Eco-Certification

Help protect the United States Virgin Islands’ natural resources.

The VI Clean Coasts Eco-Certification Initiative supports businesses of the USVI improve their environmental footprint by offering guidance to develop customized waste-reduction strategies, and it’s completely free!

The primary requirement for eco-certification is the removal of all expanded polystyrene (aka Styrofoam) from your business operations. Why do we target polystyrene and single-use plastics?

Polystyrene and single-use plastics are detrimental to both the environment and human health. Styrofoam can leach cancer-causing toxins into food, cause irritation to our circulatory systems, and cause other negative health impacts. Plastics can breakdown into microplastics that leach into our water and food. Both these materials take hundreds of years to biodegrade and even then leave behind tiny particles. Check out our flyer on the dangers of polystyrene to learn more.

If you own a restaurant, food truck, market stand, or any establishment that sells food, head over to our webpage specific for this type of business. Due to the high volume of waste and single-use items in the industry, we try to prioritize your sustainability efforts when it comes to supporting waste reduction goals.

Join us and the 100+ local businesses who have chosen to make a difference and show a commitment to a greener future in the Virgin Islands.

How Eco-Certification Works

Fill out the Business Assessment Survey here.

We will reach out to schedule a consultation.

Together we will develop personalized, creative, and cost-effective strategies to reduce waste in your business.

Once Polystyrene (Styrofoam) has been eliminated from your operations, you can submit for Eco-Certification.

Joining the initiative makes you eligible for seed FUNDING to implement more changes and earn Eco-Certification Plus.

Already Eco-Certified? See How Seed Funding Works

Continue your commitment to eliminating polystyrene and participating in the Eco-Certification program.

Provide your business information in the seed grant form here.

Seed grants are awarded to a max amount of $3500 and please note there is not a guarantee that your organization will be selected.

The VI Clean Coasts Team will review your application and either approve or provide suggestions on how to improve your application.

Provide proof of purchase of your eco-friendly equipment/project to receive reimbursement.

Past Seed Grant Recipients & Their Funded Eco-Friendly Projects

: Magens Bay Filling Station to reduce single use plastics

: Red Hook Dive Center Water Generator to reduce single use plastics

: Buddha Sushi Dishwasher

: St. Croix Yacht Club reusable bottles to eliminate single use polystyrene

: Reverse Osmosis to reduce single use plastics

: Can Printing Machine to eliminate stickers

: Subscription to online reservation system to eliminate paper

What are possible ways that VI Clean Coasts can help my business become more green?

Composting
Metal Recycling
Water Efficiency
Energy Reduction
Single-Use Plastic Removal
Chemical & Pollution Reduction
Erosion & Wastewater Management

What factors does VI Clean Coasts consider when distributing seed grant funds?

Amount of funding available
Date of the organization’s application in the queue of proposals
The environmental impact of the proposed project
Seed grants can NOT be used to fund eco-friendly products that will be available for purchase to customers

Can I apply for more than one seed grant?

All seed grants are one time awards so be aware of any recurring costs your business might need to budget in the future.

If approved, how will my business receive the seed grant funds?

The preferred mechanism for seed grants are for your organization to purchase the eco-friendly items and VICC will reimburse. This is a case by case procedure. If the purchases cause a financial hardship for your organization, please let us know and we will work with you to find a suitable solution.