If you think of green energy companies, don't restrict your consideration only to the types of companies that actually produce power. Those who are making great strides in pulling green energy into the grid and reducing the amount of "dirty" energy they create do deserve the label, of course, and deserve a lot of credit as well. But there are really two types of companies that can be allotted the "green" label; those that produce power and those that consume it. Sitting on the other side of the green energy coin are the businesses that have tried to switch to more renewable energy sources, and they, too, deserve considerable credit and recognition.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the top green energy companies making strides in changing to sustainable power through its "Green Power Partners" program. The EPA provides information so businesses can assess their own energy usage, find local companies that provide greener energy, and purchase power from them in specific proportions that relate to their normal power needs. As well as providing this green energy information, the EPA sets the standards for the power provided, and sets minimum purchase requirements.

The EPA defines the alternative energy sources to include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas and low-impact hydropower. Each year it publishes a list of the companies that increased their use of cleaner power during the recent twelve month period. And many people are undoubtedly surprised at some of the names appearing on the list. For example, Pepsi appear twice for 2009, with both Pepsi Co. and The Pepsi Bottling Group achieving one hundred percent green energy usage. If any business deserves to be considered among green energy companies, as far as consumption is concerned, Pepsi and its subsidiaries definitely qualify.

Green energy companies don't just include the power suppliers. Judging by the accolades handed out by the EPA, and the efforts of many businesses, some corporations deserve the green energy label as well. Both utility companies and their larger clients can work together to create a more green energy environment. And as a happy by-product of this joint effort, the grid will become cleaner and so will the earth's atmosphere, to everyone's benefit.