As strange as it may seem, it is only a recent societal development that has the average citizen dishing out some amount of concern for the well-being of the environment. Whether it was the media-storm of eco-friendly messages, gas prices sky-rocketing, or Obama’s new ‘green’ stimulus money, the American population as a whole can now be considered a tad-bit worried about our planet. Prior to this ‘revelation’, conservation and sustainable living were considered elitist left wing movements designed to take our eyes off of more important topics of conversation – like WMDs. Now that Americans are green – what do we do about it? US industry has taken terrific leaps and bounds to ‘green-ify’ its image – from the confusing eco-marketing campaigns for hip clothing apparel to the pastoral package imagery of organic foods. The word ‘Organic’ itself has traveled generations in meaning and is now worth billions of dollars to companies like Whole Foods, whose brand fully depends on people thinking they are ‘greener’ by buying their food. The truth is, most companies like these are rapidly re-branding with the primary goal of getting a different sort of green. There are a handful of companies which the public needs to keep an eye out for and support for being genuinely green-focused. These are companies that are often targeting a niche environmental problem and are doing their jobs very well. These businesses deserve the utmost support from both the private and government sectors – for our future truly depends on their continual evolution. So what are a few of these companies? * Tesla Motors: Tesla Motors is truly an innovator in creating cars of the future that can have an impact on today. Space enthusiast Elon Musk’s company has already created a successful electric sports car, the Tesla Roadster, that has caught the eye of many a celebrity. The next endeavor will be the cheaper and more accessible Model S. Hopefully smaller manufacturers like Tesla will have the support to grow and accommodate for many of the unemployed workers from teetering auto-industry giants. * Grid Alternatives: Grid Alternatives is a California non-profit that provides power to communities in need through alternative energy sources like Solar Cells. Companies like these not only address growing environmental problems, but also do so in a socially responsible manner that impacts communities across California. * Green Energy Technologies: The developer of the WindCube- a cutting edge wind turbine that is designed to be installed on commercial urban and suburban locations. Technologies such as the WindCube represent an eco-friendly option for city dwellers. More of our population is now condensed within urban centers than ever before. Transporting power over shorter distances will play an important role in stemming our energy-usage. How can we support companies like these? One way for other companies to support green technology is either by utilizing their products for enterprise needs, or by offering helpful services to them. Large and small businesses alike can consider making an investment in the future by purchasing something like a WindCube to supply their energy needs. One great example of this is Newton On Demand, a recruiting software company whose technology is currently powering the hiring and applicant management efforts of Grid Alternatives. This is extremely important because finding and retaining the brightest minds for an eco-friendly company like this will put the green-technology sector one step ahead. The more genius applicants that can be pulled towards helping our planet, the better. The easiest way for the public to support companies like these is also to utilize their products or services. Although most people still don’t have the cash (especially in the current economy) to purchase a new Tesla or WindCube, a non-profit like Grid Alternatives is largely supported through donations, where even a small amount can help.

With threats of global warming, the lack of rubbish disposal areas, the shortage of water and other things which affect the environment, having an environmental friendly approach for your company can be a good way to move forward. Stats show that the driving force behind going green is more personal than professional, with more people considering environmentally-friendly practices the right thing to do and that personal interest in environmental and social courses in general has increased. This increase in environmentally-friendly practices has also lead to an increase in Green exhibiting options. Adopting this green exhibiting is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years. However, there is one main obstacle to overcome before this can happen. Currently there are very few green options that perform and cost the same as the more traditional exhibiting options. Highlighting that not only is cost an important factor, but the lack of variety of green exhibiting options available. Although the adoption of green exhibiting has been low so far, fast growing interest will drive forward greater use of greener options, providing that exhibition contractors can overcome the obstacle of price, variety, and awareness. If contractors don’t get involved they’ll miss out! Top tips for Eco-friendly Exhibiting – Use recycled metals. Metal may not seem like the most eco-friendly material, but by using recycled or salvaged metal it is good ecological practice. – Paints. Instead of traditional paints, use Non-VOC paint as it is made from natural minerals and is competitively priced. – Recycled plastics. Using recycled plastic instead of virgin plastic has already made a huge difference to the environment. Research has shown, for every tonne of new plastic products made, using recycled plastic produces a carbon dioxide saving of 3.46 tonnes. Per tonnes this equates to running 195 average family cars, flying 502 passengers by jumbo jet and running 63 households for a year. – Energy-efficient lighting. By using CFL’s you will use 25-30& less energy and they last 4-16 times longer. Use LED’s as they have a lower operating cost and are very durable, lasting up to 10 years. – Timber. Use recycled wood as it is generally higher quality than new wood and is available in a wide range of styles. – Green giveaways. Choose an item which will minimise rubbish. Avoid plastic packaging, in fact, avoid plastic all together, unless it is recycled. Good examples of giveaways include recycled plastic pens, ceramic mugs or cotton/hemp tote bags. – Eco-friendly bags. It’s nearly impossible to attend a trade show and not gather a loads of literature, giveaways, and more. Receiving a bag from an exhibitor makes it much easier for attendees to lug around their haul. A good idea can be to use eco-friendly bags and to put your company information on this type of bag along with a eco friendly logo. This will all reflect well on your company. – Use recycled paper. If you are sending out invites to your stand or getting new business cards printed, use recycled paper. Instead of mailing your contacts, why not email them!