Everyone today talks about going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The term itself is used so loosely and covers a broad variety 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 use of practices, principles, and policies in order to provide a product that will positively impact 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 actually improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in New Hampshire
The basic guideline for creating a green company is referred to as the triple bottom line. This guideline demands that ecological and social effects be taken into consideration and often put ahead of profits when creating a product/service. A model New Hampshire green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should New Hampshire Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the quantity of toxins used in a product in addition to 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 utilized when appropriate and the product itself should be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The quantity 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 hold overhead low and waste and pollution at a minimum.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in New Hampshire
Green marketing. Also known as greenwashing, the phrase refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Consumers be forewarned. To guarantee authenticity, do your own research.
Green buildings. Once an unavoidable origin of negative environmental impact, by using government incentives more green companies in New Hampshire 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 dispose of office electronics in NH.
Transparency. Given 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 general public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in New Hampshire
- Thrift/clothing stores.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)