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 just 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 order 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 Tennessee
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 Tennessee green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Tennessee Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the quantity of toxins used in a product along with proper mitigation of toxins at the end of the manufacturing/cultivating process.
Recycling. The decrease in waste is emphasized throughout the entire process. Waste from the actual creation of a product and also from staff is limited. Recycled materials are used when appropriate and the product itself ought to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The quantity of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept to a minimum. 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 minimum.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Tennessee source their products from green suppliers and make usage of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community at large, pre-established Tennessee green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in Tennessee
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the phrase refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Customers be forewarned. To guarantee authenticity, do your own research.
Green buildings. Once an unavoidable source of negative environmental impact, by using government incentives more green companies in Tennessee are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. More and more green companies are educating themselves on ways to properly recycle and get rid of office electronics in TN.
Transparency. Due to the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from start to finish in order to help them make the decision. Information about where the product is sourced from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with the public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in Tennessee
- Thrift/clothing shops.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)