Some organizations have a clearly laid out list of values or principles that they support. These values and principles cover a wide range, e.g. justice for all, commitment to future generations, a balance between business and society as a whole, ecological wisdom. For examples posted by a range of organizations, see ProgressiveSpirit.com. A list of ‘progressive’ organisations (i.e. those which promote progressive values while not having any regressive ideological ties) is available at Sourcewatch.org.

Many progressive organisations internalise environmental values and principles (e.g. many organisations are guided by the Earth Charter – see www.earthcharterinaction.org). Often these focus on the sustainability of the earth and the natural environment, the sacredness of nature, and protecting native peoples. They are concerned with stewardship of the planet and of future generations. Empathy and protection are the primary values.

Many ‘progressive’ organisations advocate and lobby for environmental issues to be taken into account in all stages of development governance, some pushing that such issues are given primacy over others. Other organisations, notably those leading private sector companies that espouse progressive values, commit to promoting sustainable development and sound environmental management, adhering to good practice principles and pursuing corporate social (nowadays including environmental) responsibility.