Sometimes it can be difficult deciding which companies to support in their environmental endeavors. There are organizations that rate different companies on a variety of issues and provide information that can help consumers make the most responsible choice.

The EPA evaluates companies on their environmental performance using the National Environmental Performance Track, a program that was started in 2000 to recognize public and private institutions that go above and beyond the minimum environmental requirements. Interested parties apply for the program by implementing an independently prepared environmental management program. They must also maintain a record of compliance with environmental laws, commit to achieving quantifiable goals, and provide information to the community on their practices.

Beyond recognition, organizations that are required by law to submit environmental reports may benefit from a reduction in reporting and inspection requirements. That is why this program lends itself primarily to organizations that utilize or impact resources that require permitting from the EPA or other environmental regulatory agencies, such as water, wastewater, and solid waste. The EPA estimates that since its inception the program's members have made great strides, including the following:

• Reduced water use by 1.9 billion gallons

• Reduced solid waste generated by almost 600,000 tons

• Increased use of recycled materials by 20,000 tons

• Set aside more than 1,000 acres for land conservation

Companies involved in the program manufacture anything from pesticides to auto parts, and they are trying to run at least portions of their operations in a more environmentally conducive way.