Everyone nowadays 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 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 utilization of practices, principles, and policies in an effort to provide a product that will positively impact the environment. This can mean they’re attempting 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 Indiana
The basic guideline for creating a green company is called the triple bottom line. This guideline dictates that ecological and social effects be taken into consideration and often put ahead of profits when making a product/service. A model Indiana green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Indiana Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the amount of toxins used in a product in addition to proper mitigation of toxins at the conclusion 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 should 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 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 Indiana 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 Indiana green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in Indiana
Green marketing. Also called 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 source of negative environmental impact, by making use of government incentives more green companies in Indiana are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. An increasing number of green companies are educating themselves on the way to properly recycle and throw out office electronics in IN.
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 regarding where the product is acquired from and what vendors the company deals with, is readily and eagerly shared with the public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in Indiana
- Thrift/clothing stores.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)