2026 Green Business of the Year

 For the Trees (FTT) makes sustainable personal care products with a mission to save the earth by prioritizing sustainability over profits. FTT donates to environmental causes through Profit-For-Planet and is committed to zero waste practices with deodorants and lip balms made from natural ingredients and packaging that is FSC certified, biodegradable, and made of post consumer recycled materials. Since joining the Green Business Network, FTT has been a vocal champion of sustainable business practices with his network peers, at PEA events, and in the broader business community.

Grind Vine Consulting LLC is a local consulting firm specializing in sustainable project management, workforce development, and program optimization. Grind Vine connects contractors, homeowners, and employers through coordinated home energy projects and clean-energy workforce pathways. Since becoming a Green Business Network member, Grind Vine has opened a workforce training space, launched the first solar-focused apprenticeship in the Piedmont Triad and the first sustainability focused apprenticeship in North Carolina, partnered with EverBlue to offer a 4-week training that prepares students for careers in energy efficiency and the green building industry, and supported PEA's efforts to advocate for sensible sustainability policies.

M Creative iis a values-driven strategic communications firm that helps organizations clarify their voice, strengthen engagement, and grow their impact. Through thoughtful strategy, design, and compelling storytelling, M Creative helps its nonprofit clients do more good for more people. M Creative was the first business in the NC Triad to become a certified B Corporation—a rigorous process that considers the impact of the business on its employees, the community, and the environment. Since joining the Green Business Network, M Creative has established and implemented a number of energy efficiency and conservation goals, including converting lighting to LED bulbs, reducing single-use paper items, installing programmable thermostats, hosting zero-waste events, and locally sourcing supplies. Recently, the firm has begun developing a comprehensive sustainability policy to guide the firm’s future efforts. In addition, M Creative designed PEA’s new logo and branding.

Piedmont Plants is focused on offering native plants. They use local seed sources whenever possible, ensuring plants are fully adapted to local soil and weather conditions and able to provide support to pollinators, birds and other wildlife in our area. Since joining the Green Business Network, Piedmont Plants has worked with PEA to provide native plant education for local school groups, helped organize against the Rural Hall data center, and explored solar for the nursery and more sustainable pots for her plants.

The Twin City Track Club (TCTC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting fitness for runners and walkers of all abilities. Established in 1977, TCTC joined the Green Business Network with a goal of reducing the environmental impact of its annual Beat the Heat 5K. PEA worked with TCTC to implement zero waste strategies: Triad Compost Service provided composting bins; the City provided recycling bins, and food vendors limited wasteful packaging and used compostable serviceware. Ultimately, TCTC diverted 91% of the race's waste from the landfill. TCTC's long-term goal is to achieve zero waste certification from the Council of Responsible Sport.