Although many of today’s businesses are building sustainability and environmentally related corporate social responsibility programs into their overall strategies, some of these companies go way beyond doing these programs just for PR value.
They are truly trying to make a difference in saving our planet, and are making environmental health a key priority within their products, services and production processes.
The Voices.Earth blog has compiled the following definitive list of the top 10 Earth-related companies that are paving the way when it comes to environmentalism.
#10 – West Paw Design: Founded in 1996, West Paw Design makes eco-friendly dog toys, mats and beds that are filled with fiber from recycled plastic bottles. It also uses recycled paper and soy-based inks in its packaging and invites customers to send back used products for recycling. Learn more here.
#9 – Down to Earth Markets: Managing approximately fifteen farmers markets in and around New York City, Down to Earth Markets envisions a strong regional food system, built by independent farms and food businesses, that provides everyone with an alternative to industrial food. Learn more here.
#8 – Farmland LP: Formed in 2009, Farmland LP acquires conventional farmland and converts it to certified organic farmland by using sustainable agriculture best practices. It’s regenerative land management techniques result in optimal soil and plant health obtained without using chemical inputs – increasing the productivity of the land while keeping operational costs low for farmers. Learn more here.
#7 – Green Retirement Plans: Green Retirement Plans helps businesses, nonprofits and their employees harness the power of their retirement plan assets for good. They see themselves as conduits for the flow of capital from these retirement accounts into sustainable and responsible investments that are directed to rigorously scrutinize socially responsible companies. Learn more here.
#6 – New Belgium Brewing: Makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale, New Belgium Brewing monitors and records all of its energy use, waste production and emissions and recycles, reuses or composts more than 75 percent of the waste it produces in manufacturing. It also offers bikes and a Prius for employees to run errands. Learn more here.
#5 – OMI Industries: With an industrial heritage of providing eco-friendly odor management, this company has expanded into the commercial and consumer arenas with its Fresh Wave IAQ and Fresh Wave solutions. Comprised of only natural ingredients, OMI Industries proves that any odor challenge can be tackled safely and effectively. Learn more here.
#4 – Patagonia: The maker of high-end outdoor equipment and clothing with more than 1,300 employees, Patagonia, pledges that three quarters of its materials are “environmentally preferred.” In addition, the company has a heritage of environmentalism that dates back to the 1970s, and employees get two months off with full pay to volunteer for an environmental organization. Learn more here.
#3 – Whole Foods: Since it opened its first store in 1980, Whole Foods has been exploring everything from progressive recycling programs to using alternative energy – which extends well beyond providing healthy food choices in their locations. Learn more here.
#2 – Tom’s of Maine: Tom’s of Maine was founded in 1970 with the belief that “both human beings and nature have inherent worth and deserve our respect.” From the sourcing of natural ingredients to eco-manufacturing and using recycled packaging, the company has been a long-time purveyor of helping the environment. Learn more here.
#1 – Seventh Generation: Founded in 1998, this VT-based maker of environmentally friendly laundry detergent, trash bags and diapers, takes its name from an Iroquois law that says, “in our every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” Learn more here.
Did we miss any other green companies that should have been on the list? We welcome all thoughts, comments, and insights. In addition, please visit one of these registrars to secure your own new .earth domain.
