Green Resources
For Consumers
Co-Op America’s National Green Pages
A directory listing nearly 3,000 green businesses whose products can be found online and in local retail stores
Calculate your impact on the environment using this simple tool!
Getis, Judith (1998). You Can Make a Difference: Be Environmentally Responsible
This book is a great primer on how humans interact with the natural world. It is also full of practical tips for reducing your impact on the environment.
Lappe, Frances Moore and Anne (2003). Hope’s Edge: The Next Diet for a Small Planet. NY: Putnam.
A follow-up to the landmark Diet for a Small Planet, this book is updated with new ways to reduce the impact of your diet.
Browse through the many programs to find simple ways to save money on your gas and electric bill or even how to add solar power to your home.
A program of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this site lists seafood that should be avoided for environmental and health reasons. It also has a printable, wallet-size card that can be used to make environmentally friendly decisions at restaurants or the grocery store
A non-profit group that helps local governments, building professionals and homeowners design, construct and remodel homes and facilities using sustainable building practices and materials.
Trask, Crissy (2006). It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living. Salt Lake, NV: Gibbs Smith.
Full of tips for green living and shopping – a great reference book that’s easy to read!
For Businesses
Co-Op America’s Green Business Network
The oldest and largest network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses in America, their mission is to help the green business sector grow.
An online retailer of recycled, environmentally friendly, and sustainable business products, school supplies, and paper.
Hawken, Paul (1993). Ecology of Commerce: A Declaration of Sustainability. New York: HarperCollins
A landmark in industrial ecology, this book prompted many visionary business leaders to adopt environmental principles.
Hawken, Paul and Amory and L. Hunter Lovins (1999). Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Co.
Three of the world’s top environmental theorists demonstrate how leading-edge companies are making the transition to a new industrialism that sustains the environment, cultures, and increases profits – a must read
McDonough, William and Michael Braungart (2002). Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. New York: North Point.
A design manifesto for a sustainable economy – highly recommended!
Nattrass, B. and M. Altomare (1999). The Natural Step for Business: Wealth, Ecology and the Evolutionary Corporation. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers.
Full of detailed stories about companies that incorporated “the natural step” into their business model and turned their company around.
PG&E Rebates, Programs, and Services for Businesses http://www.pge.com/biz/rebates/
Many energy rebates and other programs for various business types – a great resource to start saving your business money now.
Robčrt, Karl-Henrik. (2002). The Natural Step Story: Seeding a Quiet Revolution. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers.
A world-renowned strategic plan for implementing ecological sustainability based on system conditions derived from the laws of thermodynamics.
A joint program started by SLO Regional Rideshare, Ride-On Transportation, and the SLO County Air Pollution Control District to reduce traffic and improve air quality in SLO County. They offer many free services including information and assistance in setting up a comprehensive transit program for your business.