Because most consumers want to do what they can to protect the planet, many businesses are promoting themselves as an environmentally friendly company. While some companies are responding to consumer preference with environmental initiatives, many are leading the way forward in terms of environmental stewardship.
What does it mean to be an “Environmentally Friendly” company?
Companies that put their impact on community and the environment as critical measurements of their success. Those are the businesses that understand that the bottom line isn’t always about profit – it’s about your impact on society. The top environmentally friendly companies don’t just focus on not causing harm to the environment. For companies that are truly eco-friendly, environmental consciousness is factored into every aspect of the company’s identity.
These companies not only create sustainable products, but their manufacturing and production is environmentally responsible. Some of these companies (like those on our list) are focused on not only not harming the planet, but actually having a positive impact. These efforts are carried through from the ethical sourcing of materials, to packaging and delivery, to the disposal and recycling of manufacturing waste, machinery, and technology.
What do environmentally friendly companies gain?
In a recent report from Nielsen, 81% of consumers said it is “extremely” or “very” important that companies “implement programs to improve the environment” and 30% of consumers said they are “willing to pay a premium for products that deliver on social responsibility claims.”
Being an environmentally concious company also reduces energy consumption and increases energy efficiency. Combined with an increase in sales, the global and social responsibility, and the energy savings, environmentally friendly companies are enjoying, and sharing, positive benefits.
The 5 Most Environmentally Friendly Companies:
Seventh Generation: Seventh Generation, is a paper, personal care, and cleaning product company. They focus on being eco-friendly since being founded in 1988. Seventh Generation’s mission is “to transform the world into a healthy, sustainable & equitable place for the next seven generations.” Along with their plant-based products made of ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients, Seventh Generation makes sure their packaging is just as environmentally friendly as their products. In order to reduce waste, the company uses recycled materials for their packaging and designs the packaging itself to be recycled.
Patagonia: Outdoor clothing company, Patagonia, is always on or near the top of eco-friendly company lists. The company has spent forty-seven years in business being at the cutting edge of environmentally conscious business practices.
Patagonia has been a huge champion for environmental activism since they were founded. Patagonia proudly states they “are in business to save our home planet.”
Both Patagonia and Seventh Generation aim to become a zero-waste company by 2025.
Ford Motor Company: Automotive companies are known to be among the heaviest polluters. However, Ford Motor Company is changing this narrative through their ten-part environmental policy that they have implemented for years. The company uses sustainable fabrics in its vehicles while 80% of both its Focus and Escape vehicles are recyclable. The company also focuses on fuel efficiency, particularly on the six-speed transmission, offering a clean diesel heavy duty pickup truck. Furthermore, the paint fumes in the company’s plant in Michigan are recycled as fuel. Ford’s factories also use Geothermal cooling systems while the Crown Victoria Interceptor that is distributed to the police has a fuel capacity that is flexible, making it able to run on either ethanol or gas. Additionally, Ford owns the world’s largest green roof and is the only company to have won the EPA Energy Star Award twice in a row.
Hewlett-Packard: Hewlett-Packard is one of the first companies to have reported its greenhouse gas emissions, after which they have initiated plans that are aimed at reducing emissions and cutting back on toxic substances used in manufacturing its products like cartridges. The company also has an aggressive recycling program that ensures most of the manufacturing waste does not end up in landfills. Furthermore, it has taken the lead in spreading word on the importance of environmental responsibility in its ads that promote green initiatives.
IKEA: Despite being one of the world’s biggest furniture retailers, IKEA has not lost sight of its sustainability goals. In fact, at the end of 2019, the retail giant announced that it plans to invest $220 million in green energy, reforestation and forest protection projects. In its impressive bid to become as climate-positive as possible, IKEA is committed to using sustainable cotton and wool, phasing out single-use plastic from its stores, and has already switched its entire lighting range to energy-efficient LEDs. The Swedish company also emphasises on sourcing its edible products from suppliers that follow sustainable farming practices among other initiatives.