Going green not only saves consumers money but companies as well. Thousands of U.S. companies are looking toward environmentally safe practices and products, saving themselves millions of dollars and attracting green-minded customers at the same time.
The average American citizen isn’t the only person hoping to squeeze more out of a dollar. As energy prices rise and the economy continues to look bleak, big and small businesses are turning to green alternatives as a way to cut costs, generate revenue and charm consumers. The result is that more companies are following suit.
The friendly competition roars on as corporations like Sun Microsystems (JAVA), Starbucks and even Wal-Mart jump on the bandwagon. In 2009, Staples saved $4.2 million by switching from three-amp to two-amp light bulbs. Sierra Nevada Brewing, Nike, UPS and Yahoo have converted to green practices in energy-saving data centers, product development, packaging and technology.
By using less fossil fuel, businesses are saving billions of dollars. Aside from reducing their own energy consumption, companies are also providing green alternatives for their consumers.
Companies like Nissan and Ford have created flexible fuel vehicles and gas-electric hybrids. Insurance companies like Fireman’s Fund Insurance promise to rebuild destroyed property with green materials, heating and lighting. A law in California even offers an energy-bill credit for home and building owners to install solar systems.
“Are we going to wipe out global warming? Of course not,” said ex California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “But we’re inspiring…the rest of the world to do the same thing.”
While some applaud green efforts made by corporations and lawmakers, others are convinced that company executives are “green-washing” or trying to appear greener than they actually are. They insist that the idea of being green is appealing to many consumers and is simply being used as a short-term marketing strategy.
Others aren’t as concerned with the motivation behind the green movement. The climate is improving and that’s all that matters. Some even claim that convincing consumers that their green products are worth the money is an even harder job than typical promotion.
No matter the reason, the green culture is here to stay. Even ThyssenKrupp Access offers the Volant and Destiny Home Elevator that use gearless motors and require less energy.
“Consumers are becoming more in tune with building green and our elevators help them do so,” said Jay Dickens, ThyssenKrupp Access VP of Sales and Marketing.
It seems like going green results in a win-win situation for all parties involved, and as more companies jump in the action it’s unclear what the future will hold. Whatever it is, it’s something to definitely look forward to.
