With all the talk and shtick over “green” products, it’s easy to forgot that Tom’s of Maine has long been a leader in natural consumer products and sustainable business practices. Started in 1970 with a $5000 loan, the company’s products now take shelf space at 40,000 retail outlets, including Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. From its beginnings, with its groovy ClearLake Laundry Detergent, Tom’s has still shown product innovation, most recently with its new line of toothpaste. Colgate-Palmolive bought 84% of the company in 2006, but one important stipulation of the deal allowed Tom’s of Maine to continue its good-for-the-earth business practices without interference from above.