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More Recognition Opportunities

In addition to the StopWaste Business Efficiency Awards, there are many more recognition opportunities for Alameda County organizations working towards more environmentally responsible operations. This page lists award programs from the local to national level.

Bay Area Awards

Bay Area Green Business Program Awards

The Bay Area Green Business Program recognizes all newly certified Bay Area green businesses with twice yearly award ceremonies. Businesses who have earned Green Business Certification receive a certificate, are listed in the Green Business Directory and gain access to Green Business marketing collateral, including decals, promotional postcards and the Green Business logo.
 

Acterra Business Environmental Award

The Acterra Business Environmental Award recognizes outstanding environmental achievements in the Bay Area business community. The program celebrates the accomplishments of businesses with innovative sustainable programs; recognizes industry leaders, and provides an educational forum that increases awareness and motivates all companies to adopt sustainable business practices. Awards are given in categories such as Sustainability, Commute and Transportation (people, products and/or resources), Environmental Enterprise, Environmental and Sustainability Education, Pollution Prevention/Resource Conservation, and Sustainable Built Environment.

 

City Awards

Castro Valley Sanitary District 4R Business, 4R Planet Certification

The 4R Business, 4R Planet Certification Program recognizes and rewards Castro Valley businesses where green practices are business as usual. Every business that recycles receives a one star window decal indicating participation in the program. Businesses can choose to start down the path to become “4R Stars” with the option to collect three more stars for each additional category of waste reduction. Participating businesses will be honored through news releases, ads, events, website exposure, and more at no cost to them.
 

City of Hayward Environmental Achievement Award

The annual City of Hayward Environmental Achievement Award honors Hayward businesses, residents, schools, and organizations that have demonstrated exemplary efforts to conserve natural resources. Recognition is given to awardees in areas such as recycling efforts, waste reduction and water conservation.
 

Oakland Chamber of Commerce Green Business Award 

The annual Oakland Chamber of Commerce Green Business Award recognizes a local business or organization whose practices reflect the growing need for green business practices.
 

Oakland Indie Awards, Greenie Category

The Oakland Indie Award Greenie recognizes an Oakland business who is an environmental hero, immersed in sustainable practices, such as creating or selling new items from used materials, using energy efficient appliances, composting, reducing usage of toxic products, or reducing waste.
 

Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Community Service Awards

The annual Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Community Service Awards honor businesses and individuals in five categories including Green Business, Business Philanthropy, Business Service and Business Excellence.
 

Union City Chamber of Commerce Community Spirit Awards, Best Green Business

The annual Union City Chamber of Commerce Community Spirit Awards recognize people who have made huge contributions to the Union City residents and business community. The newest award category is Best Green Business in Union City.

 

State & Regional Awards

CoolCalifornia Small Business Award Program

All California small businesses (under 100 employees) that can demonstrate climate leadership through a commitment to implementing and promoting climate–friendly practices are eligible to apply for a CoolCalifornia Small Business Award. This award program recognizes multiple California small businesses. Each business will be scored according to their climate change management practices and related communication strategies. Applicants will be eligible for one of two awards – up to 20 CoolCalifornia awards will be presented, and approximately five ‘Small Business of the Year’ awards will be awarded to businesses that demonstrate exceptional achievement.
 

US EPA Region 9 Environmental Award

This program recognizes individuals and groups who are working to protect public health and the environment. Awards can be given to anyone, such as citizen activists, organizations, business representatives, public officials, and others committed to protecting public health and preserving our natural surroundings.
 

Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award

The annual Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award Program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable, voluntary contributions in conserving California’s precious resources, protecting and enhancing our environment, building public-private partnerships and strengthening the State’s economy. Award categories include Waste Reduction, Technological and Market Innovation, Enhanced Economic and Environmental Leadership, Sustainable Practices or Facilities, and many more. Competition is open to all California businesses, professional and trade associations, residents, non-profit organizations, communities, state and local government entities, tribes, and federal agencies operating in California.
 

California Product Stewardship Awards  

The California Product Stewardship Awards recognize businesses, non-profits and third party stewardship organizations that are based in or operate in California for outstanding leadership, innovation and partnerships in product stewardship (also called extended producer responsibility) and green design. Award categories include: Grand Prize, Golden Arrow Award for Overall Excellence in Product Stewardship, Green Arrow Award for System and Design Innovations, Bow and Arrow Award for Coalition Building, and Infinity Arrow Award for Service and Take-Back.

 

National Awards

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Waste Wise Awards

The U.S. EPA recognizes outstanding achievements of Waste Wise Partners with awards in categories including business, government, and educational sectors. To qualify, Partners must submit complete annual reporting forms that detail tonnage of waste reduced, associated cost savings, and promotion of the WasteWise program to employees, customers, and suppliers.
 

AmeriStar Package Competition

From the Institute of Packaging Professionals, the AmeriStar Package Competition recognizes packaging excellence across the categories of innovation, product protection, economics, package performance, marketing, and environmental impact. The environmental impact category emphasizes reducing unnecessary materials, including reusable and/or recyclable materials and systems, minimizing potential negative environmental effects, and “cradle to grave” lifecycle review of design.
 

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) Business Leadership Recycling Award

The AF&PA Business Leadership Recycling Award recognizes an outstanding workplace paper recycling program. The award winner receives a $2,000 cash prize, gains local and national recognition, and is highlighted on the paperrecycles.org website.
 

Greener Package Awards

The Greener Package Awards recognize examples of packages and best practices that the packaging industry can learn from. The goal of the competition is to accelerate the learning curve for businesses on the sustainable packaging journey. Awards are given in the categories of Food & Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care/Cosmetics, Non-food Primary, Secondary/Large-format, Beyond the Package and Innovator of the Year. Entry fee applies.
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