Everyone nowadays talks about going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The term 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 utilization 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 actually improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Wisconsin
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 taken into consideration and often put ahead of profits when creating a product/service. A model Wisconsin green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Wisconsin 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 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 and also from staff is limited. Recycled materials are utilized when appropriate and the product itself needs to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The amount of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept low. The utilization 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 low level.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Wisconsin source their products from green suppliers and make use of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community at large, pre-established Wisconsin green companies and encourages other businesses to look at going green.
Green Business Trends in Wisconsin
Green marketing. Also referred to as greenwashing, the term 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 cause of negative environmental impact, with the help of government incentives more green companies in Wisconsin are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. More and more green companies are educating themselves on the way to properly recycle and throw out office electronics in WI.
Transparency. Given the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from start to finish so as to help them make the decision. Information regarding where the product is sourced from and what vendors the company deals with, is readily and eagerly shared with the general public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in Wisconsin
- Thrift/clothing stores.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)