Everyone nowadays mentions going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The term itself is used so loosely and covers a broad range of topics, that it’s hard to pinpoint just 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 use of practices, principles, and policies in order to provide a product that will positively affect 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 truly improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Colorado
The basic guideline for creating a green company is referred to as the triple bottom line. This guideline demands that ecological and social effects be taken into consideration and often put ahead of profits when making a product/service. A model Colorado green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Colorado 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 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 utilized when appropriate and the product itself ought to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The volume of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept to a minimum. The utilization 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 keep overhead low and waste and pollution at a low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Colorado source their products from green suppliers and make usage of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community at large, pre-established Colorado green companies and encourages other businesses to think about going green.
Green Business Trends in Colorado
Green marketing. Also called greenwashing, the word refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Shoppers be forewarned. To ensure authenticity, do your own research.
Green buildings. Once an unavoidable origin of negative environmental impact, by using government incentives more green companies in Colorado are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. A growing number of green companies are educating themselves on how to properly recycle and get rid of office electronics in CO.
Transparency. Due to the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from beginning to end in an effort to help them make the decision. Details about where the product is acquired from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with the public.
Popular Kinds of Green Companies in Colorado
- Thrift/clothing retailers.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)