From Yellow Legal Pads to 50,000 Verified Businesses

September always feels like a month of transition. The long, lingering days of summer are behind us, and the rhythm of life begins to shift. Kids are back in school, routines restart, and we begin to feel the anticipation of fall — cooler mornings, earlier sunsets, and the sense of fresh beginnings that comes with a new season.

For me, this time of year always brings me back to Greenopia’s beginnings. It was in late summer that we first hired student researchers, who set out with yellow legal pads in hand to identify green businesses across Los Angeles. Their fearless leader was our first research director — and my good friend — Ferris Kawar. At that time, the work was entirely analog: few computers, no cell phones, and almost no websites. Everything was done in person, by hand. What mattered most was accuracy, personal connection, and service to both the businesses and the people searching for them.

Fast forward to today, and so much has changed. Greenopia has grown and evolved alongside technology. We’re preparing to launch a new app, entering beta later this year, featuring 50,000 verified businesses from our original guidebook archives.

What hasn’t changed in over 20 years is our commitment to delivering the most scientifically verified list of local healthy and sustainable businesses. In fact, we believe — now more than ever — that living locally, healthfully, and sustainably is the best way to keep you, your family, your community, and our planet thriving.

Stay tuned for more details on the new Greenopia app and our San Francisco launch later this year. This season of fresh starts feels like the perfect time to share what’s next.

With gratitude,
Gay Browne & The Greenopia Team 🌱