Everyone nowadays mentions going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The term itself is used so loosely and covers a wide range 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 utilization of practices, principles, and policies in an effort to provide a product which 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 actually improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Delaware
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 considered and often put ahead of profits when making a product/service. A model Delaware green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Delaware Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the quantity 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 volume of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept low. The consumption 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 hold overhead low and waste and pollution at a minimum.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Delaware source their products from green suppliers and make use of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community at large, pre-established Delaware green companies and encourages other businesses to think about going green.
Green Business Trends in Delaware
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 cause of negative environmental impact, with the help of government incentives more green companies in Delaware are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. An increasing number of green companies are educating themselves on ways to properly recycle and throw out office electronics in DE.
Transparency. Given 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 sourced from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with the public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in Delaware
- Thrift/clothing shops.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)