Criteria

To answer that question, we developed criteria based on the values that are important to Turning Green, our partners who are leading the organic industry, and our student constituency who will be the future leaders.

TRANSPARENCY

Company provides full disclosure of relevant business practices, ingredients/materials, packaging, and labor practices. Company makes information about its business and sustainability goals easily accessible to the public.

100% NATURAL

Company uses pure plant-derived extracts and ingredients, with no synthetic components, no petroleum derivatives, minimal processing, and no artificial colors or flavors.

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

Company uses minimal packaging, with an emphasis on renewable, recycled, and/or resource efficient materials. Company uses no Styrofoam and makes an effort to reduce plastic usage. Packaging is able to be reused, recycled (#4 or lower), upcycled, composted, or biodegraded after use.

ORGANIC

Products are certified organic by the USDA or other credible third party. Company is committed to following organic guidelines and prioritizes the use of certified organic ingredients and materials when the product as a whole is not certified. No pesticide use.

NON-GMO

Company or product is Non-GMO Project Verified or working toward verification.

FAIR LABOR

Company provides fair, safe, and healthy working conditions and offers livable wages for workers. Ingredients are Fair Trade Certified if sourced from outside the U.S.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

Products are able to be reused, recycled (#4 or lower), upcycled, composted, or biodegraded and are free from genetically modified ingredients and materials.

LOCALLY SOURCED

Partner prioritizes local sourcing of resources closest to the site of production.

B CORP CERTIFIED

Not required, but prioritized. B Corp certification recognizes businesses that “aspire to do no harm and benefit all”. Company is one of the fewer than 3,900 certified B Corps in the world.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Partner takes an active role in supporting communities of interest. Partner believes in the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit).

FOOTPRINT

Partner strives to achieve low environmental impact through sustainable production and manufacturing practices such as carbon neutrality (not through purchased offsets), renewable energy, and water conservation.