Environmentally Sustainable Companies

Environmental sustainability initiatives are taking place with companies of every size.  A major driver of these initiatives is the increased awareness of the impact businesses can have on the environment.  Recycling programs has made its way into many organizations along with programs to reduce their carbon emissions to help mitigate these negative effects on the environment.

There are several major corporations who are taking a big-picture approach by closely examining their product lifecycle and implementing green supply chain management practices.  These companies are thinking of many creative - and surprisingly easy - ways to incorporate environmental sustainability to their advantage.

What exactly is Environmental Sustainability?

When talking about sustainable business this can be related to social, corporate and/or environmental sustainability.  Altogether, they examine business processes and practices in terms of people, planet, and profit with the goal of creating a positive impact in each area. These practices are improving working conditions while protecting the environment at the same time which have proven to be good business strategies.

For example, by using green supply chain management could potentially eliminate waste which increases cost savings and a better bottom line.  Additionally, many consumers favor companies that 'go green' so companies also benefit from a stronger customer loyalty.

There are several well-known and extremely successful companies who are committed to environmental sustainability and green supply chain management.  Below are just several of these companies who are proving to be leaders in supporting the environment all while reaping the rewards.

1.  eBay

eBay focuses on environmental sustainability and it's built right in their business plan.  The online auction giant enables people from all over the world to reuse goods rather than throwing them away.  The company even started eBay Classifieds which allow people in local communities to exchange goods such as appliances, furniture, and other items that are difficult to ship. This reduces the amount of shipping and packaging that is needed and keeps these items out of landfills.

eBay also looked closely at their supply chain and realized they can make a big impact by partnering with the United States Postal Service (USPS).  Together, they targeted the delivery and logistics aspects of green supply chain management and created a joint line of environmentally friendly packaging.

2.  Starbucks

Starbucks is another company that introduced green supply chain management and environmentally sustainable practices across the board.  Not only do they purchase Fair Trade Certified and organic certified coffee, they are looking to achieve LEED certification for all new corporate outlets.  Their goal is to focus on 'green' stores which will reduce their operating costs and environmental impact.  Two of their strategies include adjusting the temperature in air-conditioned stores from 72 degrees to 75 degrees and using cabinetry that is made with 90% post-industrial material.

3.  Google

Google is the final company to be highlighted in this list.  Google is known as a business innovator and they too are leading the way in green supply chain management practices and environmental sustainability.  They choose to power their buildings with renewable sources, bring in goats to trim the grass, and host sustainable cooking seminars.  These initiatives all instill an environmentally aware corporate culture and leads the way as one of the world's most forward-thinking companies.

More companies are coming to realize the importance of environmental sustainability and green supply chain management along with the financial benefits.  Because of the rewards, companies will expand their green initiatives and will will look to hire educated professionals to lead the way.