The Missoula Green Map project was initiated in 2001 and completed in 2006 through the efforts of various groups of like-minded people. The Map focuses on sustainable resources and community amenities (e.g., parks & trails). The featured businesses provide a sustainable product or service in the category of food, shelter, clothing, waste management, energy, or transportation. Restaurants were excluded. Businesses were also included that focus their service 100% on a sustainable practice or product (e.g., a printer cartridge recycling business).

Missoula is located in a valley of the Rocky Mountains of Montana. The city provides a home to roughly 65,000 human inhabitants. The University of Montana is in Missoula, which draws students from all over the U.S. to its Environmental Studies, Forestry, and Wilderness and Civilization programs.