Everyone today talks about 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 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 application of practices, principles, and policies in an effort to provide a product which 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 Virginia
The basic guideline for creating a green company is called the triple bottom line. This guideline dictates that ecological and social effects be considered and often put ahead of profits when making a product/service. A model Virginia green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Virginia Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the amount of toxins used in a product as well as proper mitigation of toxins at the end 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 used when appropriate and the product itself should be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The volume of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept to a minimum. The consumption 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 Virginia 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 Virginia green companies and encourages other businesses to look at going green.
Green Business Trends in Virginia
Green marketing. Also referred to 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 cause of negative environmental impact, by using government incentives more green companies in Virginia are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. An increasing number of green companies are educating themselves on the way to properly recycle and throw out office electronics in VA.
Transparency. Due to 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 regarding where the product is acquired from and what vendors the company works with, is readily and eagerly shared with the general public.
Popular Kinds of Green Companies in Virginia
- Thrift/clothing retailers.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)