Everyone today talks about going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The phrase itself is used so loosely and covers a large array 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 use of practices, principles, and policies in an effort 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 Georgia
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 creating a product/service. A model Georgia green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Georgia Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the quantity of toxins used in a product in addition to 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 utilized when appropriate and the product itself needs to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The quantity 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 keep overhead low and waste and pollution at a low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Georgia 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 Georgia green companies and encourages other businesses to look at going green.
Green Business Trends in Georgia
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the phrase refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Consumers be forewarned. To ensure authenticity, do your own research.
Green buildings. Once an unavoidable origin of negative environmental impact, by making use of government incentives more green companies in Georgia 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 get rid of office electronics in GA.
Transparency. Given 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 sourced from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with the public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in Georgia
- Thrift/clothing retailers.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)