RACC ZOOM Event: “Virginia Green Program Cuts Waste and Helps Tourism” – October 13, 7-8 PM

Date/time: Wednesday, October 13, 7-8 PM

Would you like to see more businesses that recycle, eliminate unnecessary plastic and styrofoam, and conserve water and energy?

Learn about Virginia’s program to certify restaurants, hotels, and other businesses that implement green practices, and help spread the word and support local businesses that adopt green practices!

Virginia Green consists of a network of tourism-related organizations that are committed to protecting the environment while promoting responsible tourism. The statewide program works to reduce the environmental impacts of the Commonwealth’s tourism industry and raises awareness about green tourism.

The program is a partnership between DEQ, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association and the Virginia Green Travel Alliance (VGTA). DEQ’s Office of Pollution Prevention provides technical resources and oversight of the certification content. The VGTA manages the certification process and helps members promote their green efforts.

Virginia Green Travel Partners commit to implementing sustainable practices in core areas, including:

• Recycling
• Eliminating polystyrene disposables
• Energy conservation and efficiency
• Water conservation and efficiency
• Green events and meetings
• Consumer engagement

There are two levels of Virginia Green participation:

The Commitment Level requires that basic commitments to sustainable practices are in place, such as recycling and energy and water conservation.

Full Certification requires that several sustainable practices are fully implemented for a larger array of environmental media. To become a Fully Certified Virginia Green Travel Partner, members make a commitment to the six core practices above and provide metrics and additional details on their green programs.