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 that 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 Massachusetts
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 considered and often put ahead of profits when creating a product/service. A model Massachusetts green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Massachusetts 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 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 employed when appropriate and the product itself should be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The volume 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 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in Massachusetts
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the term 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, with the help of government incentives more green companies in Massachusetts are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. A growing number of green companies are educating themselves on how to properly recycle and dispose of office electronics in MA.
Transparency. Due to the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from beginning to end so as to help them make the decision. Information regarding where the product is acquired from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with everyone.
Popular Kinds of Green Companies in Massachusetts
- Thrift/clothing stores.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)