I recently read that two companies, The Holland, Inc. and Whole Foods, are making an eco-friendly name for themselves by using renewable wind energy to supply all of their electricity needs. These two companies are following a huge environmental trend that is spreading across the globe and being followed by both individuals and major corporations: purchasing energy or carbon credits to offset carbon dioxide emissions.

Blowin’ Away the Burgers and Noodles

The Holland, Inc. was originally a Creamery that was founded in Vancouver, Washington, but it later invaded the fast food industry and opened up Burgerville and Noodlin’ restaurants.

Known for having antibiotic-free burgers and high-quality pasta dishes in Oregon and Washington, as well as for using locally grown organic meat and vegetables, these two chains will soon be recognized for offsetting an equivalent of 17.4 million pounds of CO2 yearly just by purchasing wind power credits. You can read more about this eco-endeavor here.

A Whole Lot for Whole Foods

Whole Foods, one of the largest retailers of organic and natural foods, is going to purchase enough wind energy credits to offset the power that is generated from their over 173 locations in the United States and Canada. That’s roughly enough energy to power 44,000 U.S. homes! Read more about how Whole Foods is doing a whole lot for the environment.

This is a huge green step for large corporations and chains that usually unleash tons of harmful fossil fuels into the air every day just to power their buildings and make their products. I hope that other large companies, like Wal-Mart for example, will make equal endeavors to save our natural resources so that they can set future standards for all businesses.

But wait: Wal-Mart is making an eco-effort! Maybe there is hope for the environment after all!