FAQ
What is GreenIndex?
GreenIndex is a web site devoted to Canadian Green businesses, products, and services. We aim to provide a comprehensive listing of Green businesses in Canada so that Canadian consumers can find alternative Green products easily. We know there are listings out there but we couldn't find one that are easy to use, free, and accessible to all.
Why bother?
Currently, trying to find a Green product is more than a bit of a pain. Trying to find one locally or within Canada can be even more difficult. We want to solve this problem by creating a directory that's easy to search and anyone can contribute to.
How much to list?
It's free to list your company in GreenIndex with no strings attached.
Why do it this way? We understand that running a business is difficult enough without having to find the funds to list your business on a web site. We also understand that placing hurdles between consumers looking for Green products and services and the businesses that provide them is simply not a good idea. Making the listing free eliminates one more barrier between buyers and sellers. The more people purchasing Green products, the better.
What's listed?
Every listing can include the following:
- Name of the business
- Business Overview
- Company description
- Location of the business
- Web site address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Fax number
- Unrestricted search terms
- Unrestricted categories for your listing
So what's in it for you?
Right now, nothing. We simply have a strong belief that consumers, Canadian businesses, and the planet can benefit from a listing like this.
If it's free, how can it be good?
Free does not mean poor quality. Anyone who's worked for a Green volunteer organization understands this. We are ready and willing to put in the hours necessary to make this the best directory of Green businesses in Canada.
Can anyone contribute?
Yes. Any registered user can add a business to GreenIndex. In fact, any registered user can add as many businesses as they like. Whoever registers the businesses can update the listing.
Whoa! Anyone can add my business and edit it without my permission?
Yes, any registered user can add any number of businesses and will control those entries in the database. Note that this does not mean that they own the listing. The business owner ultimately owns the listing. If you find your business has already been listed and would like to take control of the listing, please email us at .
No one besides the site administrator can delete a business, though. Want to delete your business? Please email us at .
What about "Greenwashing"?
We understand that many businesses would like to gain some green street cred even if they don't deserve it. All postings are moderated and do not appear on GreenIndex until they have been verified.
Of course, we can't catch everything. All entries can be commented on and we encourage the community to flag any business that does not meet the definition of Green.
So what, exactly, is the definition of "Green"?
Listings are evaluated on a case by case basis but here are some guidelines:
- The business's primary source of income should be derived from selling environmentally-friendly, certified organic, or fair trade products.
- The business's primary source of income should be derived from supporting environmental causes or Green businesses. Lawyers and consultants focussed on the environment fall into this category.
- The business derives the majority of its power from alternative energy sources. A company that powers its buildings with Green energy would fall into this category.
- The business has offset 100% of its emissions by purchasing carbon credits.
If you have any questions at all about your business's eligibility please feel free to contact us at .
Why should I bother listing?
Here are some good reasons to list your business:
- It will provide exposure. Even if no one finds your business through GreenIndex, we can provide a high-quality link back to your web site.
- It will make it easier for people to find your product or service.
- It's Canada-specific so you know that you'll be reaching fellow Canadians.
- It's free!
- Even if you don't have a web site you can still have some information about your company available on the internet.
No results appear when I search. What can I do?
You can improve your search by doing the following
- Use AND between the terms you are searching for. This is handy for narrowing your search by city. For example, to find environmentally-friendly paint sold in Vancouver you would type "paint AND Vancouver".
- Check your spelling.
We will be improving our search options over time so keep checking back.
What is your privacy policy?
Our privacy policy is simple: We will not share, give away, or sell any of your personal information.