JACKSON, Wyo. — Businesses and nonprofits across Teton County have a unique opportunity to align their operations with Jackson Hole’s values of conservation and community — and get recognized for it.
The Sustainable Business Leaders (SBL) program, run by Riverwind Foundation in conjunction with Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling, offers a practical and affordable way ($50/year) for local organizations to reduce their environmental impact while improving efficiency and customer loyalty.
Participants receive tools and guidance to assess and improve their practices in areas like energy use, waste reduction, purchasing, transportation and community engagement. In return, they gain public recognition for their leadership — and become part of a growing local network that’s shaping the future of Jackson Hole.
“We’re here to meet businesses where they are — whether they’re just getting started or already leading the way,” said Shannon Shuptrine, Executive Director of Riverwind. “Joining the SBL Program means aligning your operations with community values, improving your bottom line, and showing your customers you care about the future of Jackson Hole.”
For those looking to level up their efforts even further, help is on the way. As part of a USDA-supported expansion of Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling’s Curb to Compost program, Riverwind representatives soon will be reaching out to businesses to provide information on food waste collection and composting solutions tailored to their needs. It’s another key step in the valley’s broader Road to Zero Waste JH.
Since its inception in 2007 (known then as RRR Business Leaders), the Sustainable Business Leaders program has already supported well over 150 businesses and nonprofits in the valley. These members are featured in the Sustainable Business Guide, also available on the Visit Jackson Hole website, where locals and visitors alike can see which businesses are walking the talk.
Organizations interested in learning more or taking the first step can visit riverwindfoundation.org/sustainablebusinessleaders.
“In a place as special as Jackson Hole, running a business sustainably isn’t just good practice — it’s a shared commitment to the land and community we all love,” said Cindy Harger, Solid Waste and Recycling’s waste diversion outreach specialist.
