Everyone these days talks about 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 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 which will positively affect 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 truly improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Kansas
The basic guideline for creating a green company is referred to as 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 Kansas green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Kansas 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 employed when appropriate and the product itself needs 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 low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Kansas 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 Kansas green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in Kansas
Green marketing. Also called greenwashing, the word 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 source of negative environmental impact, by using government incentives more green companies in Kansas are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. A growing number of green companies are educating themselves on ways to properly recycle and get rid of office electronics in KS.
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. Information 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 Kansas
- Thrift/clothing shops.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)