When political channels narrow, Green America’s economic strategies become even more crucial. For over 40 years, we’ve demonstrated that in our economic roles as responsible consumers, strategic investors, and innovative businesses, we can create profound change for people and the planet—regardless of who holds political power.

Our organization was born from that idea. In 1982, we launched as Co-op America to advance climate, environmental and social justice solutions through economic activism when the Reagan administration shut down progress through government action. That moment proved what remains true today: when political avenues darken, economic strategies light the way forward.

Over the decades, our economic strategies have been game-changers for justice and the environment. In the 1980s, we helped to birth the socially responsible investment movement and lead the fight against apartheid in South Africa. When Nelson Mandela was elected, his economic ambassador came to thank Green America and our social investor allies, telling us that the divestment movement was one of the top three reasons they succeeded in eliminating apartheid’s worst injustices.

Through the Bush presidencies, we transformed corporate supply chains to protect workers here and around the world when the government did not. When we challenged major athletic footwear companies about sweatshop labor, many didn’t even know their own supply chains. Today, they credit our campaigns for forcing them to identify and clean up labor abuses throughout their operations.

We helped establish and lead the Green Business and Fair Trade movements, creating innovative market-based solutions that larger companies began to emulate. As a result, scaled environmental and social solutions have evolved far beyond what government action alone could achieve.

And when it comes to workplace innovation, Green America practiced what we preached—adopting the four-day work week and remote work options back in 2001.

These decades of collaboration with you, our members, along with families, business owners, investors and allies from every corner of society, have created powerful networks and proven strategies capable of withstanding political storms to advance environmental and justice solutions through economic activism.
As we face a new hostile administration in Washington, D.C., Green America’s promise to you is that together, we will accelerate our work to create a green economy that works for all.

We know that progress only comes when we work together to achieve it. Progress demands action. With you by our side, we’ll scale our proven economic strategies into even bolder solutions for the climate, environmental health, safe and just labor conditions, equitable access to basic human needs, and the right of people to live fully as their authentic selves. We’ll continue to provide the tools and resources you need to green your life, strengthen your communities and take action for a better future.

Together, we are powerful.