WASHINGTON, DC. - February 20, 2009 - You can see how things have changed in American business in the following statistic: Since its founding in 1983, the Green America Green Business Network(TM) has expanded from 345 members to nearly 5000 members, a growth rate of about 1,350 percent. (Green America was formerly known as "Co-op America.")

Green America's Green Business Network is the first, largest, and most diverse network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses in the U.S. The Green Business Network was launched with the explicit mission of helping the green business sector - businesses with deep social and environmental commitments - emerge and succeed. The Network consists of small - to medium-sized green businesses that are provided the tools and information they need to succeed.

"The businesses in our network are the innovators who are creating jobs and healthy communities," says Corporate Responsibility Programs Director Todd Larsen. "At a time when greed has created widespread economic harm, green businesses can play a major role in providing secure jobs and a sustainable economy. Just look at wind power, which creates far more jobs than coal, and which will be with us for years as a clean energy source. Green America is committed to further growing the green marketplace so that we'll have an economy that works for us all."

The Green Business Network has developed and fostered a major national market for products and services through events such as the Green Festivals and publications such as the National Green Pages. Green Business Network members benefit from Green America's consumer education programs and publications that reach over 25 million values-driven consumers each year, encouraging them to shift their spending to support socially and environmentally responsible enterprises.

Green America's Green Business Director Denise Hamler said: "It is clear that what began as a small, movement of people and businesses looking to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable lifestyles in the early 80's has become mainstream for us now, not only in the U.S. but internationally. Green businesses in this nation not only employ hundreds of thousands of people, they help promote environmental and economic sustainability and protect our environment, among the many benefits they provide. I can't say it is a surprise to see the immense growth of business in the green sector but it is definitely a welcome outcome. We see new businesses joining the Green Business Network every day and look forward to continuing to grow in the future."

Examples of the growth of the Green Business Network include the following:

• Alternative energy/contractors: up nine-fold from 10 to 88.


• Financial services/investment: up 100-fold from six to 623.


• Construction (including architects, designers and builders): up 200-fold from one to 209 members.

To receive Green America's popular publications, including Real Money and the National Green Pages, participate in Green America's Green Business Conferences or Green Festivals, or to get its free e-newsletter, providing the latest green news, green discounts and opportunities to take action for a green economy, visit http://www.greenamericatoday.org, email info@coopamerica.org, or call at 800-58-GREEN.

Green America

Green America

Green America is United States' leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today's social and environmental problems. Green America's green economy programs encourage corporate responsibility, tackle climate change, build fair trading systems, advance healthy, local communities, and provide green purchasing and investing information for families and businesses. To receive Green America's popular publications, including the Green American and the National Green Pages™, participate in Green Festivals, or to get its free e-newsletter, providing the latest green news, green discounts, and opportunities to take action for a green economy, visit http://www.GreenAmerica.org, email info@GreenAmericaToday.org, or call at 800-58-GREEN.

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