Environmentally focused companies, such as Marriott and GlaxoSmithKline, are taking a hard-line approach to e-waste management, investing time and money to ensure that every piece of obsolete technology is recycled or refurbished in an environmentally appropriate manner, not dumped in a landfill is China.
In theory, free money in the form of grants, rebates and incentives to help businesses become more efficient is everywhere. But in reality, how do you get your piece of the pie?
To help businesses win grants to make their operations easier, we asked industry experts for advice on finding and securing the best grants and incentives.
(Episode 83): Peter Beadle, the founder of GreenJobs.com, talks to GreenBiz Radio about the ways in which finding a green job is just like finding any other -- and the ways green jobs are different.
Although bisphenol A (BPA) is not the clear health threat lead is, enough concern about it has been raised for retailers and manufacturers to eliminate it and for politicians to seek BPA bans. But BPA is not the only possibly dangerous chemical used in consumer products. What draws public outcry and bans for one toxic chemical, while others slip safely under the radar?
It is always a good idea to refresh your skills, and outside of conventional business school programs, there are a growing number of educational opportunities for mid-career professionals to develop and hone their knowledge of green business strategies to position themselves ahead of the competition.
While many of the so-called green jobs being touted by the president and environmental groups may be of the blue-green variety -- more labor than management -- there also will be opportunities for college grads and mid-career professionals to make green career moves.
Drought conditions and likely water restrictions and regulations promise to impact businesses throughout the country. But some companies, such as Frito Lay, Avon and General Electric, have already begun directing their efforts toward conserving water before the price inevitably grows to reflect its true cost.
Lower energy prices and the ailing economy spells doom for business owners and investors looking for short-term returns on their renewable energy investments, but those taking a long view are more likely to see renewable energy as worthwhile, especially with the stimulus package offering billions in green power incentives.
Management of greenhouse gas emissions will be mandatory by 2010 -- especially for carbon intensive industries -- but reducing emissions can add social, environmental and financial value to a company, according to Tom Cushing, SVP of the Chicago Climate Exchange.