Ethics, by its very nature, implies that the representation is both honest in promotion and has the integrity of faithful practice by its advocates. It is a kind of “walk the walk and talk the talk” integration through the actions and decisions of those who lay claim to the cause. Yet, the environmental movement has those who see Going Green merely as a public relations or marketing issue. Knowing that the federal, state, and municipal lawmakers are pressing hard to encourage Green transition in the business community; many businesses sense the wave of interest in environmental issues as something to exploit. In response, there is hardly a business that isn’t trying to sidle up to some Green ideas whether they are valid or mere tokenism.
Environmentalism is ill served by token efforts of installing CFL bulbs, donating money to an environmental charity, or buying carbon credits. Regardless of of your attitude toward these highly-touted ideas, the fact is that it is the operational processes of your business or company that show that Green is part of your agenda. Right now, there are any number of companies writing checks to save the polar bears or attending a Green seminar that have anything but a Green operation in place. There is certainly a need for a Green Business certification like the one offered by the Green Business League that focuses predominantly on changing the way the people in the each business operate in our society.
Let’s get right at the obvious issues of a functional Green business that spends its financial resources governed by the lowest price or a favored relationship. This is true for the hiring of the janitorial service that hauls in dangerous cleaning chemicals using a uncertified staff to clean the building, or asking your various vendor if they are also Green business certified. The hypocrisy of promoting your business as a Green business is revealed when the questions are asked whether your business is installing Green practices and using Green vendors. Ethically, the need for practices that match the boast and the integrity that expects the same of those you purchase from is obvious though rarely applied.
The new discussions of Green Supply Chain, carries the message already promoted by the Green Business League which is “Buy Green, Hire Green.” We are hearing about concerns for Greenwashing where the Green hype is pure marketing regardless of evidences of misrepresentation and poor business integrity. To be a Green business, there are hundreds of simple and inexpensive ideas that should be gradually introduced into each and every business wishing to be an environmentally-committed business. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you must Go Green in one massive effort. Smart businesses hire a Green Consultant or follow a Green Management program to bring their business in the Green era with the credential that has the evidences to support the claims made by the marketing department. Go Green, but don’t Play at Green.
Green Business League invites businesses wishing to earn their Green Business Certification. If you need a Green Consultant, find one at the Green Consultant Directory.
