Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Green America’s Green Business Network™?
• How do I join Green America’s Green Business Network™ and get a listing in the National Green Pages™?
• When is the National Green Pages™ published?
• What are the other benefits of Business Network membership?
• How long have Green America and the Green Business Network™ been around?
• Why should my company participate in the Member Screening Process?
• I don't think I could pass your Member Screening Process. Should I apply?
• How involved is the screening application?

Q: What is Green America’s Green Business Network™?

Green America’s Green Business Network™ (CABN) is the nation's oldest, largest, and most diverse network of screened socially and environmentally responsible businesses. Some members of this network have been growing the green economy for more than 20 years. All members have made a commitment to conduct business in a way that demonstrates care for employees, suppliers, customers, the community, and the environment.

Q: How do I join Green America’s Green Business Network™ and get a listing in the National Green Pages™?

First, join Green America’s Green Business Network™. Membership fees start at $80, and dues are based on the annual revenue of your company.

Then, complete the required company Screening Application. Only businesses that successfully pass Green America's social and environmental screens are listed in the National Green Pages™ and permitted to display the Green America Green Business Seal of Approval.

If your company is not approved for membership, you may opt to terminate your membership or may continue to participate in the network as an unlisted business. You will receive copies of our publications and information about the green marketplace that may be useful for your business.

Learn more about benefits of membership »

Join online now »

Q: When is the National Green Pages™ published?

The print edition of Green America's National Green Pages™—the nation's premier directory of socially and environmentally responsible companies—is published each fall and has an annual readership of over 250,000. The online version is updated year-round and always available on the Web at www.greenpages.org.

Q: What are the other benefits of Business Network membership?

CABN offers a range of benefits designed to expand the marketplace for businesses like yours, lower your costs of doing business, and help you network and do business with like-minded businesspeople.

Learn more »

Q: How long have Green America and the Green Business Network™ been around?

Green America was founded in 1982 with both business and consumer members. Since the mission of Green America was to help the demand and supply sides of the economy "cooperate" in building a new, responsible, and transformative economy, businesses have always played a key role in our educational and market-building programs.

As the number of our business members grew through the eighties (to about 350 companies in 1990), we discovered that we could capitalize on our increasing clout to negotiate business benefits programs and to create new programs for educating consumers about the concept of "green" businesses.

Formally launched in 1992, Green America’s Green Business Network™ further expanded our business benefits and networking programs. Today, there are more than 2,500 companies in Green America’s Green Business Network™—and dozens more join every month!

Q. Why should my company participate in a Member Screening process?

The Member Screening process is an important part of maintaining the highest standards for the Green Business Network™. Passing this review gives your company all the privileges of full membership in the Green Business Network™, including:

• A listing in the National Green Pages™, the nation's honor roll of socially responsible businesses;

• The right to use our exclusive Business Seal of Approval;

• A compelling way to inform socially conscious consumers that your company has a true commitment to social responsibility—that you're not just pursuing the latest "hot" marketing ploy.

Displaying your commitment by posting the seal of approval on your web site and in your marketing materials is also an important way to educate consumers about the importance of supporting truly green and socially responsible companies.

Q. I don't think I could pass your Member Screening process. Should I apply?

We are seeking companies that have a proven commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability. We also know that learning how to express that commitment in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of running a business can be tough.

We obviously can't tell you up front if your company will pass the review. We can, however, tell you that even companies that fail to pass the review have reported that they found the review very helpful. In many cases, they've worked out the issues we indicated and have come back to successfully complete the review.

We keep you in the loop throughout the review process. If our review committee has concerns about your application, we'll share them with you, and your company will have the opportunity to respond. If your business is not approved, we provide the specific reasons along with possible resources and/or strategies for addressing the concern.

And there's no down side: If your company doesn't pass the review this year, that's just between you and us (we don't publish the names of companies that don't pass). Plus, we'll refund your money and you'll still have the benefit of having received specific, expert advice on how to improve your impact on people and the planet.

Q. How involved is the screening application?

The application is three pages long, and the first two pages consist of short answer responses. The third page has four major questions in which you need to describe your specific actions on behalf of stakeholders, including workers in your supply chain, customers, the environment, and the community.

Other questions? Please contact Tish Kishani »