by Jackie Norris

Aaron Gaynor dreams of a sustainable future, so when the chance to become certified as a green plumber arose in 2008, the 32-year-old business owner sprang at the opportunity. "The goal of the [green] licensing is to educate plumbers - and ultimately consumers - on how to reduce water and energy use," he says.

To become a certified green plumber, underwent 32 hours of training that covered water auditing, energy efficiency and water conservation - all of which he puts to use daily. "We're not trying to push green on people," Gaynor says, adding he was one of the first 20 plumbers in the U.S. to get the certification. "We hope to show our customers that it's the responsible way to go about their lives."

Angie's List member Bobby Painter of Gahanna, Ohio, was inspired to submit a glowing review after hiring EcoPlumbers to conduct a whole-house plumbing inspection. "I like that they care about the environment," Painter says. "[They] make their recommendations based on the friendliest treatment of Mother Nature."

Being kind to the planet is a priority for EcoPlumbers. Gaynor, who started the company in 2007, says he and his three technicians drive fuel-efficient vans and are equipped with iPads so they can invoice customers and send receipts electronically, making the company 100-percent paperless. "I think of ourselves as the next generation of plumbers," Gaynor says. "It's getting easier to be green."

Hiring EcoPlumbers, a 2010 Super Service Award Winner, to install a tankless water heater was a no-brainer for Dr. Lawrence Nyeste of Columbus, Ohio. "I had a recurrent problem with adequate hot water," Nyeste says, adding that Gaynor took the time to discuss his options but didn't pressure him. "Just like I want my patients to be informed so they can make educated decisions about their health care, EcoPlumbers allowed me to make an educated decision about my plumbing needs. I've found a plumber for life.