Drastic climate change has pushed environmental concerns to the forefront of current affairs. Deforestation, pollution, and excessive use of limited natural resources has had a seemingly detrimental effect on the Earth, creating a great deal of concern for the fate of mankind should such conditions continue. Fortunately, hope does exist, as a widespread push for reducing consumption and pollution has continued to expand, lessening the likelihood of a dim future here on Earth.

Going Green Equals Good Business Sense

Recently, many companies have taken steps to go green, recognizing the many benefits that come from doing so. By taking steps to operate more efficiently and environmentally friendly, companies realize significant cost savings, as well as improved public relations, as people feel good about supporting companies operating in an ethical, morally sound manner.

Who's Going Green?

Numerous major companies are taking initiatives to go green, even while continuing to expand their customer base. The Bank of America claims to have reduced paper consumption by 32% between 2000 and 2005, and even offers employees cash incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles.

Beverage companies Anheuser-Busch and Coca-Cola have reduced millions of pounds in waste by creating bottles and cans that use less material and made largely from recycled goods.

Car manufacturers, ranging from Honda to Land Rover, have developed new and improved vehicles that run more efficiently by reducing vehicle weight using lighter materials and using more efficient engines.

Another example, is Kenmore, which has developed some of the most efficient boilers available on the market today, based on Energy Star ratings. According to Nationwide Boiler, more companies are getting more efficient models and trailer mounted boilers so they can travel with them.

Other companies taking the initiative to go green include Hewlett-Packard, S.C. Johnson, Goldman Sachs, Continental Airlines, Target, Wal-Mart, and Dell, amongst many others.

While there is still a long way to go before fully reversing the damage mankind caused on Earth thus far, improvements are indeed being made. In the wake of the recession, public opinion has become more important than ever for companies and environmental awareness is an excellent way to foster that. By taking steps to go green, companies gain consumer approval and trust by demonstrating good will and an effort to put the good of the public above huge profits. Not only does the company benefit from building positive relations amongst the public through environmental awareness, but there are significant cost savings that accompany such initiatives. Ultimately, companies taking steps to go green are creating a win-win situation for all involved.