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What does the EcoStar Award include?

• EcoStars are honored by the Governor at an awards ceremony at the Capitol in Helena.
• EcoStars are featured in press releases distributed to newspapers, magazines and trade publications statewide.
• EcoStars receive a plaque of recognition; window decals; printed color table display cards for use in waiting rooms, cashier points and other locations; and a camera-ready copy of the EcoStar logo for use in company advertising.

Renewal - EcoStar recognition is valid for one year from the time of award. Recognition is renewable, but businesses must reapply each year and show progress in pollution prevention.

Case Studies - Information provided on the application may be used in the development of case studies and other educational materials for peer businesses. Information will not be used without written permission from the applicant.

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How can my business or organization earn EcoStar status?

Montana small businesses or organizations can earn an EcoStar award by demonstrating achievement and/or offering education in waste reduction, energy conservation, and/or water conservation within the past year. Below are some of the environmentally responsible steps you can take to improve the performance of your business:

Conserving Energy Using Less Hazardous Products Purchasing Products in Bulk Reusing Products Training Employees

Conserving Water Reducing Packaging Solvent Distillation Recycling Inventory Control

Any Montana small business is eligible for EcoStar recognition if they meet the following criteria:

• Non-governmental business located in Montana.
• In compliance, to the best of your knowledge, with all environmental regualtions at the time of application
• Has taken steps to go beyond minimum state and federal standards.

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Why does it make good business sense to become an EcoStar?

How much money could your business save if your material use was cut by 35-50%?  How much money could your business save by changing one of your processes?  What if you could use one of your waste streams to heat your building? What if you made these changes, saved money, and reduced your regulatory requirements, all at the same time?

The bottom line is that most of the pollution prevention achievements that will earn you an EcoStar Award will also save you money. 

Here are some other business benefits to becoming an EcoStar:

• Gain a Competitive Advantage
• Attract New Customers
• Enhance Customer Loyalty
• Increase Employee Morale

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How are winners chosen?

The EcoStar awards program challenges you to keep improving your business' environmental performance every year. The EcoStar award may give you a competitive advantage, but you don't have to compete with other businesses to be a winner. All you have to do is show that in the last year your business has made improvements in reducing solid and hazardous waste, conserving energy and water, or improving air quality.

The Montana Pollution Prevention Program will judge your application based on:

• Commitment to waste reduction
• Environmental benefits achieved and waste prevented
• Innovation of waste reduction activities

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What do past winners say?

"The EcoStar Program has really propelled interest by our employees to go further in cutting our waste. Our customers have taken a real interest in what we're doing now." - Mark Miller, Imperial Dry Cleaners, Kalispell

"This program is a great idea because it raises awareness with our customers. A lot of people saw the article in the paper. It is nice to finally be recognized for the things we do to conserve." - Sharon Francisco, Sportsman Club, Columbia Falls

"If it hadn't been for your program, I probably wouldn't have been in the frame of mind to make all these changes." - Bob Wolf, Garlick Helicopters, Hamilton

"We value the EcoStar designation. A lot of customers have commented favorably about our EcoStar status, and I like having something over our competitors." - Dan Burkhart, The Stillwater Lodge, Absarokee

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How do I apply?

Eligibility Criteria:

Any Montana small business can earn an EcoStar award by demonstrating achievement in waste reduction, energy conservation, and/or water conservation within the past year. There is no charge for participating in this program.

Montana small businesses or organizations are eligible for EcoStar recognition if they meet the following criteria:

• Non-governmental business located in Montana.
• In compliance, to the best of your knowledge, with all environmental regulations at the time of application.
• Taken steps to go beyond minimum state and federal standards.

Application Procedure:
Print or save the form using this link: EcoStar Application Form (.PDF version), EcoStar Application Form (MS Word version). Fax, mail or email the form to Jenny Grossenbacher (see below). Be specific, but don't worry if some sections do not seem to apply to your business. Applications are judged individually according to your specific waste streams and level of commitment to pollution prevention. Pollution prevention and material reuse activities are rated higher than recycling, pollution control, and treatment.

 

Submit application by December 18, 2009.

2009 EcoStar Award Ceremony with Governor Schweitzer
February 16, 2010 - Helena

Jenny Grossenbacher, Pollution Prevention Coordinator
(406)994-4292 ph
(888)MSU-6872 toll-free
(406)994-5417 fax

MT Pollution Prevention Program
PO Box 173580
Bozeman, MT 59714-3580

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How do I nominate a business?

Do you know a Montana small business that is taking 
environmentally friendly steps to reduce waste and maximize efficiency?

Help them get the public recognition they deserve.
Nominate them for an EcoStar Award!

The EcoStar Program rewards Montana small businesses and organizations that have taken the initiative to reduce solid and hazardous waste, conserve energy and water, and improve air quality. There is no charge for participating in this program.  

Here's how the EcoStar Awards Program gives eligible businesses and organizations the public recognition they deserve:

• EcoStars are featured in press releases distributed to newspapers, magazines and trade publications statewide. 
• EcoStars receive a plaque of recognition, window decals, a camera-ready copy of the EcoStar logo for use in company advertising, as well as printed color table display card for use in waiting rooms, cashier points, and other locations.
  

  Instructions:

  Simply print the form below.  Fill it out and fax, mail, or e-mail it to the address listed below. 

  The Montana Pollution Prevention Program will notify the business of their nomination and request additional information from the business.

  We thank you for your help in getting Montana businesses the recognition and public thanks they deserve.

  EcoStar 2009 Awards Program Nomination Form
  Nomination forms due by December 10, 2009.

 

For more EcoStar 2009 information and/or an application, please contact:

Jenny Grossenbacher, Pollution Prevention Coordinator
jenniferg@montana.edu
Montana Pollution Prevention Program
Montana State University Extension
Taylor Hall, P.O. Box 173580
Bozeman, MT 59717-3580
Toll-free in MT: (888) MSU-MTP2
Office: (406) 994-3451
Fax: (406) 994-5417

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2008 EcoStar Award Press Release

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2008 EcoStar Recipients:

Blanchford Landscape Contractors, Inc. - Bozeman

Boulder Hot Springs Inn, Spa & Retreat Center - Boulder

Amaltheia Organic Dairy, LLC - Belgrade

Cafe Regis - Red Lodge

Community Food Co-Op - Bozeman

Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at Yellowstone - Bozeman

Construction Site Services - Missoula

Engineered Solutions, Inc. - Belgrade

GetN' Green, LLC - Bozeman

Green Directory Montana - Billings

Moonlight Basin Ranch, L.P. - Ennis

Penny Lane Home Builders, LLC - Bozeman

Riverworks, Inc. - Missoula

Rocky Mountain WoodWright - Bozeman

Sabo Family Ranch, LLC - Harrison

St. Patrick Hospital & Health Sciences Center - Missoula

St. Vincent Healthcare - Billings

Moss Mountain Inn - Columbia Falls

Mountain Front Market - Choteau

Transbas, Inc. - Billings

West Paw Design - Bozeman

OASIS Environmental, Inc. - Livingston

WWW Industries - Billings

Mountain States Environmental - Billings

Sage Spa Living -Bozeman, Billings & Whitefish

V2 Design, PLLC - Bozeman