Everyone these days 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 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 application of practices, principles, and policies in an effort to provide a product that 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 New York
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 making a product/service. A model New York green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should New York Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the quantity of toxins used in a product along with 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 quantity of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept low. The usage 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 New York 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 York green companies and encourages other businesses to think about going green.
Green Business Trends in New York
Green marketing. Also called greenwashing, the word refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Consumers be forewarned. To ensure authenticity, do your own research.
Green buildings. Once an unavoidable origin of negative environmental impact, with the help of government incentives more green companies in New York 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 throw out office electronics in NY.
Transparency. Due to the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from beginning to end so as 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 everyone.
Popular Kinds of Green Companies in New York
- Thrift/clothing stores.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)