Everyone today mentions going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The term itself is used so loosely and covers a broad variety 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 order to provide a product which will positively impact 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 really improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Maine
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 creating a product/service. A model Maine green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Maine Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the quantity of toxins used in a product as well as 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 utilized when appropriate and the product itself needs to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The amount of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept low. 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 hold overhead low and waste and pollution at a minimum.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Maine source their products from green suppliers and make usage of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community as a whole, pre-established Maine green companies and encourages other businesses to think about going green.
Green Business Trends in Maine
Green marketing. Also called greenwashing, the phrase refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Customers be forewarned. To ensure 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 Maine are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. More and more green companies are educating themselves on the way to properly recycle and get rid of office electronics in ME.
Transparency. Given the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from beginning to end in order to help them make the decision. Details about where the product is sourced from and what vendors the company deals with, is readily and eagerly shared with everyone.
Popular Kinds of Green Companies in Maine
- Thrift/clothing retailers.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)