The term “greenwashing” describes those companies that apply superficial and false changes in the name of being eco-friendly, yet many companies and organizations are putting forth legitimate endeavors to be more environmentally friendly. From upcoming fashion designers like Heidi Ackerman of Toronto who says about eco-friendly fashion, “there’s so much to think about, it’s unbelievable: where is it made, where have your fabrics come from, do they fly across the ocean to come to you – that’s a huge carbon footprint, when you’re putting on a show, how is it powered, how much paper did you use? You could scrutinize everything.” Ackerman does reveal the seriousness at which one should embark on an eco-friendly business plan.
Also joining the fray are such varied businesses as retirement homes and motorcycles to brewery and a chiropractor. The pilot retirement home is a new eco-friendly development in Clevedon, England complete with rain water harvester and air source heat pump both of which recycle outside elements for indoor use. A similar approach is being taken by the motorcycle company Zero Motorcycle has designed a the Zero X, a bike that uses electric propulsion and is silent and exhaust free. These are just a few examples of industries that are seeing not only a need for eco-friendly design, but are themselves interested in eco-innovation. Tackling design and material use are the most thorough ways to be eco-friendly.
For most retailers, though, it seems like the easiest thing to do is start with the baggage. That is, eliminate all forms of plastic bags. More and more big retailers are making this move, such as Nordstrom in the nation wide department store in US, which just announced it will transition to recyclable bags and boxes beginning April. Other grocery centers have made this leap some years ago and others are just catching up. What’s important, for businesses on this front, is that they do change harmful habits and none is more crucial than what their product is packaged in. If they can’t control how its made than they should at least control how its sold.
