A communiqué about the future of our planet was presented at a meeting of the United Nations late last year, issued by more than 150 companies—including several of our 2008 Best Green Companies for America’s Children. Their mandate? Companies across all continents must unite to curb global warming. “Tackling climate change is the pro-growth strategy,” they wrote. “Ignoring it will ultimately undermine economic growth.” Our winning companies need no such convincing. From beauty and family products to retail and tech companies, they’ve already picked up the gauntlet, devoting financial resources and innovative thinking to create inventive and sustainable ways to restore and preserve the earth. Here, we profile these 20 progressive companies that are taking on the tough eco-challenges of business—and in the process building a greener world for our children.

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