Patagonia Among 70 Vying for Green Business of the Year Award

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Patagonia Inc., the outdoor gear and apparel maker based in Ventura, is among 70 nominees for Co-op America's first-ever "People's Choice Award" as Green Business of the year.

Patagonia Inc., the outdoor gear and apparel maker based in Ventura, is among 70 nominees for Co-op America's first-ever "People's Choice Award" as Green Business of the year.


The nominees were chosen from among 2,500 businesses that are members of Co-op America's Business Network. Based in Washington, D.C., Co-op America is a membership, nonprofit organization that supports socially and environmentally responsible businesses, said Andrew Korfhage, an editor at its Washington office. Several thousand individuals nationwide also are members.


Communities nationwide benefit from businesses committed to social and environmental responsibility, Korfhage said.


The award was conceived to recognize leaders among those businesses. The award is to be announced Nov. 5 at the Green Festival in San Francisco. Anyone is eligible to vote to help choose the winning company at http://www.coopamerica.org/peopleschoice, Korfhage said. Voting began in mid-September and is scheduled to end Oct. 21.


Business Co-op America members produce such products as recycled paper, Fair Trade crafts, organic food and clothing, along with socially responsible investing. Patagonia produces several products from recycled or organic materials. Individual members, Korfhage said, join to be connected to those businesses and to receive such Co-op America publications as "Green Living," its bimonthly newsletter.


Patagonia has been active in environmental causes for many years and frequently is listed by national magazines as among the country's best places to work. On the Net: http://www.patagonia.com


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Source: Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News