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Lately it may seem like you’ve been hearing a great deal about the importance of operating a GREEN BUSINESS in the media and elsewhere. In fact, if you haven’t been inundated with references to “green” and “sustainable” businesses you may well have been living under a rock. Although these terms may seem to be the watchwords of the moment, in actuality there has not really ever been a common understanding of what exactly constitutes a green business. That can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.
So hang on while I explain…
What a Green Business Is And How To Get It
Environmentalism is no longer just the province of do-gooders or members of a particular generation. On the contrary, “going green”, as it’s often called is more of a social movement that is rapidly being embraced by many different kinds of people. Logically, as more and more people become concerned about both the economy and the environment the green focus is spreading to the corporate arena.
A GREEN BUSINESS is an organization that is concerned and committed to sustainability and running a business. In other words, the major difference between a business that’s green and one that’s not is environmental responsibility. Both firms are focused on serving customers, satisfying stakeholders, and turning a profit. Green firms however attempt to achieve these tasks while minimizing the negative impact their organization has on the environment.
Reflection and careful observation will clearly show that the “old way” of doing business has produced a host of environmental problems. That’s why so many business owners and managers are focusing on ways to operate in an environmentally friendly manner. The list of businesses going green runs the gamut from small mom-and-pop shops to multinational Fortune 500 behemoths. But how do you know if a GREEN BUSINESS is for you?
Answered: Your Most Burning Questions About “Going Green”
Q: What benefits does going green offer?
A: Going green offers numerous benefits. A few of the major ones include the satisfaction of contributing to the sustainability of the environment, distinguishing your firm from non-green businesses, and showing that you care about the environment. Not to mention that lots of consumers actively look for green products and are willing to spend more money for them even in the midst of an economic downturn.
Q: How can I get started?
A: There is a lot to learn about going green but don’t let that keep you from getting started. There are many resources available to help you transition to a GREEN BUSINESS. For example, the Small Business Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency offer lots of tools and information. Another starting point is incorporating environmentalism into the organization’s policies and procedures. This exhibits the company’s commitment to sustainability and helps engrain it as part of the corporate culture. There are firms that will conduct an energy audit to show you areas where your business can improve
Do You Have What It Takes To Run a Green Business?
By operating a GREEN BUSINESS, you can do your part to protect the environment. Conservation, education, and compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations will provide the foundation of your businesses green efforts.