Everyone today talks about going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The phrase itself is used so loosely and covers a large 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 application of practices, principles, and policies in an effort to provide a product which will positively impact 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 really improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in South Carolina
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 creating a product/service. A model South Carolina green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should South Carolina Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the quantity of toxins used in a product in addition to 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 utilized when appropriate and the product itself needs to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The volume 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 hold overhead low and waste and pollution at a minimum.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in South Carolina 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 South Carolina green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in South Carolina
Green marketing. Also called greenwashing, the term 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 cause of negative environmental impact, by making use of government incentives more green companies in South Carolina 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 throw out office electronics in SC.
Transparency. Given 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 works with, is readily and eagerly shared with the general public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in South Carolina
- Thrift/clothing shops.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)