Everyone today mentions going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The phrase 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 an effort to provide a product which will positively impact 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 Nebraska
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 taken into consideration and often put ahead of profits when creating a product/service. A model Nebraska green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Nebraska 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 decrease in waste is emphasized throughout the entire process. Waste from the actual creation of a product and also from staff is limited. Recycled materials are employed when appropriate and the product itself should be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The amount of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept low. The consumption 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 Nebraska source their products from green suppliers and make use of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community at large, pre-established Nebraska green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in Nebraska
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the term 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 Nebraska are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. An increasing number of green companies are educating themselves on ways to properly recycle and throw out office electronics in NE.
Transparency. Due to 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 acquired from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with everyone.
Popular Kinds of Green Companies in Nebraska
- Thrift/clothing retailers.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)