Everyone today 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 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 utilization of practices, principles, and policies in order to provide a product that 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 really improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Nevada
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 making a product/service. A model Nevada green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Nevada 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 and also from staff is limited. Recycled materials are used 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 utilization 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 minimum.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Nevada 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 Nevada green companies and encourages other businesses to look at going green.
Green Business Trends in Nevada
Green marketing. Also called 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, with the help of government incentives more green companies in Nevada are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. More and more green companies are educating themselves on ways to properly recycle and get rid of office electronics in NV.
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 regarding where the product is sourced from and what vendors the company deals with, is readily and eagerly shared with everyone.
Popular Kinds of Green Companies in Nevada
- Thrift/clothing shops.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)