Everyone nowadays talks about going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The term itself is used so loosely and covers a broad 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 application of practices, principles, and policies in order to provide a product which 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 actually improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Minnesota
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 Minnesota green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Minnesota 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 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 ought to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The quantity 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 prove to be 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 minimum.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Minnesota source their products from green suppliers and make usage of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community at large, pre-established Minnesota green companies and encourages other businesses to think about going green.
Green Business Trends in Minnesota
Green marketing. Also referred to as 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 making use of government incentives more green companies in Minnesota 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 dispose of office electronics in MN.
Transparency. Given the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from start to finish in order to help them make the decision. Information about where the product is sourced from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with everyone.
Popular Types of Green Companies in Minnesota
- Thrift/clothing shops.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)