Everyone nowadays mentions going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The term itself is used so loosely and covers a broad range 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 utilization 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 really improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Texas
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 making a product/service. A model Texas green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Texas Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the amount of toxins used in a product in addition to 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 utilized 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 low. The consumption 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 Texas source their products from green suppliers and make use of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community as a whole, pre-established Texas green companies and encourages other businesses to think about going green.
Green Business Trends in Texas
Green marketing. Also known as greenwashing, the word refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Customers be forewarned. To ensure authenticity, do your own research.
Green buildings. Once an unavoidable source of negative environmental impact, with the help of government incentives more green companies in Texas 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 TX.
Transparency. Due to the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from beginning to end in order to help them make the decision. Information about where the product is sourced from and what vendors the company deals with, is readily and eagerly shared with the public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in Texas
- Thrift/clothing retailers.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)