Everyone nowadays 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 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 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 Missouri
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 Missouri green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Missouri 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 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 used when appropriate and the product itself ought to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The amount 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 hold overhead low and waste and pollution at a low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Missouri 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 Missouri green companies and encourages other businesses to look at going green.
Green Business Trends in Missouri
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the term refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Shoppers 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 Missouri 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 MO.
Transparency. Given 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 regarding 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 Missouri
- Thrift/clothing retailers.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)