Taking care of the environment is key for the survival of the planet and future generations. Individuals can make a difference by participating in and encouraging eco-friendly actions, such as recycling, reducing their energy consumption and shopping at environmentally-conscious retailers. But, to do so requires a little bit of information about what products and companies to trust.
Read below the break to learn about a few companies that are committed to helping the environment.
Method
Method makes environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies and personal care products with the goal that their products are effective and their packaging is appealing to the public. The company uses recycled plastic for all of its products and works with suppliers that are environmentally friendly as well. The two founders planned every step to be green: they make sure all product ingredients are safe for animals and are not animal tested, they store all products in recyclable bottles and they transport their goods by the biodiesel fleet.
West Paw Design
Founded in 1996, this company has around 70 employees that make eco-friendly dog toys and beds from recycled plastic. They use recycled paper and soy-based inks for all of their products, and they encourage customers to drop off old items for recycling once they are done using them. And we all know how many toys and beds dogs go through, so why not put them to good use after your dog can't anymore?
The Shade Store
For three generations, The Shade Store has brought customers quality and stylish window treatments. Today, they continue to lead by example by using environmentally-friendly materials and by planting a tree with every order. To do this, The Shade Store has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees and only works with other sustainable manufacturers. In addition, they have committed to planting 25,000 trees this year.
New Belgium Brewing
This company takes quite a few steps to make sure it's environmentally friendly. For example, they monitor and record their energy use, waste production and emissions and they recycle, reuse or compost most of their waste. The company also provides greener transportation, such as bikes and Prius cars for errand runs.
Whole Foods Market
This widely-known grocery store chain practices a variety of environmental ideals, such as reusing paper bags, encouraging environmentally-friendly activities for families to do at home and promoting their "Green Mission" on their webpage for people to follow. They explain that although they haven't found all the solutions for their energy needs, they are working on doing more for the planet every day. Currently, they offset 100 percent of their energy with wind energy credits, use solar power, implement recycling programs and support organic foods.
Hewlett Packard
Founded in 1939, Hewlett Packard started with the idea of improving society with technology. HP was one of the first organizations to address greenhouse gases within the company and to recycle their devices to make more energy-efficient ones.
There are many more companies that work to make the planet healthier through the products they produce and the actions they take. For you as the consumer, the more you support these companies, the more help the environment receives, so choose wisely.