WACO, Texas – The ‘Green Business Alliance’ has officially launched in Waco to encourage small businesses to invest in sustainability efforts.
The coalition was created to provide resources and support to businesses as they adopt more environmentally friendly practices.
The program is a partnership between the city, local businesses and Keep Waco Beautiful, a beautification and sustainability nonprofit.
Six businesses are currently part of the partnership.
To participate, businesses must complete the verification process through Keep Waco Beautiful. Its universal application addresses practices such as recycling, composting, energy efficiency and water conservation.
“Our goal is just to bring valuable education, bring resources to our community and make sure everyone is set up for success,” said Carol Ferguson, executive director of Keep Waco Beautiful.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainability in our city, but we are trying to be a link and a resource and celebrate the results along the way.”
One of the first verified businesses was the Cha community. According to owner Jaja Chen, the business has implemented plant-based straws, reusable kitchenware and compost.
“If we don’t work together as a community, we can’t have that much impact,” Chen said of the project.
Amber Bolden, co-owner of SWEEP My Home in Waco, said her business is implementing new environmentally friendly packaging.
“We are making progress in transitioning our products from plastic bottles to biodegradable and environmentally friendly wheat straw,” Bolden said.
Keep Waco Beautiful hopes to secure more than fifty businesses by the end of the year.
You can find more information about the project and the certification process here.