Business Network News

December 18, 2008

Green America Joins In Demanding More from Detroit

On behalf of our members, Green America sent a letter to Congress urging them to stipulate as part of any federal bailout of the American automakers the mass production of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles by 2010 and an increase in fuel economy to 40 mpg by 2015 and 55 mph by 2020. We also called for an end to the automakers’ opposition to climate change laws and regulations, government oversight of management and an end to excessive executive compensation.
Read the entire letter »

The Carbon Concierge Ranks Offsetters

The Bainbridge Graduate Institute’s Carbon Concierge has released their first report ranking the top North American carbon offset providers. They developed the Carbon Offset Provider Evaluation Matrix which rates carbon offsetters on eight criteria.

According to Program Coordinator, Mickey Lee, while many new players are entering the industry it is critical to provide a thorough and unbiased evaluation process to rate the offsetters. The top two providers were Native Energy and Climate Trust. (NOTE: Native Energy has provided the offsets for the Green Festivals, Green Business Conferences and Green America/Green America.)

The Carbon Concierge service is available to all GBN members. If your business has not gone carbon neutral for the coming year—check out their services at carbonconcierge.com

See the report»

Selling Without Selling Out
Video Interviews now available

Aspen Institute and Trusteeship Institute held a small gathering with the founders of socially responsible companies in May of 2008 for one purpose: to get on video what they did to sustain their social operations once bought, and what in hindsight they wish they had done. The producers, Suzanne Biegel and Terry Mollner, then explore the new structures of socially responsible business that are emerging. The work is a gift to the next generation of social entrepreneurs.

Interviews are with Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield, Seth Goldman of Honest Tea,The Board of Ben & Jerry’s, Greg Steltenpohl of Odwalla, Brian Johnson of Zaadz, and Frederick Schilling of Dagoba.

Visit»

Greener World Launches GreenBiz Intelligence Unit

Greener World Media will soon launch its GreenBiz Intelligence Unit, a member-based, peer-to-peer learning forum for sustainability professionals. Members will meet and take part in teleconferences designed to address specific business concerns such as supply chain and production. Greener World Media chairman Joel Makower said this addresses the “critical need for sustainability professionals to share and collaborate across companies and sectors.”

Joel Makower keynoted at the San Francisco Green Business Conference. His new book, Strategies for a Green Economy is an excellent resource for green business leaders.

Learn More»

Seventh Generation Named
Best Company on Earth

Seventh Generation was named #1 company by the Better World Shopping Guide. The Guide’s research spanned five years and involved 1,000 consumer products companies.

The study examined each company’s performance on human rights, the environment, animal protection, community involvement, and social justice. Seventh Generation president, Jeffrey Hollender spoke about the research, “This is a tremendous honor because it's not the result of anyone's opinion or personal bias. This is hard cold number crunching and analysis doing the talking….it's wonderful to have our efforts validated by independent research."

Learn More at betterworldshopper.org »

Visit SeventhGeneration.com »

Microenterprise Leaders Help Small Businesses

Small businesses facing economic difficulty may find help soon! Seven microenterprise non-profits have united to help businesses weather the economic downturn.

ACCION New Mexico, ACCION USA, ACEnet, Justine Petersen, Mountain BizWorks, Opportunity Fund, and WESST Corp, recently gathered in Albuquerque to discuss their approach. Along with investment in businesses, the group plans to offer business-assistance in marketing strategies to stabilize sales, creation of new distance-learning tools and new products to better reach entrepreneurs in rural areas.