Today, every manufacturer has strategies to go
“green”, but what does it really mean by “going green”? Why do businesses go
"green"? Who is the "green consumer"? You'd be knowing a
basic idea on "green" after reading this article.
With the precise approach and definite goals, green
manufacturing holds good economic benefits including long-term cost savings,
waste reductions and Eco-efficient processes.
Why do
Companies Go Green?
Some business owners and executives actually have
conscience to go "green" and provide a competitive edge to customers
that are environmentally conscious.
Going green improves public image and enhance positive impact on
customers. Probably, one of the biggest reasons could be an opportunity to be
seen as "Environmentally conscious". Companies who go green
can play up to the emotions of customers, and say "Hey, buy from us. We're
Green, we care about our environment, and our non-green competitor apparently
does not."
Going green makes sense and make profits by reducing
the company's energy consumption expenses and provide a healthy environment to
the society.
A large number of companies would claim to be
"green", although defining a "green" company is difficult
and depends on the criteria adopted, While few are "green" in all
aspects of their operations.
Who are
Green Consumers?
People who care sufficiently about the environment
to make a conscious effort to buy products that avoid environmental damage are
generally called as Green Consumers. They are very concerned about
the environment and purchase only Eco-friendly products viz. non-toxic,
recyclable, products made from natural ingredients, products made without
causing pollution.
People at one end of the spectrum pay little attention towards
environmental issues, though environmental concerns expressed by opinion polls
are increasing day by day. People's main interest is "Value for Money",
and they would only buy a green product if it were not expensive. At the other
end of consumer spectrum is the tiny band of committed greens, for whom green
credentials are deciding factor when choosing a product. Since, Green products
tend to be more expensive, price "resistance" is a major constraint
on market demand.