Everyone these days 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 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 application of practices, principles, and policies in an effort to provide a product which will positively impact 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 Ohio
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 considered and often put ahead of profits when creating a product/service. A model Ohio green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Ohio 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 volume of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept low. 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 keep overhead low and waste and pollution at a low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Ohio source their products from green suppliers and make use of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community at large, pre-established Ohio green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in Ohio
Green marketing. Also known as greenwashing, the word 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, with the help of government incentives more green companies in Ohio are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. A growing number of green companies are educating themselves on how to properly recycle and get rid of office electronics in OH.
Transparency. Due to the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from start to finish 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 the general public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in Ohio
- Thrift/clothing shops.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)