November has arrived and that means one thing—no, no, not Thanksgiving or fall decorations—it's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)! Or school finals are coming up. Or you’re getting ready to start painting or cross-stitching holiday gifts. No matter the project, there’s a chill in the air, and it’s time to bundle up and invest in sustainable creative accessories and products to pursue your…

Two new actions set rules for community investing, guidance for climate risk  On October 24, 2023, a trio of federal agencies issued two actions aimed at pushing the nation’s banks – especially the largest banks – to invest in underserved communities and factor climate risk into their decisions.  Although the agencies did not incorporate everything environmental groups asked for,…

The world of textile manufacturing is a minefield of toxic chemicals, wage theft, and pollution. According to Green America’s Toxic Textile Report, staggering numbers—43 million tons of chemicals used, 20% of industrial water pollution—reveal this alarming reality and make it clear how crucial it is to prioritize buying sustainable fabrics.  Green America and the certified Green Business…

It’s that time of year—spooky season! Apple picking, pumpkin spice, cobweb decorations, and, of course, costumes. Dressing up is one of the all-time great traditions of All Hallows’ Eve, whether it’s a classic vampire, a character from your favorite movie, or a niche cultural reference. Unfortunately, so many pre-made costumes are made and packaged with plastic and other toxic materials like…

This is a guest blog from Green Business Network member Longwave Financial. Now that the seemingly endless summer days are almost behind us, it’s a perfect time to shift attention from beach days, concerts, and (vegan) BBQ’s to a different kind of adventure: your lifelong financial journey. Like many people in their 20’s and 30’s, I find myself having to strike a balance all the time – there’…

From the Rio Grande to Tierra del Fuego, Latin America is a region of the world with a multitude of traditions and cultures. Despite any differences in the clothes they wear, traditions they value, or daily life they experience, the majority of the region speaks the same language: Spanish. This is followed by Portuguese and hundreds of Indigenous languages, including Quechua, Mayan…

Eric Henry points out the window of the TS Designs office in North Carolina. He’s pointing to a black walnut tree, native to North America, and the key to how his small business benefits the community and local economy.  One tree, abundant across the Northeast, Midwest, and South, is revolutionizing the work of TS Designs, a screen-printing company offering unique and sustainable t-shirt…

Note: This blog is a crossposted blog from Green Business member Beneficial State Bank. Founded with impact in mind In 2007, Beneficial State Bank co-founders Kat Taylor and Tom Steyer set out to design a new kind of community bank. Rather than serving the single bottom line of profit, as do most traditional businesses, we equally prioritize the three goals of: Serving our communities (…

In the United States, 1 in 4 adults, nearly 61 million people (about twice the population of Texas), have a disability that affects major life activities. That’s according to a 2023 fact sheet from the CDC, with a quarter having a mobility or cognitive disability.  There are many ways the country fails people with disabilities, from a lack of public accommodations to a pittance of…

Man plans, and God laughs. So the adage goes, warning us about unexpected events and occurrences we most decidedly did not plan for. Which is why having steps in place to prepare your business for an emergency is so important. Risks run the gamut when running a business, from natural disasters to cyber-attacks and financial hardships to theft.  This is why it’s key to have a business…