Why Eco-Friendly is Good Business

Canpages isn’t allying itself with any particular party, but it’s worth looking at the Green Party’s take on eco-business, as they would presumably be the party you would expect to be the most environmentally focused. As you might expect, they see the only possibility for a sustainable future to be low-carbon and environmentally aware. In addition to a greater emphasis on fair trade, they hope for “more green-certified production and a rapid shift to more renewable energy to create local economic opportunities.” (reference)

The economic bottom line that more and more businesses are starting to accept is that going green is not expensive, and while it does incur short term costs, the benefits pay out long term. It’s obvious, in a way, since a green approach is about efficiency and a lack of wastefulness, strong business principles in their own right. While many companies tend to favour short term profits over long term company sustainability, environmental concerns are, in a way, forcing them into a more mature outlook.

And they might not have much of a choice. Economic concerns drive the green party’s “green tax shift”, taxing “harmful” practices in a way that will encourage a transition to more sustainable methods of operation. Indeed, much of the success of greening Canadian business, whether from the Green Party or not, will come from creating new industries and supporting businesses that take steps in the right direction.

While there are green only industries, there are two main green business evolutions you can see around Canada and the world over: eco-friendly ways of improving a business, and eco-friendly versions of existing businesses. The following are examples of each.

Eco-Friendly Improvements

In 2006, Algoma Steel Inc., realizing that their reliance on fossil-fuels wasn’t sustainable, formed a partnership with the German company Schaaf Industries Corp., makers of wind towers. What’s particularly nice about this case is not only did the Lake Superior business decide to improve their energy efficiency with the prospect of wind power, but they’re building the wind towers using their own steel.

Eco Versions of Existing Businesses

People have been giving corporate gift boxes for year, but eco gift boxes are another story. Vancouver’s Saul Good Gift Co. is in its third year of operation, giving individuals and companies a chance to give without taking away. Their materials are recyclable, their organic chocolate and other foods are delicious, and their message is of sustainability; not only of their business, but of the planet.

The Future

It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the years to come, especially with Canada being somewhat politically in flux. Whether or not public opinion will drastically shape each party’s platform remains to be seen. The hope would be, of course, that the government would try to lead the way and help encourage public environmental conscience, keeping businesses and the economy on the whole as sustainable as possible, for Canada and for the planet.