LOHAS Associations

Many who are interested in entering the LOHAS market may also find it helpful to join an association specific to their interest. Here are some business focused associations that provide great information within each of the LOHAS market segments.

Renewable Energy

American Solar Energy Society (ASES)- a national membership organization whose mission is to attain a sustainable U.S. energy economy. ASES strives to accelerate the development and use of solar and other renewable energy resources through advocacy, education, research and collaboration among professionals, policy-makers and the public. www.ases.org

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants, and marketers. We work to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace. www.seia.org

American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is a national trade association that represents wind power plant developers, wind turbine manufacturers, utilities, consultants, insurers, financiers, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry -- one of the world's fastest growing energy industries. In addition, AWEA represents hundreds of wind energy advocates from around the world. NHA www.awea.org

The National Hydrogen Association (NHA) is the premier source for information on hydrogen and hydrogen technologies. Since 1989, we've provided data and educational materials to the media, safety and codes & standards officials, policy-makers, and the general public. www.hydrogenassociation.org

Electric Auto Association (EAA) is a non-profit educational organization that promotes the advancement and widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles. www.eaaev.org

Business Communities

Co-op America Business Network (CABN) links green businesses to the growing marketplace of values-driven consumers. We provide services and connections that benefit both emerging and expanding green businesses. www.coopamerica.org

Social Venture Network (SVN) promotes new models and leadership for socially and environmentally sustainable business in the 21st century. They champion this effort through initiatives, information services and forums that strengthen our community and empower our members to work together on behalf of their shared vision. www.svn.org

Ceres is a national network of investors, environmental organizations and other public interest groups working with companies and investors to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change. www.ceres.org

Investor's Circle (IC) The IC Network is comprised of angel investors, professional venture capitalists, foundations, family offices and others who are using private capital to promote the transition to a sustainable economy. www.investorscircle.net.

Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) a nonprofit business association that serves its 250 member companies and other Global 1000 enterprises. Through advisory services, convenings and research, BSR works with corporations and concerned stakeholders of all types to create a more just and sustainable global economy. www.bsr.org

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) is committed to building local economies and transforming the community economic development field. BALLE is comprised of nearly 60 local networks of independent businesses in a variety of locales across the US and Canada, and represents more than 15,000 entrepreneurs. www.livingeconomies.org

Ecological Lifestyles

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people by; creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry,educating tourists and tourism professionals, influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies. www.ecotourism.org

Green Building

U.S. Green Building Council(USGBC) is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Our more than 7,200 member organizations and our network of more than 80 regional chapters are united to advance our mission of transforming the building industry to sustainability. www.usgbc.org

Sustainable Building Industry Council (SBIC) works to advance the design, affordability, energy performance, and environmental soundness of residential, institutional, and commercial buildings. www.sbicouncil.org

Energy and Environmental Building Association (EEBA) provides education and resources to transform the residential design, development and construction industries to profitably deliver energy efficiency and environmentally responsible buildings and communities. www.eeba.org

Sustainable Business

Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP) is a grouping of companies in the apparel industry that has promulgated a set of Principles setting forth basic standards covering labor relations and factory conditions.www.wrapapparel.org

Chlorine Free Products Association (CFPA) focus is promoting sustainable manufacturing practices, educating consumers on alternatives, and developing world markets for sustainably produced third party certified products and GEC services. www.chlorinefreeproducts.org

Green Electronics Council (GEC) partners with environmental organizations, government agencies, manufacturers and other interested stakeholders to improve the environmental and social performance of electronic products. www.greenelectronicscouncil.org

First Affirmative Financial Network (FAFN) a group of financial advisors focused on quality portfolio management for socially conscious investors. www.firstaffirmative.com

Wellness

National Wellness Institute (NWI) mission is to serve the professionals and organizations that promote optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities. www.nationalwellness.org

National Center for Homeopathy (NCH) is to promote health through homeopathy. By providing general education to the public about homeopathy, and specific education to homeopaths, we help to make homeopathy available throughout the United States. www.homeopathic.org AAOM

International Spa Association (ISPA) is a worldwide community of spa professionals, product manufacturers and service providers all striving for support and knowledge for the spa community. www.experiencespa.com

The American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) represents and advocates on behalf of the professional Oriental Medicine provider in order to ensure that the well being of the public is protected, and to ensure that Oriental Medicine providers are given their rightful place in the healthcare system. www.aaom.org ICF

The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the largest worldwide resource for business and personal coaches, and the source for those who are seeking a coach. The ICF is a nonprofit, individual membership organization formed by professionals worldwide who practice business and personal coaching. www.coachfederation.org

Yoga Alliance (YA) registers both individual yoga teachers and yoga teacher training programs (schools) who have complied with minimum educational standards established by the organization. www.yogaalliance.com

Healthy Living

Organic Trade Association (OTA) is a membership-based business association that focuses on the organic business community in North America. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy. www.ota.com

Natural Products Association (NPA) is the nation’s largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. The Natural Products Association represents more than 9,600 retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. www.naturalproductsassoc.org GRA

Green Restaurant Association (GRA) helps restaurants and its customers become more environmentally sustainable in ways that are convenient and cost-effective. www.dinegreen.com FTF

Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. www.fairtradefederation.org

The Soil Association (TSA) is the UK's leading campaigning and certification organisation for organic food and farming. The Soil Association was founded in 1946 by a group of farmers, scientists and nutritionists who observed a direct connection between farming practice and plant, animal, human and environmental health. www.soilassociation.org

Green Spa Network (GSN) purpose is to bring sustainable operating practices to the spa industry, and to promote the natural connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability, and the health of the planet. www.greenspanetwork.org

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the premier trade association for companies in the active outdoor recreation business. OIA seeks to ensure a healthy and diverse specialty retail and supply chain based on quality, innovation and service. www.outdoorindustry.org

IDEA Health & Fitness Association is the world's leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals and provides health and fitness professionals with unbiased data, pertinent information, educational resources, career development opportunities and industry leadership. IDEA's membership includes personal trainers, program and fitness directors, business owners and managers, and group fitness instructors. www.ideafit.com