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David Anderson: Green Options MediaWhat do you get when you throw together a blog, a wiki, and discussion
forums all focused on "greening the good life?" Green Options Media, of course. Launched in 2007 by David Anderson as GreenOptions.com, the Web site is now an online media portal and a leading source for green news and
information. Born into the internet era, the 20-something founder's technical knowledge and youthful zeal for environmental
issues is what brought Green Options quickly to life at a time when the general public needed green basics. Based in Berkeley,
California, Green Options Media continues to thrive, and Anderson’s nationwide staff continues to grow. Anderson recently
noted in an Ecopreneur Profile: "Green Options thrives on the challenge of using technology to bring sustainable living education to the masses and turning
the tides of society for the better."
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Based in New York City, Loomstate was launched by Scott Hahn along with designer Rogan Gregory. Known for using 100 percent organic materials,
it's now one of the hottest eco-luxe labels in the fashion industry. The environment was a definite influence for the launch
of Loomstate, as the Web site notes that colors and shapes such as windswept dunes and sun bleached stones have been true
inspirations. Hahn’s biggest challenge is managing the supply chain for organic cotton. Loomstate is trying to build
direct relationships with farms and cooperatives, and each piece of clothing made is overseen from start to finish. The company started out in 2004 with
organic jeans and retailers are now getting pressure from consumers to carry green clothing lines. Hahn is already seeing knock-offs of
Loomstate’s duds, and told Worldchanging, "If they're going to knock us off, knock off the organic concept as well."
GenGreenLife.comLooking for eco-friendly resources that are local as well? Charisse McAuliffe’s
GenGreenLife.com is your answer. What started in late 2006 as a Colorado-based non-profit dedicated to bringing green mainstream is now a national network with over 35,000 resources throughout the United States. McAuliffe’s mission has always been:
by supporting your neighbor you are also supporting yourself and a sustainable future. She started small by hosting networking
events and other lecture style gatherings to bring like-minded people together in the Fort Collins community. Recently, GenGreenLife.com
partnered with National Geographic’s Green Guide to offer a green online destination where consumers can find reliable information on green products and lifestyle tips, make eco-conscious purchases, and discover
how to find and support local eco-friendly businesses.
As a leader in the wind-powered energy market, Quayle Hodek is the young entrepreneur of Renewable Choice Energy. Based in Colorado, Renewable Choice Energy has seen tremendous growth in the few years since Hodek founded it (with Shea Gunther), earning him a spot on Red Herring’s "Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under 35" list. Hodek’s clients include several movers
and shakers in the industry, such as: Kettle Foods, McDonald’s, Disney, Vail Resorts,Toyota, and Whole Foods. Whole Foods alone has offset the equivalent of taking 60,000 cars off the road. Hodek has been a long-time activist in the renewable
energy sector, assisting in the creation of the Green-e Certification Program, and as his client list continues to grow, the amount of clean air we breathe will as well
Eric Hudson: PreservePeople have seen the benefits of recycling for many years now, but very few companies
have ventured into turning the materials back into useful products: This is exactly why Eric Hudson started Recycline in 1996,
now known as Preserve. The company has grown to become a leader in the industry. #5 plastics are particularly challenging to recycle in some states, so Hudson found a way to reduce this waste while producing great-looking
products. His first design? The well-known Preserve toothbrush. The company, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, has been growing quickly, and now products in the Preserve collection range from personal care to kitchenware to tableware. Perhaps what we love most about Hudson’s creations is that they are both made from recycled materials
and recyclable through the company, which can transform them into plastic lumber.
Summer Bowen: BTC ElementsWe love BTC Elements because the products are not only eco-friendly, but also gorgeous, modern, and ethically sourced. The online store was founded
by Summer Bowen in 2005 and has been growing substantially ever since. Many of the items available at BTC Elements you can’t find anywhere else, which demonstrates Bowen’s smart, sustainable style. She hand-selects each item and keeps the life of the product in mind so that each lasts a lifetime in your closets. Bowen
makes sure that all products have a detailed description of materials that are used and where it is made, so you'll know exactly
what it is you’re purchasing. Based in Los Angeles, BTC is the acronym for " Be the Change" which is a reference to Ghandi’s quote "you must be the change you wish to see in the world." Bowen adds that "Elements"
is a nod to the natural world that we aim to preserve and protect
Stephanie Bernstein: To-Go WareWith a long history in the LOHAS community and extensive experience with groundbreaking eco-friendly companies, Stephanie Bernstein started To-Go Ware in 2004 in Berkeley, California. Her mission is to sell products that provide a solution and are enjoyable to use, while
telling a great story. We also like Bernstein’s description about why she started her business: "With the explosion
of 'to-go’ culture, there is no shortage of disposable containers and utensils crossing our paths everywhere we go, and we've all started to feed the landfill more than we may realize." So if we can’t
ditch our to-go addiction, Bernstein believes that we can certainly become more mindful and conscious of our impact. Bernstein
actively participates in the media--hosting socially conscious television shows--and she has written and modeled for various
magazines. Tea lovers may recognize Bernstein from Yogi Tea: She is prominently featured doing yoga poses on eight boxes.
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