Interested in knowing more about the business practices of the products you consume? I recently came across Better World Shopper – a great website that grades more than 1.000 of the world’s largest companies’ products based on their adherence to five major categories: Human Rights, the Environment, Animal Protection, Community Involvement, and Social Justice.

Better World Shopper describes it’s mission this way:

The average American family spends around $18,000 each year on goods and services. Think of it as casting 18,000 votes every year for the kind of world you want to live in. Use this site to take back your power.

Their data might not surprise you, but I was very impressed by the thoroughness of their research and the ease with which you can call up results. For the record, here is their Ten Best/Ten Worst List:

The Ten Best Companies:

Seventh Generation, Patagonia, American Apparel, Eden Foods, Tom’s of Maine, Ben and Jerry’s, Working Assets, Clif Bar, Stonyfield Farms, Aveda

The Ten Worst Companies:

Exxon Mobil, Altria (Philip Morris), Wal-Mart, Chevron Texaco, Pfizer, Nestle, Tyson Foods, General Electric, Archer Daniels Midland, General Motors