[BigGreenG]

I'm sure that we can all sympathize with how frustrating it can be as environmental activists when places we we eat or shop 'go green', but really don't even understand what 'green' even is! Restaurants and businesses frequently have been engaging in the environmental movement in very superficial ways--through appearance changes that don't make any substantial change to their carbon footprint, waste output, etc. In short, there is a lot of 'greenwash' that environmentally-aware consumers have to sift through if you really wanna get the 'green' for your dollar.

The company that I currently work for, Big Green G, provides a green verification system for small businesses and restaurants. Currently, we have an entirely web-based system where our clients can create an account and quantify the steps they are taking to become a more sustainable venue based on 'points' earned. We have worked alongside colleagues who are experts in the provided areas, and have integrated content from other evaluation systems so that we could provide the substantial, necessary components and allot the appropriate amount of points for the steps and include every possible aspect in which a venue can work to become more sustainable. We divided our ratings into 9 core categories;

1) Energy Saver
2) Water Conservation
3) Recycling
4) Earth Friendly Foods
5) Community Star
6) Sustainable Transportation
7) Green Products
8) Indoor Air Quality
9) Carbon Footprint

so that these clients can be recognized in the areas in which they are taking steps, and can have incentive to keep working to become certified in all 9 categories. Proof of the steps can be substantiated by faxing in receipts, photographs, or other documentation that can be uploaded and sent via our website.

We want to provide these restaurants and businesses with the recognition that they deserve for actually 'going green'!

On top of the system for restaurants and businesses, we provide a 'Green Guide' listing of green businesses so that environmentally aware consumers can know who is taking steps, and what initiatives they are engaged with thus far.

The reason I decided to work for BigGreenG was because I was sickened by the way that the 'green' movement was commoditized by businesses as a marketing tactic, and adopted without any substantiated action or changes. I really think that this system does a good job combating green-washing in a user-friendly, comprehensive, affordable way. Please, spread the word!!

You can visit us at biggreeng.com, or our Facebook group (log-in and search 'Big Green G'!)

Thanks everyone!