About Josh Knauer

Josh Knauer continues to be one of the leading pioneers of progressive online activism. When Knauer started the non-profit EnviroLink Network in 1991, his intention was to provide a free online resource for environmental information. What began as a student project at Carnegie-Mellon University (where he earned a degree in Environmental Ethics and Policy) is now a thriving site: the Internet's largest and most complete environmental information resource for activists, organizations, businesses, and government.

Beyond just creating a clearinghouse of environmental information, Knauer has worked with many leading environmental organizations to help them use the Internet more effectively. Throughout the years, Knauer has developed and implemented communication strategy plans for many well-known organizations and institutions, including Environmental Defense, Defenders of Wildlife, the University of Arizona, the Heinz School at Carnegie Mellon University, the US National Park Service, CERES, Carnegie Science Center, CBS News and others. Knauer's mission has always been to help level the playing field when it comes to non-profit information on the Internet.

In 1999, Knauer created GreenMarketplace.com, a leading e-commerce site for socially and environmentally responsible products, services and information. GreenMarketplace.com's unique blend of content, community, commerce and dedication to the highest social and environmental standards has earned it much acclaim. Among the tremendous media coverage the company has inspired, Time Magazine featured GreenMarketplace.com, EnviroLink.org and Knauer in its April 1999 "Heroes for the Planet" special issue. Knauer has also appeared as a commentator on the Fox News Channel, discussing socially and environmentally responsible business practices. He has recently been named one of Pittsburgh Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 and one of Alternet's "New Media Heroes" and his writings have appeared in numerous books and journals.

Knauer sold GreenMarketplace.com to Gaiam (NASDAQ: GAIA) in 2002 and now focuses his efforts on helping entrepreneurs, established businesses conduct business in a more socially and environmentally friendly manner. Since selling his company, some of the diverse projects he has worked on include: Having been intimately involved in the environmental movement since grade school, Knauer continues to bridge advocacy, online activism and commerce. In addition to being the founder of the Knauer Group, he also sits on the boards of such non-profit organizations as the Regional Development Funding Corporation, the Institute for Global Communications, Allegheny Sierra Club, and EnviroLink. Knauer also is an active member of the Social Venture Network. He is a frequent presenter at conferences, speaks to high high school and college students about balancing social, environmental and economic values, and online community.

When Knauer is offline (which since selling Green Marketplace is a bit more of a frequent occurance), he can usually be found hiking with his wife Kathleen , his daughter Olivia and their dogs, gardening and generally enjoying the outdoors.
Published articles by Josh:
Some of the many articles featuring Josh Knauer and his various corporate, non-profit and activist work: full media list