The Greenlinks process is very different from already-existing Green directories, which are run on a national centralised basis, and only create local bio-regions artificially through a computer search facility. Such systems do not stimulate local publicity, activity, events and awareness-raising, whereas Greenlinks helps to stimulate awareness and customer loyalty with standards based on local knowledge and trust.

The Criteria are designed to be compatible with the standards of ISO14001 and Green Dragon.

Questions to be answered when completing the online form:
Applicants do not need to say 'yes' to more than one question and the answers are not for publication.

 1.  What percentage of your customers are local?       %
 2.  Do you provide a product or service which helps the community to live more sustainably? Y/N
 3.  Do you/your employees car share, use public transport, walk or cycle to work? Y/N
 4.  Do you use ethical banking facilities? Y/N
 5.  Are your products/services compatible with animal welfare? Y/N
 6.  Where possible, do you source the materials your organisation uses locally? Y/N
 7.  Do you monitor your: fossil fuel use? Y/N
 8.  Do you use energy efficient lightbulbs Y/N
 9.  Do you use non-toxic and recycled materials Y/N
10. Do you ensure proper disposal of toxic materials Y/N
11. Do you use recycling facilities if your local authority provides them? Y/N
12. Do you use or sell Fairtrade products? Y/N
13. Do you use or sell organic products? Y/N

These questions also raise awareness of good business practice to enhance the environment and community.
They are to help applicants focus on relevant issues for their organisation and encourage a commitment to ongoing improvements.

Organisations are unlikely to claim to be operating sustainably when they are not, because Greenlinks operates on a local basis, with a maximum of 400 entries (maximum size of printed booklet).
Local people are aware of local organisations' activities.
Self-regulation is the key, based on trust and word of mouth among the ‘buying’ public.
For this reason, when the number of entries grows beyond 400, we encourage a reduction in the geographical area included, by creating 2 smaller localities.