Everyone these days 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 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 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 New Mexico
The basic guideline for creating a green company is called 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 New Mexico green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should New Mexico 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 end 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 used when appropriate and the product itself ought to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The volume of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept to a minimum. The consumption 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 low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in New Mexico 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 New Mexico green companies and encourages other businesses to look at going green.
Green Business Trends in New Mexico
Green marketing. Also known 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 origin of negative environmental impact, by making use of government incentives more green companies in New Mexico are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. An increasing number of green companies are educating themselves on the way to properly recycle and dispose of office electronics in NM.
Transparency. Due to 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 about where the product is acquired from and what vendors the company deals with, is readily and eagerly shared with the public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in New Mexico
- Thrift/clothing shops.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)