Main Street Green is a transformative program designed to empower local businesses and commercial districts to embrace sustainability while enhancing their economic vitality. By offering a Main Street Green certification, the program recognizes and supports businesses that prioritize environmental stewardship, community well-being, and forward-thinking practices.

This initiative reflects purpose-driven leadership, aligning with a greater mission to serve people, the planet, and future generations. Through education, certification, and technical support, Main Street Green provides businesses with the tools to adopt more sustainable operations, ultimately fostering resilient and thriving communities across Wisconsin.

How Main Street Green Works

Participating businesses gain access to the Main Street Green Checklist, an actionable stewardship tool addressing eight key environmental areas. With vision and practicality, the program helps businesses:

• Establish Baselines: Track energy use, waste generation, water consumption, and stormwater impacts to understand their current environmental footprint.
• Pursue Energy Efficiency: Set and achieve measurable energy-saving goals to reduce costs and carbon emissions.
• Incorporate Water-Saving Strategies: Optimize water use through innovative practices and technologies.
• Reduce Stormwater Runoff: Implement sustainable landscaping and infrastructure solutions to protect local waterways.
• Adopt Responsible Purchasing: Shift to local, sustainable suppliers and environmentally conscious products.
• Engage Employees and Customers: Inspire action through education and advocacy, fostering a culture of sustainability within the business and community.

Collaboration for Systemic Change

Main Street Green thrives on collaboration and advocacy, bringing together diverse stakeholders—including business owners, policymakers, and community leaders—to drive systemic change. By sharing best practices and success stories, participating businesses create a ripple effect, inspiring others to join the movement toward greener, more vibrant main streets.

Support for Adaptability and Resilience

The program offers technical support tailored to the unique challenges of small businesses, helping them benchmark their operations, identify achievable goals, and implement sustainable practices. This adaptability ensures businesses can navigate change, embrace innovation, and overcome barriers, strengthening their resilience in a competitive marketplace.

A Legacy of Sustainable Leadership

Main Street Green embodies legacy thinking, balancing immediate benefits with long-term impacts. By supporting local businesses in adopting sustainable practices, the program contributes to a lasting legacy of environmental and economic stewardship. Communities benefit from reduced environmental impacts, enhanced quality of life, and stronger local economies.

Join the Movement

Be part of the growing network of businesses and districts leading the way in sustainable development. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for Wisconsin’s main streets. Contact us today to learn more about Main Street Green and how your business can participate.

Let’s make sustainability the hallmark of Wisconsin’s commercial districts—one main street at a time.

On the Pay Pal Donation page, please indicate Main Street Green as the program to which you would like to donate by selecting "Add special instructions to the seller."