Everyone these days talks about going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The term itself is used so loosely and covers a broad variety of topics, that it’s hard to pinpoint exactly 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 utilization of practices, principles, and policies in order to provide a product which will positively impact the environment. This can mean they’re seeking 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 California
The basic guideline for creating a green company is called the triple bottom line. This guideline demands that ecological and social effects be taken into consideration and often put ahead of profits when creating a product/service. A model California green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should California Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the amount of toxins used in a product along with proper mitigation of toxins at the end of the manufacturing/cultivating process.
Recycling. The reduction of 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 used when appropriate and the product itself ought to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The amount of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept low. The utilization of either of these sources is done so in a reserved and strategic manner. This can turn out to be particularly beneficial for a company as energy costs run high. Alternative, renewable sources of energy allow a company to keep overhead low and waste and pollution at a low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in California 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 California green companies and encourages other businesses to look at going green.
Green Business Trends in California
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the phrase refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Shoppers 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 California are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. More and more green companies are educating themselves on the way to properly recycle and dispose of office electronics in CA.
Transparency. Given the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from start to finish so as 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 California
- Thrift/clothing stores.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)