We all want to be greener. Sometimes it just isn’t that easy. But sometimes, it is easier than you think. Some of your favorite companies are doing the right things, and all you have to do is keep buying their stuff. Of course a little letter of encouragement often goes a long way, too.
Pepsi or Coke? The age old dilemma. Today, it doesn’t really matter. Pepsi is a strong supporter of equality rights, so they sit close to my heart. PepsiCo is also one of the top 3 buyers of renewable energy in the country. Not to be left out, Coca Cola has stepped up its commitment to the environment. They are in the midst of an aggressive rainwater capture program. Furthermore, they have reduced water usage in production by over 20% and more in some divisions. They are also on board the 2020 program that so many companies and cities are taking part in. THeir goal: reduce carbon emissions by 15% by 2020. Either way, your cola is a relatively “green” drink.
When is comes to groceries, there are still lots of options. Whole Foods purchases enough wind credits to cover all of their electricity needs. I love Whole Foods for its commitment ot to environment, but also its commitment to its staff and customers. You can feel pretty comfortable about shopping there. They take out the guess work for you by researching the products that they carry, and implementing strict controls on the companies that supply them. But if there isn’t one near you, do not fear. There are still many other options that are suitable. Safeway is a leader in purchasing renewables and in carbon emission reductions. They also have a great selection of LEED certified stores and have recently expanded their commitment to local foods and carry a large selection of locally grown produce. They also operate other chains like Dominic’s. Wegman’s is another grocery store chain with strong environmental concerns. Fresh and Easy Markets are another strong choice. And like it or not, Wal-Mart is promising to be using all renewable energy in its corporation by . If you don’t care for Wal Mart, consider the Starbuck’s conundrum. While as a company they are vocal about their environmental policies and are often touted as a green company. At the same time, they no longer use reusable utensils, will not recycle in many areas (like Cleveland) and have yet to address the issues of water waste that they have. I agree that their paper sleeve has reduced paper cup consumption, but is that enough to get on the top lists? Stick to Peet’s or Green Mountain!Don’t discount Target or Trader Joe’s as they are up there as great choices as well. In consumer goods, I was surprised to also see Kohl’s, Gap, Microsoft and IKEA listed in the Natural Health magazine’s choices of top companies.
Who wants an iPhone? ME! Still, I have a strong relationship with Verizon Wireless and want to stick with them. If they were to offer phone services in my area, I would be on it in a heartbeat. This strong relationship was backed up by Verizon appearing on the list of Natural Health Magazines finalist for the Green Choice Awards.
A company that is trying to make some significant changes is Nike. In addition to its recycle program (they collect old shoes and turn them into new shoes that they donate to underprivileged individuals) they have stated that they plan to discontinue the use of leather from the amazon rain forest. Beef production in South America is one of the biggest contributors to the slash and burn policies of the Amazon. Miles of this wilderness are disappearing everyday, and we need to support companies who refuse to promote this destruction. While I am no big fan of Crocs as a personal footwear choice, I am really pleased with all the work that they have done in humanitarian efforts. In addition to charitable giving, they are often first in disaster relief efforts to provide new shoes. I have also heard that they will take bake old Croc shoes and recycle them into new for donation in third world countries.
Companies that have made top lists that produce many of the products that you buy already include:
Kraft, E&J Gallo, Apple, GE, Lowe’s, Odwalla, Peet’s, Method, and Burt’s Bees.
Natural Food company choices that you may not be as familiar with include:
Hain’s Celestial Group, Tom’s of Maine, Organic Valley, Kashi and Clif Bar.
See the top 25 finalist of Natural Health Magazine. See the list of the top 35 green companies by Earthsense.
Tags: buy local, Go Green, green companies, Green Policies
What a great list! There are even a couple of companies that I can access here in podunk! Not many of them, but when I move to Cinci I know there are several of them there.
I’ve been watching a few local companies try to go green, but in ways similar to the Starbucks conundrum. Replacing many building materials to green materials, but putting all the old stuff into the landfill, kind of backwards, but they’re trying at least.