Everyone nowadays mentions 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 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 order to provide a product which will positively affect the environment. This can mean they’re seeking 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 North Dakota
The basic guideline for creating a green company is called 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 North Dakota green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should North Dakota 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 as well as 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 to a minimum. The consumption of either of these sources is done so in a reserved and strategic manner. This can end up being 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota green companies and encourages other businesses to think about going green.
Green Business Trends in North Dakota
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the term refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Shoppers be forewarned. To guarantee authenticity, do your own research.
Green buildings. Once an unavoidable cause of negative environmental impact, by using government incentives more green companies in North Dakota are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. A growing number of green companies are educating themselves on the way to properly recycle and get rid of office electronics in ND.
Transparency. Given 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 regarding where the product is sourced from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with everyone.
Popular Kinds of Green Companies in North Dakota
- Thrift/clothing stores.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)