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Is That Company Really Green? Check Their Rep!

Many people are truly very conscious of damages related to the human ecological footprint. More than just a trend, for many people, living an eco-friendly existence is a natural lifestyle. With that said, it is only natural that they would want to work for companies that are also interested in being kind to the environment in whatever way possible.

The same is true for consumers. They want to ensure purchases are made from companies that use eco-friendly manufacturing processes. The problem is, businesses have a goal to make money. They have a tendency to publicly promote the positive things they do, which includes green initiatives, while glossing over some of the practices that are perhaps not so earth-friendly.

 

is that company green

It’s trendy to be green – remember, actions speak louder than words!

Green Is In

Obviously, businesses know that there is a definite trend to go green. Most companies have made changes in the way they manufacture products and conduct business. But this does not mean that every business is a green business. In fact, just because a business boasts that they are environmentally friendly in one way does not mean they are in other ways.

Green is in, and that has marketing value. This point has not been missed by businesses.

So how can you find out if a company is really green? Do some investigative work – begin by checking the business’s online reputation.... read more

5 ways for businesses to go green at exhibitions

green exhibitingInterest among businesses in being green has decreased as the economic situation has worsened (source), but with over 60,000 tons of CO2 emitted in 2009 from UK conferences and exhibitions, this is definitely an industry which can become greener. 

With all the planning involved, the extra stress of considering the carbon footprint and wider environmental implications of your attendance isn’t necessarily welcomed! Luckily there are a few techniques that let you do this without the stress: 

Number one: Go green for the right reasons! 

There’s an upsetting trend at the moment of companies greenwashing their business practices – bringing attention to their green activities with the sole purpose of gaining positive PR. This sets a dangerous precedent as green responsibility should be taken seriously! If you’re enthusiastic about your green efforts, this will rub off on visitors to your stand, and will hopefully lead to them taking an interest too.... read more

Being Greener Can Help Your Business's Reputation

Word of mouth is often the best method of advertising, and it depends solely on your business's reputation in your local community. If you're unsure of how your business is perceived, or want to improve your reputation with your customers and neighbors, consider sponsoring or instituting one or more green programs. 

Being greener is a great way to improve your reputation, and can help your business in the following ways: 

Green Initiatives Increase Employee Satisfaction 

Business owners know that often, their employees are their greatest asset. If employees are satisfied, they do their jobs well, they're more productive, and employee turnover is limited. 

Green initiatives can increase employee's pride in their workplace, leading them to speak well about their company. Recycling programs, workplace beautification programs, and implementation of employees' green ideas all show that the company is listening to employees and is interested in what they have to say. ... read more

Can a Company’s Online Reputation Tell You How Green They Are?

As the environment becomes a bigger area of concern, many consumers are looking for companies that subscribe to “green” practices and provide products that are good for the planet.  As a result, businesses are jumping on this trendy bandwagon and claiming that their goods and services are earth-friendly—regardless of whether it’s true. This has caused earth-conscious shoppers to turn to the Internet to check out companies’ reputations before they buy. 

A company’s online reputation is not only determined by the content on its own website, but also links to other companies’ websites, online endorsements and advertising, posts on social media, and consumer reviews.

So, when you’re looking to find an environmentally responsible company, can you trust the Internet to help you choose the most “green” business?... read more

5 Simple Steps Your Business Can Take to Be More Eco-Friendly

A recent CNN report revealed that the U.S. is one of the top 10 polluting countries in the world.

Reducing our enormous ecological footprint will require the combined efforts of the government, individuals, and businesses.  While this may seem like a daunting task, there are five simple steps your business can take to be more eco-friendly - and as an added bonus, some of the steps can also reduce your operating costs.

Step 1: Reduce Power Use... read more

The True Cost of Not Getting a Free Solar Estimate

The True Cost of Not Getting a Free Solar Estimate

One of the great hidden truths about America’s renewable energy policies isn’t actually so great or hidden.  The United States has a history of underfunding proven clean, technologies like solar and wind, while giving generous 20:1 subsidies to more entrenched fossil fuel sources.

“The average American is usually unaware of this trend, even though the information is out there, including a solar system special”, says Rich Hessler.  Instead, most people focus on start-up Solyndra-style failures, believing these to be par for the solar industry.

The BP oil spill?  The Exxon Valdez?  Those are just unfortunate accidents – the cost of doing business.

But what about the 2020, 2030, and 2050 renewable energy goals put forth by an increasing number of countries around the world?  Isn’t this proof that the tide is turning?  Even presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, believes solar must play a role in America’s push for energy independence by 2020.... read more

Eco-Friendly School Supplies

Back to SchoolSummer’s about to end and you know what that means; it’s back-to-school time! Are you already excited for the first semester to start or completed buying everything in your back-to-school shopping list? If you haven’t yet, then why don’t you consider going green this school year by buying eco-friendly school supplies and show your concern to Mother Earth. Here are some popular eco-friendly school supplies in the internet that have been receiving awards and great reviews.

The Dream Collection Banana Paper Recycled Notebooks – is an 80-page eco-friendly recycled notebook made from post-consumer waste and banana fibers. A college notebook with a hard cover designed beautifully with water-based inks and has two pocket dividers. Plus, it was made acid-free and bleach-free.... read more

Finding a Financial Company that Shares Your Environmental and Community Service Goals

If you are interested in doing business with a bank or financial service firm that shares your interest in sustainability and community service, you won’t have to look too hard. Most financial service companies take part in various forms of community service and environmental responsibility; some more than others, however.

Below is a brief look into what three of the most popular financial service firms are doing to make a positive impact in today’s world. ... read more

What Are Sustainable Business Innovations?

Innovations in industries ranging from technology to finance and farming are affected by sustainable business solutions. Sustainability has been described as development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

To better understand this concept, consider a real-world scenario. 

In order to farm large plots of land, farmers need tractors and other heavy-duty equipment that often emit harmful exhaust gases. To achieve the maximum yield possible, farmers may have made a concession to use pollution-generating machinery. Over the past 20 to 30 years, however, sustainable innovations in manufacturing have created diesel and hybrid engines that release lower levels of toxic emissions into the atmosphere.... read more

Crayola Doesn’t Recycle?

 

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It seems like a strange concept nowadays that a large company, especially one that cares about children, would not recycle. I know I was shocked when I found out that Crayola had no recycling program. With millions of pounds of plastic used to make its iconic markers every year, it only seems logical that the company would offer a recycling program for used and empty markers.  

I’m not the only one that thinks so. Children at Sun Valley elementary school in San Rafael, Calif., have been promoting an online petition aimed at nudging Crayola, a subsidiary of Hallmark, into developing a "take-back" program for used-up markers. So far the petition on Change.org has more than 60,000 signatures.  ... read more