GREEN Inc. By L. Hilliard | SEP.08.08 Companies are increasingly self-monitoring their impact on the environment.

Consumer demand for green products and responsible manufacture and service has put corporations around the world on notice that they need to put more effort into being responsible stewards of the environment. Companies are increasingly meeting those expectations by taking the initiative to go green in a variety of ways and discovering in the process that there are distinct advantages to doing so. Turning to green energy alternatives has never been more attractive to companies than now, when the cost of fossil fuels has reached an all time high. Simple conservation measures can result in cost savings in the millions and alternative fuels can save even more. Companies are increasingly self-monitoring their impact on the environment in the area of waste disposal and emissions control as well. They see a profound return in increased consumer confidence, brand trust and their ability to continue production as government standards become more stringent in the future. Some companies with impressive green initiatives include: Steelcase Steelcase, an office furniture and architectural company, is a leader in green architecture itself that takes the time to recognize other "Green Giants" on this site. Check out the amazing architects showcased here who have contributed time and ideas to change the environment or contributed to social change. Green Giants GE The reach of this multi-national company is difficult to understate; it encompasses everything from aviation equipment to media & entertainment. They've taken a firm stance, however, to lead the way in innovations in every area. Extensive R&D investments into clean energy alternatives, reducing greenhouse emissions and dedication to increasing profits through "ecomagination" products are all part of their multi-billion dollar green initiative. Look for GE's many eco-friendly appliances that meet or surpass current ENERGY STAR standards. GE Ecomagination Home Depot This home improvement store now labels any of their products that have a reduced impact on the environment with an "Eco Options" label so that consumers can easily make informed green choices while they shop for home improvement products. All products fall into one or more of five categories: Sustainable Forestry, Energy Efficient, Healthy Home, Clean Air or Water Conservation. Each category has an easily recognizable label. Eco Options Kravetgreen You'll find sumptuous, exotic fabrics that you long to touch at kravetgreen – and be amazed to discover that they're 100% recycled polyester from post-consumer or post-industrial sources. Green interior design has never been so gorgeous. Ask your designer about kravetgreen fabrics, available in rich palettes of colors and wonderful patterns named earth, ocean and fire. Kravetgreen Herman Miller Herman Miller began focusing on waste reduction in the 1950's, before it was cool. Their environmental quality action team uses reusable packaging and works with all their suppliers to make sure no toxic substances are used in any materials. They're also willing to work with suppliers to correct any problems in order to bring current suppliers in line with their own environmental standards, making themselves leaders in the corporate green movement. The Sierra Club recently recognized their efforts. Herman Miller Crypton This innovative textile manufacturer developed the first green-quality high performance fabric on the market, a 100% recycled polyester made in facilities that exceed industry standards for indoor air quality. They were recently awarded an EPA certification for there proprietary cleaning formula. Crypton Super Fabrics ICI Dulux Paints The first VOC-free paint in the U.S. marketplace. With none of the Volatile Organic Compounds that are damaging to the ozone layer, ICI Dulux paints won't damage the ozone layer or emit toxins into the air. They currently manufacture the only durable no-VOC interior paint with 100% acrylic resins. ICI Dulux Paints We applaud all of the companies we've mentioned for the major steps they've taken toward greater corporate responsibility in the face of an environmentally threatened planet and green initiatives that will benefit everyone. On a more personal note, we also suggest you visit three great corporate-sponsored websites that offer steps each of us can take on an individual level as well as news and information on the global green movement: Sustainable Sites Initiative An initiative to develop a standard for green landscape design that's recognized as widely as the standard for green architecture. It recognizes the importance of sustainable landscaping in regulating climate, clean air and water, and improving the quality of life. TreeHugger We cop to simply loving the name of this site, but it goes much deeper than that. TreeHugger is a wealth of information about everything from green home furnishings to fabulous eco-friendly cosmetics. With forums, a gift center and blogs it's the most upbeat, interactive "greencentric" site you could fall in love with. The demand for green products and big business's increasingly positive response to it is a sign that we've become more aware of just what's at stake. If the trend continues, a clean, green future may be on the horizon.

By L. Hilliard | FOKaL Writer

[ SEP.08.08 ]

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