Everyone these days 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 application of practices, principles, and policies in an effort to provide a product which will positively affect 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 truly improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Mississippi
The basic guideline for creating a green company is called the triple bottom line. This guideline demands that ecological and social effects be considered and often put ahead of profits when creating a product/service. A model Mississippi green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Mississippi Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the amount of toxins used in a product as well as 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 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 to a minimum. The usage 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 low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Mississippi 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 Mississippi green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in Mississippi
Green marketing. Also known as greenwashing, the phrase 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 cause of negative environmental impact, with the help of government incentives more green companies in Mississippi 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 throw out office electronics in MS.
Transparency. Due to 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. Information about where the product is sourced from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with the public.
Popular Kinds of Green Companies in Mississippi
- Thrift/clothing shops.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)