stature with peers and customers. The adaptation of Green Star standards will help preserve our community socially, economically and environmentally for a sustainable future. Our vision is to encourage interdisciplinary education, as well as enhance the evolution of holistic perspectives and ecological literacy in individuals and organizations. From this foundation, we intend to nurture the development of proactive community members capable of creating a sustainable balance between the changing needs of natural and social ecologies. Mission The National Alliance for Green Education is a student-inspired consortium of small, independent liberal arts colleges with a commitment to environmental studies programs.