Going Greener Award

Last year, you may remember that Go Green helped launch the inaugural Green Business Award with the Chamber of Commerce. We realized from that process that many orgs felt they were trying to be green, but did not feel they truly qualified as a ‘green business.” We get you: It ain’t easy being green! This is particularly true when you are trying to change within a system that sometimes does not reward you for sustainability! So this year, we are reshaping the award to recognize those who are trying to be greener. Hence, the Going Greener Award. 

What’s new?

The Chamber’s Going Greener Award is being relaunched this year, with a little something extra… a grant from Go Green Glen Ellyn!  We recognize that going greener is a journey, and this award recognizes those taking steps to be more sustainable. We also recognize that making the sustainable choice is not always the cheapest. A "Go Green Grant" of $500 to this year's Going Greener award winner to recognize and further support their sustainability efforts. Go Green is giving some green to those going green! 

Another new thing is that we are broadening the award beyond businesses to include nonprofits and other organizations. Everyone should be recognized for going greener! 

What Makes a Going Greener organization?

Here are some examples:

Retail: Offers a selection locally made or sustainably sourced items; or used or upcycled items

• Restaurant: Has eliminated foam foodware takeout containers and is using compostable/recyclable takeout containers

• Non-profit:  Reduces waste and encourages reuse of resources

• Other business: Uses energy efficient and dark sky lighting, appliances

Can you think of others?  Last year’s winner was à la main refillery whose green cred is baked into their business. While that is always laudable, we also want to make sure the award is inclusive of a wider range of businesses and organizations that are taking steps to be more sustainable, even when it isn't specifically their business model.

The Process

You, the public, nominate via the online form. Go Green GE will get the list of all of the businesses and organizations nominated for the award from the Chamber of Commerce. We will reach out to the top nominees and invite them to fill out a short survey to document their efforts to be more sustainable with criteria developed by the Go Green GE team. From these candidates, we will select three finalists and one winner. The top Going Greener org will be announced at the Community Awards on Tuesday, March 10 at Abbington Banquets. And we will be there to congratulate the winners and give them the $500 Going Greener grant.