About
OVERVIEW
Our logo assures you that
Green America's Seal of Approval assures you that this business operates in ways that solve, rather than cause, both environmental and social problems. These businesses adopt principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities, and the environment.
The social impact statements that most closely apply to our organization's mission statement
Economic empowerment and value, Quality of life in the community, Self-empowerment, Energy conservation, Eco-friendly production, Environmental conservation
Our organization screens
Raw materials, Production process, Impact of use, Business practices
How often our organization monitors compliance of our standards
How our organization monitors compliance of our standards
Our mission statement
Our mission is to harness economic power—the strength of consumers, businesses and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.
The history of our organization
In 1983, a small group of people got together, united by a belief that we can create an economy that works for people and the planet--and Green America was born.
We put forth a powerful idea: "Every dollar you spend goes to work in the world. Too often, it goes to support corporations that exploit people and pollute the environment. But we can change that. Each of us can use our own economic power to demand responsible businesses...and put our society on a more sustainable path."
Over the past 25 years, we've helped millions of people make green living, purchasing and investing choices. We believe each of us can do our part for people and the planet by making good choices with how we use our money. We call it growing the green economy, where green stands for community and environmental health, a good life for all.
Our organization's standards for producers, products, or sellers
The standards of Co-op America's Green Business Network are both quantitative and qualitative and are based on present operations and knowledge, as well as future plans and commitment to learning. To qualify to appear in the National Green Pages--and carry the Co-op America Seal of Approval, companies must demonstrate that they: Actively use their businesses as tools for positive social change; Run "values-driven" enterprises that operate according to principles of social justice and environmental sustainability; Are socially and environmentally responsible in the way they source, manufacture, and market their products and run their offices and factories; Are committed to developing and employing extraordinary practices that benefit key stakeholders: workers, customers, communities, and the environment; Are able to demonstrate exemplary action in their field or industry through specific examples of actions or programs undertaken; and are transparent in discussing all aspects of their business operations.
How we developed our standards
We have developed our standards over that past 25 years and constantly update them to reflect current best practices, changes in technology, new thinking how to best operate in a more socially and environmentally responsible manner, and the particular challenges and opportunities that may face an industry or developmental phase of a business. We update our standards after consulting with experts in our network of allied organizations.
Our standards are always designed to recognize only those companies with deep, systemic commitments to social and environmental responsibility. To this end, the standards are inclusive of a full range of impacts that companies may have on the environment, workers, customers, and the communities in which they do business.
Summary of our process for screening new producers, products, or sellers
Green America conducts its screening process using internal professional staff. The screening process begins when a company submits its application for screening with a completed Social Responsibility Profile. A member of the Screening Review Team reviews the application and the website, does additional research as required, consults experts as appropriate, and then sends any additional questions to the company.
Once the additional information is provided, all material provided by the company is presented to the members of the Screening Committee, who are appointed by the Board of Directors of Green America. The Committee may approve, create terms for a provisional approval, decline to approve, or ask further questions. The Committee reaches these decisions through discussion and consensus. Concerns or questions of a particular Committee member about a company will result in additional research or questions to the company.
How we regularly monitor compliance of our standards
Several events trigger a "re-screening" of members of GBN, including changes in ownership, developments in a particular industry, inquiries from a member or customer, and/or clarification needed by Co-op America staff related to a company's operations or current practices. Co-op America's 90,000 individual members regular interact with members of our Green Business Network and act as an active monitoring network as well. In addition, the 3,700 members of the Green Business Network acts as a powerful peer monitoring system, with members reporting issues to Co-op America as they arise.
Our monitoring process including who performs the monitoring
Green America staff, consumer members of Co-op America, and members of the Green Business Network.
The fee structure for our monitoring system
Our monitoring fees are included in fees for membership in the Green Business Network.
Monitored regions
Most members of the Green Business Network are located in the U.S.
More information about our organization
We'd also like to tell you...
For businesses or producers that want to work with us, we recommend you do the following...
Call us at 1-800-58-GREEN or visit the website of our Green Business Network at www.greenamericatoday.org/gbn.