Shouldn't be hard to find info on who does what in a green fashion, but alas, it is.
Here is what a few companies had to say. By the way: please watch out for the vinyl in your blinds. Some is safe, and some is not. Research, research, research. That's all I have to say.
Here's the Shade Store's product offering. This is the kind of thing I want to hear.
We believe being Green matters. We proudly manufacture all of our products in the USA and only work with textile partners who are committed to environmentally-friendly practices. All of our Solar Shades are GreenGuard certified and our Eco-Solar Shade material is 100% recyclable, lead-free, PVC-free. Our Roller Shades are approved by the International Oeko-Tex Association which tests textile products for harmful substances and human ecological safety. Our eco-friendly Woven Woods include sustainable natural grasses, reeds and bamboo. And many of our Roman Shade / Drapery fabrics are made from natural materials using only Azo-Free Dye Stuff, including our newest textile partner, Maharam.
Hunter Douglas discusses their 3 goals: energy efficiency of their products, corporate manufacturing (increasing efficiency and decreasing waste) and philanthropic efforts. All of these are important, especially energy use reduction. Did you know that a lot of energy is lost through your windows? Yes! So make sure the products you choose help decrease energy loss. But I am disappointed that they don't mention indoor air quality in their corporate statement. Many of their products ARE Greenguard certified, but you have to go to each product to find out and since it's not part of Hunter's goals, it must not be something the marketing people are trying to push. (Perhaps because they sell a lot of vinyl products and they don't want consumers to be turned off?…Just guessing here) Some products are certified, some not. Avoid the ones that aren't no matter how energy efficient they are! Also, there is no green link from the home page so you have to search around to find information. Boo for Hunter.
