Corporate Culture...

Every home and business in America relies on technology. But picking the right technology -- and the right technology provider -- can be a daunting challenge.

But if you're serious about acting green, it doesn't hurt to insist that the companies you do business also act in an environmentally responsible manner.

Sometimes that's easy. If a product is specifically marketed as "green," you have at least a few facts that you can use to help make your decision to buy it or not.

But sometimes the decision is harder, like when you're looking beyond an individual product to a company's entire environmental philosphy. Toward that end, here are just a few questions you can start to ask that can help you come up with an answer:

• Do they use reclycled or recyclable materials?
• Do they ship their products in an environmentally friendly manner?
• Have they made any commitment to using renewable energy sources?
• Can their electronic be recycled with a minimum of poisonous e-waste?
• Are they involved in any causes, or do they donate to any environmental charities? 

You can also rely on information that others have come up, such as these lists of "green companies":

• Forbes: "10 Green Giants"
• Inc.: "The Green 50" -- Fifty green entrepreneurial companies
• Working Mother: "2007 Best Green Companies"
• Conde Nast Portfolio: "Some of America's most eco-savvy companies"

Meanwhile, you can also look beyond your technology devices to find out if any company you buy products or services from is truly acting green. Think about your banks, grocery stores, local restaurants, etc., etc., etc.

Good information makes better green consumers. So start your research, and if you have any other criterial you use when selecting a green business partner, post a response here and let us know!