Everyone these days mentions going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The phrase itself is used so loosely and covers a broad variety 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 use of practices, principles, and policies in order to provide a product that will positively affect the environment. This can mean they’re seeking 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 Washington
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 creating a product/service. A model Washington green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Washington 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 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 as well as from staff is limited. Recycled materials are used when appropriate and the product itself needs to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The quantity 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 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 low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Washington 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 Washington green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in Washington
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the word 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 origin of negative environmental impact, by making use of government incentives more green companies in Washington 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 WA.
Transparency. Given the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from beginning to end in an effort 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 general public.
Popular Kinds of Green Companies in Washington
- Thrift/clothing stores.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)