The Green Guides of the Grand Valley is meant to be used as a helpful resource for people looking for a local green alternative when shopping for products and services or for those trying to find community organizations and groups with this same ‘green’ or environmental focus.  The more businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations that can proudly refer to themselves as less impactful on the environment, or more ‘green’, the healthier our environment, locally and worldwide, can become. 

As the term ‘green’ becomes more widespread and popular, however, and as the marketing potential for this term expands, so too does the potential and realization of much ‘green-washing’ or tagging a non-green product as green to simply sell more products.  That is why the Green Guides of the Grand Valley has created an in-depth application process for potential members.  Online and in the printed guide, we try to provide as much information as possible to customers so they are able to make an informed decision about the ‘green-ness’ of the products & services they purchase.

In addition to providing customers with information on the green products & services businesses and groups sell, the Guide also provides community members information on how ‘green ‘ the business is run.  If the business or community group listed in the Guide include green ways of running their business (ie, recycle, use CFLs, use renewable energy systems), they are listed next to the Green Guide bird logo at the end of the listing.  The conservation and proactive green business practices done at the office or shop location of the business should be important details for those customers interested in choosing a truly green business or organization.

Thank you for using the Green Guides of the Grand Valley for helping to choose your next product, service, or community organization to join.  You are making a difference in your world.