The following paragraph pertains to the article on this link and related topics: http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/starting-a-business/2011/02/07/small-business-going-green-later/
The green trend towards sustainable business practices and self-sufficiency has been on the rise over the past decade. The benefits greatly outweigh the initial costs although it takes time to get a return on this investment. The article highlights the cost reduction benefits and long term sustainable efficiency. One staggering statistic explained that retro-fitting green supplies on an older business could cost a small business up to 75% in premiums. Exponential benefits can be realized as more businesses turn towards green alternatives such as solar panels, efficient insulation, and energy-efficient light bulbs.
Now you might be asking yourself, what does going green have to do with business ethics? Actually, it has much more to do with ethics then you think. It is not ethically sound, in my opinion, to function inefficiently when a more sustainable means is available to businesses. Now their are some extenuating circumstances mostly consisting of large start-up or switching costs, but currently there are federal tax break incentives as well as state and local initiatives to help businesses make a smooth transition to more efficiently run their businesses. If a more environmentally-friendly and financially beneficial state can be reached by a business it is ethically imperative to take the initiative to make that change. Benefits include the appreciation of customers and the potential to increase the quality of life for employees.
This article argues that all small businesses will eventually make the transition to green technology because of its financial benefits. The article lacks to highlight the social impact and ethical responsibility that all businesses face. Ultimately, the decision rests on the shoulders of the business owner, but as more and more businesses make the transition, pressure from environmentally concerned consumers and other businesses will inevitably force everyone into a more sustainable existence.
Posted by Grant Luther
I agree with the article of starting off a small business by being green right away and not waiting until the business is up and rolling. Obviously it will cost more from the get-go, but just like Grant said, over time, the company will receive a nice return on investment.
ReplyDeleteIn case the business will be switching over to green, it's also nice to know that the company will have the opportunity for tax break incentives as well as local initiatives to help the business have a smooth transition. Especially in this economy, any break a company can get to help save money in the long run is imperative!
I would like to see what a company looks like and is ran with all green just to get the experience and know that it truly is a cost saver as well as a better environment to work in.
Jon Locke - Team 2
I think this article makes a lot of great points because although going green is going to cost a lot of money in the short term, it will inevitably save money in the long run. I also agree with Grant when he says that it is unethical to continue business practices when there are more sufficient ways of completing those practices.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that there are companies that have gone green and have utilized the opportunity to be able and cut down on pollution. Although, it still bothers me that even though companies have the opportunities to go green, they still continue to ignore that. Tax breaks, like Grant said, are even available for companies who are interested in going green.
I would like to see just how much money a company can save over time. It would really help me to better understand just why companies don't go green more often.
-Brian Cullum Team 7