Businesses
Many tools, programs, and other resources are available to help businesses reach their sustainability goals
Green Certification Programs
Green certifications help businesses adopt sustainable and eco-friendly practices, which can save them money, time, and resources, and better provide for the health of their customers.
Virginia Green Travel
Most tourism operating businesses are eligible for certification. This includes hotels, B&B’s, restaurants, conference centers, wineries, breweries, museums, sports & music venues, amusement parks, campgrounds, tour companies, spas, attractions of any kind, and even bus and shuttle services, etc.
River Star Businesses
Administered by the Elizabeth River Project. We work hard to help businesses find the grants, expertise and resources they need to reduce toxic pollution, improve flood control, and restore crucial wetlands and wildlife habitat.
Pearl Business
Administered by LRNow. The Pearl Business program recognizes local businesses making a positive impact on our environment. Surrounded by natural beauty, Virginia Beach thrives when businesses like yours lead the way in protecting our waterways and resources—something your customers and employees truly value.
Ocean Friendly Restaurants
The Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Restaurants program recognizes restaurants that are committed to cutting out wasteful single-use plastic and offers a simple, straightforward framework to help them make sustainable choices for our ocean.
Business Resources
Find eco-friendly products and community engagement opportunities
Ocean Friendly Foodware Guide
Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Foodware Guide 2.0 is designed
to equip restaurants with tools to avoid greenwashing
and choose the best Ocean Friendly products for their
businesses
Keep It Beachy Clean
We work with the hospitality industry, local schools, and beachgoers to inspire responsible behavior that keeps our shorelines clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Clean Virginia Waterways
Resources to find sustainable alternatives to expanded polystyrene foam, plus a digital toolkit with foam-free stickers and logos
Adopt-a-Stream or Pond
In the Adopt-A-Stream or Pond (AAS/P) program, volunteers agree to pick up litter along their adopted stream segment of at least ¼ mile or a stormwater management pond, once (preferably twice) a year for a minimum two year commitment.