How Consumers Can Flex Their Green Power

Consumers have the ability to make a noticeable difference when it comes to how companies handle their business. In fact, as consumers we have the power to make all the difference but I’d settle for us trying hard to initiate a positive change.

Some businesses are obviously more eco-sensible than others. Some try to do all their company dealings in as green a way as possible while some places still love their Styrofoam.

The best companies to see are the up and comers. Maybe they didn’t used to do things green (or had no clue that they should or could) but they’re trying now. Trying is better than standing still in my opinion.

If you want to make sure that your dollars go to companies that are helping not harming the earth’s climate; now there’s an easy carry along guide to help you out.

Climate Counts rates companies and gives them scores based on the companies impact (or non-impact) on global warming. They also rate companies against major competition; say, Wendy’s to McDonald’s. They added up the scores and produced a handy little wallet chart that you can have with you when you make decisions about shopping, eating, or investing.

This information is not completely unique — various sources and research produce these kinds of company stats. But Climate Counts came up with the nice handy fold up guide. The guide lets you see with a glance that you’d be better off shopping Starbucks than Burger King.

Now keep in mind that this chart is not an all inclusive “how to be a good consumer” chart it only covers climate change; not animal testing, not ethics, or organics, etc. Still, it’s a great start.

You can get the pocket-sized chart completely free at Climate Counts scorecard page. One great thing about Climate Counts is that they’ve gathered together the emails of all of the companies and from their site you can send a nice jolly email to your favoirte do-gooder companies or let a bad CEO hear a mouthful of complaints.

Go get the free download and be a bit more secure as a consumer that you aren’t supporting global warming through the bad deeds of a lame company.

[Photo via: globalwarming awareness2007]