A Case for Eco-Friendly Business: Global Warming vs. Green Marketers

In the 21^st century, long after the industrial revolution and well into the technological revolution, we now have the knowledge and resources to produce sustainably. The Paris Agreement made huge strides in holding businesses accountable for their carbon emissions. Ontario’s now defunct cap and trade system was been globally recognized for its ability to self-regulate emissions from businesses.

We know that these systems to reduce emissions and produce more efficiently are making a difference. For example, the United States has seen an up to 42% improvement in air quality since 1980 after introducing carbon-capping legislations and keeping a careful eye on their carbon footprint.

In the marketing industry, we thrive off of mass consumerism, as driving consumers to purchase is our bread and butter. This does not need to be a bad thing. Marketers in a digital age have the technology and resources to promote sustainable consumerism, especially in an environmentally conscious way.

Corporate social responsibility is a growing trend in the millennial workplace. When prospective consumers see that a business cares for the environment, and operates with environmentally conscious practices, they can often be enticed to support that brand. Develop or identify your business’s key environmental selling point. For example, some businesses have altered their products to be eco-friendlier, while others adjust marketing strategy. Apple’s entire line of products is recyclable and have minimal impact on the environment if the device is discarded correctly. Furthermore, the business operates on 100% renewable energy sources, has planted huge carbon sinks around their corporate headquarters, and uses 100% recycled paper in their packaging.