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 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 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 Oregon
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 Oregon green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Oregon Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the amount 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 as well as from staff is limited. Recycled materials are employed when appropriate and the product itself needs to 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 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 low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Oregon 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 Oregon green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in Oregon
Green marketing. Also known as 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 Oregon are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. A growing number of green companies are educating themselves on ways to properly recycle and throw out office electronics in OR.
Transparency. Given the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from start to finish so as to help them make the decision. Information regarding 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 Oregon
- Thrift/clothing retailers.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)