The GoVacuum Blog

As the buying public becomes more eco-savvy, consumers are beginning to choose businesses that advocate green policies, both in their manufacturing practices and within their company structures. Business owners who want to stay ahead of the curve are adapting to this growing trend and finding that by doing so, they are increasing their bottom line.

According to Business Wire, more than 47% of Americans are buying eco-conscious products as they become increasingly more aware of their positive impact on the environment. More and more citizens are recycling as well as finding ways to personally conserve energy and water, recognizing that these practices reduce costs, both in terms of the pocketbook and the atmosphere.

Consumers are also realizing that less packaging is the way to go. A higher number of shoppers than ever are bringing their own bags to the grocery store, reducing the need for plastic and paper use.

According to the current statistics, a vast majority of the American public now realizes that businesses must contribute to the advancement of eco-friendly practices. With this awareness, more consumers are choosing recycled and energy-efficient products, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, purer foods and beverages, and clothing that is made with natural fibers and ethical labor policies.

New Habits, Better Business Policies, Smaller Footprint

As consumers’ habits change through awareness, a greater variety of eco-friendly options are emerging in the marketplace. Through strong advertising strategies, companies that support sustainability are gaining popularity. This means that businesses that are not taking environmental issues seriously may be affected adversely as consumers turn to those that are providing better waste management, energy-saving policies, and production ethics.

Because buying consciously also implies that consumers save money in the long run, innovations in packaging and distribution are becoming more prevalent in the marketplace. As manufacturers recognize that healthy attitudes towards business practices not only help reduce our overall footprint but also positively affect the bottom line, more companies are eager to get on the ecologically forward moving bandwagon.

Here are some of the creative ways that companies are reducing their impact on the environment:

• Recycling office flotsam such as paper, plastic bottles, and metal cans
• Reducing the amount of debris placed in dumpsters by recycling scrap material
• Using biodegradable packaging
• Keeping packaging to a minimum
• Using programmable thermostats to conserve energy
• Choosing energy-efficient vehicles when fleets are needed
• Observing speed limits to keep fuel consumption down
• Hiring green-thinking employees and tapping them for ideas

Green Programs and Initiatives

Companies are finding that there are many incentives on both the local and federal level that inspire eco-friendly practices. Partnerships and programs designed to boost sustainability through recycling, replenishing, and sharing provide every sector of the business community with the ability to create and maintain a green ethic, regardless of a company’s size.

Today there are no more excuses for businesses not to pay attention to the growing demand for sustainable practices. By yielding rewards all the way around, it’s a win-win situation for companies, consumers, and our precious environment.

-Michele Kadison