A healthier environment starts with the choices we make in our own communities. Green Wave brings businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals together to reduce unnecessary single-use plastics and encourage more environmentally responsible practices throughout the Carolinas and surrounding region.
We recognize businesses taking positive steps through free certification, connect people who share our mission, and provide science-based information to help everyone make informed choices. Every business and every person has a different starting point—and every step forward deserves encouragement.
Understanding the issues is the first step toward making a difference. Green Wave explores how our everyday choices affect our health, our communities, and the natural world. Through clear explanations, engaging videos, and reliable sources, we make environmental topics easier to understand and help you find practical ways to take action.
Plastic waste reaches our rivers, lakes, and oceans in enormous quantities. The United Nations Environment Program estimates that 19–23 million metric tons enter aquatic ecosystems each year. Reducing unnecessary single-use plastics starts with everyday choices in our homes, businesses, and communities.
Source: United Nations Environment Program
Protecting our natural resources means using less and preventing pollution. Many PFAS often called “forever chemicals”—break down very slowly and can build up in the environment over time. Conserving water, reducing waste, and making informed choices are practical ways to care for the resources we share.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
We certify businesses—beginning with restaurants and food/drink purveyors—that employ pro-environmental procedures. We will never charge a fee for certification. When you see our badge and QR code, reward these partners with your continued patronage.
We invite non-profits and unaffiliated individuals to join us in this venture. We ask for endorsement and participation, but never charge Members for their involvement or require funding.
We rely on research, clear reporting, and performance tracking to ensure every action is effective and accountable.
Curious about certification, membership, or how to get involved? Find answers to common questions about Green Wave and discover how your business, organization, or everyday choices can support healthier communities and cleaner waterways.
Green Wave is a community initiative focused on reducing unnecessary single-use plastics and encouraging environmentally responsible choices. Beginning in the Carolinas and surrounding region, we recognize businesses taking positive steps, bring together organizations and individuals, and share information about environmental issues.
Certified Partners are businesses recognized for adopting environmental practices that align with Green Wave’s certification criteria. Our initial focus is on restaurants and other food and drink providers. Certification celebrates the steps a business has taken while encouraging continued progress.
No. Green Wave never charges businesses for certification. Our goal is to recognize responsible practices and encourage participation without adding a certification fee.
Contact Green Wave to express your interest and tell us about your business. We can discuss the certification criteria and the practices you already have in place. Every business has a different capacity for change, and we welcome conversations about where yours can begin.
Partners are businesses recognized through Green Wave’s certification program. Members are nonprofit organizations and individuals who support our mission through endorsement, participation, or collaboration. Membership is free, and members are not required to provide funding.
Visit our Certified Partners directory to find participating businesses and links to their websites. At a partner’s location, look for the Green Wave Certified badge and scan its QR code to learn about the practices behind its certification. Choosing these businesses helps support their efforts.
Our Education section introduces topics including single-use plastics, microplastics, litter, ocean health, climate change, native plants, and more. We aim to make these subjects easier to understand through science-based information, supporting sources, and links to organizations with deeper expertise.
You can support Certified Partners, reduce unnecessary disposable products, share our educational resources, or become a Member. If you have an idea, a question, or an interest in collaborating, contact us. You do not need to own a business or belong to an organization to participate.
Stay informed with the latest environmental news, sustainability insights, and eco friendly initiatives.
We are dedicated to protect nature promoting sustainable living through conservation initiatives, climate action, and environmental education.
444 Test Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27410
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