Everyone today talks about going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The term itself is used so loosely and covers a broad array of topics, that it’s hard to pinpoint precisely what makes a green company “green.” In the simplest of terms, green means earth or eco-friendly. Therefore a green company is one that employs the application of practices, principles, and policies in order to provide a product that will positively impact the environment. This can mean they’re trying to have as little negative impact as possible or they’re specifically making a product or offering a service that really improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Arkansas
The basic guideline for creating a green company is called the triple bottom line. This guideline dictates that ecological and social effects be considered and often put ahead of profits when making a product/service. A model Arkansas green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Arkansas Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the amount of toxins used in a product along with proper mitigation of toxins at the conclusion of the manufacturing/cultivating process.
Recycling. The decrease in waste is emphasized throughout the entire process. Waste from the actual creation of a product as well as from staff is limited. Recycled materials are employed when appropriate and the product itself should be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The amount of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept to a minimum. The usage of either of these sources is done so in a reserved and strategic manner. This can end up being particularly beneficial for a company as energy costs run high. Alternative, renewable sources of energy allow a company to hold overhead low and waste and pollution at a low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Arkansas source their products from green suppliers and make use of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community as a whole, pre-established Arkansas green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in Arkansas
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the phrase refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Customers be forewarned. To guarantee authenticity, do your own research.
Green buildings. Once an unavoidable origin of negative environmental impact, with the help of government incentives more green companies in Arkansas are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. A growing number of green companies are educating themselves on the way to properly recycle and throw out office electronics in AR.
Transparency. Due to the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from start to finish in an effort to help them make the decision. Information about where the product is acquired from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with the general public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in Arkansas
- Thrift/clothing retailers.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)