Every time you purchase anything, you are voting with your wallet. At the same time, each of the retailers you purchase from, votes with their revenues. Its important for any person working to live a greener life to pay attention to not just their own purchasing habits, but that of the retailers and manufacturers from which you purchase. The good news is that it is getting easier to learn more about the purchasing habits of corporations as they learn that consumers want to know more, and how that information affects consumer behavior.

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the latest list of green power purchasers in the nation. With a number of new additions to the list and an ever increasing number of kilowatts being produced from green power, the list is pretty impressive.

Nearing the top of the list is Kohls department store, ranking number three on the list of the National Top 50 list and number one on the list of the Top 20 Retailers list. Kohl’s is purchasing more than 600 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 50 percent of the organization’s purchased electricity use.  Kohl’s Department Stores’ commitment to green power helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also supporting the development of new renewable generation capacity nationwide. 

Other notable new additions to the Top 50 list is Sony DADC, WalMart, Motorola, Inc., The Dannon Company, and Intel Corporation.

Along with its announcement of corporate green energy purchasers, the EPA also announced the top green energy powered communities in America.  Among the new additions to the list is Stoughton, Wisconsin (#19), Cordova, Alaska (#23), and Hood River, Oregon (#12). Leading municipalities across the nation are partnering with EPA to become Green Power Communities (GPCs). GPCs are cities, towns, and villages in which the local government, businesses, and residents collectively buy green power in amounts that meet or exceed EPA’s Green Power Community purchase requirements. If you are wondering how your community ranks, check out EPA’s list of Green Power Communities is available at http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/communities/index.htm.

Green power is generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. Green power sources produce electricity which produces no human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and are more environmentally sensitive than conventional energy production. Companies which participate in purchasing green power also help accelerate the development of new renewable energy capacity nationwide. 

These corporations are not just spending more money to do their part to save the environment and increase the demand for clean energy, they are hoping that their good deeds pay off. Last weekend at the National Earth Day Festival on the National Mall, FedEx passed out bookmarks with wildflower seeds attached and information about their green power ranking. They aren’t the only ones trying to make hay out of their act of greenness. Many of the listed companies will advertise their ranking as one of the nation’s largest green power purchasers in an effort to get you to spend  your next purchase with them, and not a competitor.

So the question is, does learning that a company purchases green power in some of the greatest quantities in the nation drive you to want to support them over their rival? Comment below and let us know how a list like this affects your purchasing habits.

Its getting late in the game for gift shopping, but if you own a company or work with clients, you may be wondering how you can say thank you in an eco-friendly way this holiday season. In my old office, we would receive so many baskets of candy and food that is was often overwhelming. So much so that, usually, the baskets would be dismantled and rationed out to staff slowly so as not to overload us all with sugar. We usually even saved some treats for January – when the sugar withdrawal really sets in.

The point is, corporate gift giving doesn’t have to be a basket of candy, fruit or other confections. There are companies who specialize in corporate gifts which are easy on the Earth and still promote your message and store. Looking for personalized pens, bags, cups, pads of recycled paper, and more?

If your company is looking for ways to encourage your clients to do more acts of green, check out the Greensender.com. These gifts are excellent starter kits which educate the receiver about their environmental impact. What a great way to get your message out there in a fun, not preachy approach.

While out of the ordinary, there are companies who offer vegan and organic body products which can be put into corporate gift baskets. These sorts of specialty baskets may be just what your specialty business need to say thank you for your business.

If you are still hung up on food items for corporate gifts, look for local specialties from local purveyors and those that sell organic goods (maybe even luxury!). For example, if your business is based in Vermont, consider local cheddar cheeses and maple syrup in a gift basket. Check out local craft fairs and collect locally made items which you can make into your own baskets. Send organic fruits or veggie baskets and seek out organic bakeries.

Still looking for the perfect gift? Consider donating a portion of the profit from your clients to a charity or nonprofit aligned with the goals or aspirations of your business. Not only is it a great tax write-off for your business, this gift reduces waste and unnecessary clutter in your clients offices while still being valued.

On the other hand, in economic times like these, the best, eco-friendly gift you might give to your clients is a coupon for a slight discount on services provided. Discounts like these might be less expensive than gift baskets, can be neatly tucked into a holiday thank you card and are most certain to be appreciated.

Image by Flickr user Maya the Bee used under a Creative Commons License.