Green Rankings: Who Made the List?

Photo Rights: Newsweek

Since I began writing this blog, I've come across some interesting news and articles regarding which companies are the most "green." I decided to compile a short list of the companies I find most influential and inspirational. Check out the Newsweek Green Rankings 2012 and see if your favorite companies made the list and compare the environmental footprints generated by 500 U.S. companies.

1. Patagonia

Patagonia's Women's Down Sweater
100% recycled polyester
Photo Rights: www.patagonia.com 

The Newsweek Green Rankings looks at the 500 largest and publicly traded companies and while Patagonia might not be analyzed in these rankings, it certainly cannot be overlooked. Within seconds of visiting their website, viewers have the ability to pledge to the Common Threads Initiative and truly understand Patagonia's supply chain habits by viewing The Footprint Chronicles. Patagonia also is passionate about their current project Our Common Waters and set the goal to develop only bluesign approved materials by 2015. Bluesign Technologies, a group based in Switzerland, monitors the energy and water usage by system partners and Bluesign approved fabrics are those created with efficient use of energy and water.



2. Green Mountain Coffee 

Photo Rights: www.greenmountaincoffee.com

Brewing a better world is what Green Mountain Coffee is all about. Waste reduction and responsible energy use have always been top priorities of this socially just company. One reason why I truly wish this company continued and growing success is its demand for sustainable products. Not only does Green Mountain offer one of the largest selection of double-certified, Fair Trade organic products, but encourages consumers to also demand the same. Raising awareness for sustainable coffee and ensuring minimum wages for farmers are core values which serve as vital focus points for this Vermont company.

3. IBM

Once again, IBM was chosen as the highest ranking environmentally conscious company in 2012. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, engaging in product stewardship, promoting battery recycling and disposal and understanding how to prevent pollution are only a few of the reasons IBM was ranked first. This month, IBM was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its great ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also remaining on the cutting edge of setting and enforcing requirements for suppliers to reduce their own carbon footprints.

4. Target

Target made of the biggest jumps on the 2012 Green Rankings list and moved over 150 spots in only one year now ranking #85 in the U.S. Utilizing two-lamp light fixtures is one way the company reduced energy use by more than 40 percent. Target also has invested great efforts in reducing waste by 15 percent, water use per square foot of office space by 10 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent. Sustainable living, smart development and efficient operations are valued by Target as well as an extensive line of sustainable products. The Archer Farms potato chips bag is now offered with 25 percent renewable plant-based plastic, natural and organic beauty products are found on the store shelves and are not tested on animals and cleaning products are also made with biodegradable ingredients.

5. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola's PlantBottle Packaging
Photo Rights: http://www.coca-cola.co.uk

Nearly all of Coca-Cola's production facilities now meet the ISO 14001 environmental management standards and is focused on an initiative for sustainable sugar. Several other reasons why Coca-Cola deserves to be recognized is for its dedication to the Arctic polar bear. Through a partnership with the World Wildlife Federation, Coca-Cola pledges money to assist scientific research and reduce conflicts between people and bears. Polar bears have been a symbol and legend associated with the beverage company since 1922 and now Coke has the chance to protect its icon. Finally, in 2012 Coca-Cola received the Sustainable Pack of the Year prize for its PET 100 percent recyclable plastic bottles partially composed of plant-based materials.

Check out the Newsweek rankings-which companies do you find most inspirational? Which ones should have made the list and didn't?