Small businesses in New York, Oregon and Chicago that promote vegan products and services were announced as the winners of Green America’s quarterly “People & Planet Award.” The Award recognizes innovative U.S. small businesses that integrate environmental and social considerations into their strategies and operations. The winners of the $5,000 prizes are: Neuaura of New York City; Coconut Bliss of Eugene, OR; and Vegan Street of Chicago, IL. The three winners were selected by the public during a month-long online voting period.

The winning companies are:

•  Coconut Bliss, Eugene, OR. Coconut Bliss is dedicated to the vision of creating the highest quality, organic, non?dairy ice cream on the planet, while cultivating positive and lasting relationships with business partners and customers worldwide. A commitment to vegan, organic, fair trade and GMO-free ingredients is key to Coconut Bliss’ success.

•  Neuaura, New York City. Neuaura is a vegan footwear company that provides animal-free shoes in the latest styles. The company searches for suppliers and manufacturers who provide high quality non-animal materials, and also practice sustainable manufacturing.

•  Vegan Street, Chicago, IL. Vegan Street is a website designed to build vegan culture and community, posting original essays, recipes, vegan living tips, book and product reviews, interviews with change-makers and much more, including its popular Vegan Street Memes.