What Is Green Business?

What is a Green Business?

A green business is a business, large or small, that is able to adapt into a functioning company that creates no negative impact on the environment, economy, or community. These businesses adopt different standards and practices into their company that all strive towards improving the quality of human life. According to Gil Friend, these types of businesses may also “incorporate slick green marketing campaigns”, “can sustain its operations into the future indefinitely”, and “operates lean, clean, and green” (p. 4). There are many factors that are driving green into the businesses rapidly. Simply put, these businesses are seeking transparency, the concern of the public over the degradation of the environment, fierce climate change, and the never-ending need to support a growing population (p. 5).

When a business goes green, the risk of further degrading an environment goes down, but the demand for “green” products is only going up. Consumers like to know that the products they purchase are going through a sustainable process to reach them. This also engages your consumer in what your brand is and what it stands for. Going green can “enhance your public image”. A positive public image attracts investors that know they are investing in a sustainable company with a long future (Earthshare.org). But more than anything, when a business goes green, all the excess costs are cut, you close up all the loose ends, and as a business owner, you are left with more money in your pocket.

Even though a green business sounds like it has everything you need, business owners also need to realize that they also have to put in some work. Just because you went green, it won’t guarantee the success (p. 5). “Green” doesn’t replace the fact that a business still needs great products and services, perform well, and still have outstanding customer service (p. 5). A green business is