There are other private organizations that rate companies, allowing consumers to decide which businesses operate in ways that are most important to them. Organizations such as IdealsWork, Inc. classify different companies according to how they perform environmentally and socially. The organization was started by two friends with a drive to make the world a better place by giving consumers useful information to make informed decisions about their purchases.

The Green Guide, now published by National Geographic, also offers information on sustainable companies that make organic and fair trade products. The guide has a directory that includes a variety of companies that range from sustainable bamboo surfboards to video games with humanitarian themes.

The result is a database of companies that manufacture products and businesses that provide services. Businesses are divided by type of operation and are ranked based on research performed by the Investor Responsibility Research Center.

The Co-op American Foundation publishes the National Green Pages, which includes companies that have demonstrated that they use their business for positive social change, exercise environmental sustainability practices, operate their offices or plants in ways that improve social and environmental responsibility, and are determined to incorporate practices that go above and beyond when it comes to benefiting their workers, the community, their customers, and the environment.

There are lists of organizations and companies that work in ways to promote sustainability and protect the environment while supplying commonly used goods and services. The list is growing every day as companies learn that protecting the environment doesn't have to be expensive and can actually increase profits.