Everyone these days mentions going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The phrase itself is used so loosely and covers a broad array 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 use of practices, principles, and policies in an effort to provide a product that 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 Rhode Island
The basic guideline for creating a green company is referred to as 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 Rhode Island green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Rhode Island 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 employed 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 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 hold overhead low and waste and pollution at a minimum.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island green companies and encourages other businesses to think about going green.
Green Business Trends in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island 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 get rid of office electronics in RI.
Transparency. Given 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. Details about 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 Rhode Island
- Thrift/clothing stores.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)