Environmental consciousness is no longer the exclusive ideal of die-hard environmentalists. CEOs of large industrial corporations, policymakers at all levels of government and average families are making decisions based in part on a desire to be more environmentally friendly. Environmental consciousness is becoming a driving economic force as companies invest in renewable power and individuals choose products with a strong environmental brand.
Definition
"Going green" is a term that refers to a wide range of activities that are intended to be better for the environment than conventional alternatives. Many organizations, families and individuals are making changes to their daily routines in an effort to be more environmentally conscious. Small individual changes add up to a significant impact when combined with the efforts of millions of others.
Economic Impact
Environmentally friendly alternatives, such as organic food and renewable power, tend to be more expensive for consumers than their conventional counterparts, although some of the initial expense of renewable power is recouped through lower monthly energy bills. Businesses that make voluntary reductions in the amount of pollution they generate have seen significant benefits to their bottom lines as consumers consider a company's environmental reputation in their buying decisions.
Conserving Natural Resources
Conservation of natural resources ensures that those resources will be available well into the future. Recycling programs are a key way to conserve natural resources and trim budgets at the same time. Many farms recycle waste from livestock and convert it into energy that is then used to power the farm. This lower their energy bills and safely disposes of animal waste that could pollute the local soil and groundwater.
Marketing
As individuals make more environmentally friendly choices, they look for companies and products that support those choices. Marketing firms know that showcasing a company's efforts to lessen its environmental impacts is a great way to build consumer confidence and enhance the company's brand.
Disadvantages
Going green means making changes. Reducing pollution often requires businesses to invest in new technology, which lowers profits in the short-term. For individuals and families, organic and environmentally friendly products are often more expensive than their conventional counterparts. Some "green" choices, such as driving less in order to conserve fuel and reduce emissions, require individuals to give up some conveniences.
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