Everyone these days mentions going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The term itself is used so loosely and covers a wide variety 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 use 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 truly improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in West Virginia
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 West Virginia green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should West Virginia 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 reduction of waste is emphasized throughout the entire process. Waste from the actual creation of a product and also from staff is limited. Recycled materials are employed when appropriate and the product itself should be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The quantity 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 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia green companies and encourages other businesses to consider going green.
Green Business Trends in West Virginia
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the term refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Shoppers 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 West 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 how to properly recycle and dispose of office electronics in WV.
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. Details 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 West Virginia
- Thrift/clothing shops.
- Green construction
- Lodging (hotels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)