Our goal is to create a list that showcases public companies that, over the past year, have made substantial progress in either greening their internal operations or growing a business based on an important green technology, says Rona Fried, Ph.D., SustainableBusiness.com CEO and Editor of Progressive Investor.

One of the most interesting companies on the list is Nike (NKE). This is among the most established companies in the world, formerly notorious for its irresponsible labor practices, but increasingly environmentally ethical. Even though it didn't make the list, Google (GOOG), another giant, got an honorable mention. And, despite the dubious actions of its CEO, Whole Foods (WFMI) also made the list.

Some of the smaller renewable energy companies with growth potential (especially now that Big Oil seems more interested in investing), are also on the list. These are riskier choices, but they could take off in the next few years. They include such companies as First Solar (FSLR), Fuel Tech (FTEK), and  Renewable Energy Corp - REC (REC.OL).

I was personally impressed that fully half the companies on the list are U.S. companies. It gives me hope for the future of innovation in this country.

Disclosure: I own none of the stocks listed above.

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