The Eco-Business Alliance is a partnership between the local authorities in Sligo and Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a combined effort to combat litter in Sligo. This anti-litter initiative was launched in 2002 when a voluntary code of conduct for businesses was drawn up and distributed to every business in county Sligo. This code of conduct outlined 10 simple steps for businesses to adopt to address the problem of litter that degrades our environment. Last year, a new Eco-Business 'Alliance Compliance' Competition was launched.

The Eco-Business Alliance-Compliance Competition consisted of a door-to-door survey of businesses in Sligo City that focused on the presentation of buildings and the paved area outside. Surveyors assessed the condition of individual premises under the following headings: paintwork, windows, graffiti, posters, upper storey, laneway, weeds, litter and floral displays. The survey was conducted during the month of July and early August.

The overall winner of the 'Alliance-Compliance' Competition 2003 was awarded to Donaghys Bar @ Coach Lane, Lord Edward St, Sligo. Donaghys Bar was adjudicated to show best practice under the criteria of the competition and were presented with a cheque for €500 for their exemplary performance in this competition. Peter John Menswear, Wine St., the runners - up in this competition and were awarded €250.

The following businesses (listed in alphabetical order) were highly commended for their well maintained shop fronts and litter free pavements: 1.Argento, Market St. 2. Armin Lowe, Grattan St., 3. Aware, Wine St. 4. Belfry, Thomas St. 5. Charles of Anthony, Teeling St. 6. Cross Sections, Grattan St. 7. Forget-me-knot Florists, Thomas St. 8. Guinness McGuire, Tobergal Lane 9. Investment Solutions, Stephen St. 10.K-OS, Water Lane 11. La Femme, O'Connell St. 12. Manhattan, Tobergal Lane 13. Oates, Mullins, Brehony, JFK Parade 14. Sligo Crystal, Hyde Bridge 15.Wehrlys, O'Connell St.

This year another phase of this programme will be rolled out this will consist of a litter checklist, a litter-picker and anti-litter poster being distributed to businesses in Sligo City Centre. The aim of this phase of the campaign is to encourage businesses to take practical steps tp ensure their property is complying with current litter laws.

The litter check-list:The litter check-list has been designed to encourage businesses to make daily spot checks around their premises to ensure that the pavement outside is litter free.

The litter picker:
A litter picker has been given to each business in Sligo City - It is a hygienic, easy to use tool for picking litter up of the pavement.

Anti-litter awareness poster:
Each business will also be given an anti-litter poster to display on their premises, highlighting the litter laws for both staff and members of the public.

This year a prize of €500 is up for grabs - all businesses who agree to participate in the Eco-Business Alliance Programme will be eligible for this draw.