Thursday, October 02, 2008

10 great socially/eco-conscious companies: vote for your favorite!

Co-op America is running their annual People's Choice Award for Business of the Year, which means they're featuring ten great companies and taking votes for a winner through October 9th. They're all listed in Co-op America's National Green Pages (along with thousands of other businesses) which means they've been screened and verified as socially and environmentally responsible and values-driven; they also all have many fans who made them the top 10 nominees for Business of the Year.

Here are the ten nominees, in alphabetical order, along with descriptions from proud customers:

Alter Eco (San Francisco, CA)
"They are 100 percent committed to Fair Trade, and use responsible practices throughout their company, like employing disabled workers to package products, and running a green office."
--Carlota O., Dallas, TX

Babyworks (Portland, OR)
"They provide a wonderful assortment of cloth diapers and organic baby clothes. They also have wonderful toys that are not made of plastic, not to mention the fantastic service that you recieve from them."
--Mari W., Vancouver, WA

Frontier Natural Products Co-op (Norway, IA)
"They are a cooperative committed to helping the planet and its people through renewable energy, carbon neutral shipping of their organic products, and their commitment to educating their custormers and the public through their Tall Grass Prairie Project."
--Carol M., Sioux Falls, SD

Gaiam, Inc. (Boulder, CO)
"This company offers responsible choices in many areas-- from cleaning products to linens to solar and wind power systems. Even their own green buildings promote responsibility to our earth."
--Ellen R., Wilmington, DE

Kate's Caring Gifts (Fremont, CA)
"Kate, who owns the business, is one of the most sincere and selfless people I know. She gives so much more to the community with little thought of gain to herself. I truly respect her and what she is accomplishing with her green business!"
--Lin-Lin O., San Jose, CA

Mountain Rose Herbs (Eugene, OR)|
"All herbs are organic or ethically wildcrafted, they support students with a 10 percent discount, their products hold to the highest standard, and their customer service is amazing!"
--Julie C., Madison, WI

Mountains of the Moon (Chicago, IL)
"Not only do they provide eco-friendly and organic hemp clothing, but it's sophisticated and wearable in the real world! I get so many compliments from non-green people, and that opens up the conversation on the benefits of going green!"
--Druanne M., Elkins Park, PA

Pizza Fusion (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
"They practice what they preach! As the first franchise restaurant to be totally green, they cook organic, recycle, and drive hybrids to deliver. Their slogan, 'saving the world one pizza at a time,' is right on the money."
--Lisa N., Thompson Station, TN

We Add Up (Mentor, OH)
"We Add Up has continued to support the green rebuilding in New Orleans, and promotes education on the everyday things that we can all do to turn the tide on climate change. They are social greentrepreneurs with heart!."
--Cristal W., Slidell, LA

West Paw Design (Bozeman, MT)
"Great and innovative dog products using recycled/reclaimed materials. All products show great durability and design and they are made in the US with fair labor practices."
--Beth F., Indianapolis, IN

Enjoy these ten socially/eco-conscious businesses and the thousands of others featured in Co-op America's National Green Pages-- and don't forget to vote for your favorite!

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