What is Green?

Spreading from the coastal regions of the US to its center is the new “green” movement.  This movement captured the spotlight and now is a bandwagon most businesses and business owners are trying to jump on to boost their public image and increase their revenues.  Its followers spout ambiguous terminology like it were indigenous to the English language.  In truth it is an evolution.  It is an addition to the original Webster’s Dictionary definition, dating before the 12^th century: “of the color green.”  In 2010 there are now 10 definitions for the word “green.”  So the question is, what is “green?” 

The progressive term “green” is largely unrelated to the pigment that calms the mind and colors landscapes.

“Green” in this case is more than an adjective, it’s a noun.  It’s an idea.  It morphs easily into an action with terminology such as "being green" or “going green.”

But what IS it?

The word “green” refers to any effort, lifestyle choice, product or technology to promote environment wellness and to protect the environment from common industrial practices that threaten our future. In other words the following choices are considered “green”:

• Recycling and reusing materials vs. throwing all waste into landfills;
• Bike riding when possible vs. driving a car that increases total carbon emissions;
• Reduce the use of limited natural resources, such as water, paper (trees), oil etc.;
• Limit use of electricity by turning off unnecessary lights, and replace light bulbs in your house/office with energy efficient light bulbs;
• Buy organic and non-pesticide foods from local growers, to reduce the amount of pesticides in the soil and storm water runoff;
• Use alternative/renewable energy technologies like wind turbines, and solar panels;
• Choosing to save paper and buy online document management and storage software, allowing you to eliminate file cabinets and piles of daily paper waste;
• Etc.

You do not have to be a hippie to “go green.”  You do not have to compromise your political or personal beliefs.  You do not have to be a “tree hugger.” You simply have to be an informed person who sees the value in “going green.”

There is a lot of value in "greeness".  We all know intrinsic motivations revolve around feeling satisfied as an individual in helping future generations, and being a part of protecting the beauty and resources that are threatened. But even if you may not be intrinsically motivated to “go green,” there are extrinsic reasons to do so.

Here are some more pragmatic reasons to “go green:”

1. You save money- reducing the amount of water and electricity your home /office uses cuts down your utility bills each month;
2. Claim higher tax deductions – there are a lot of tax deductions available for energy efficient vehicles, or alternative energy technologies like solar panels;
3. Enjoy a healthier diet when you buy organic and local fruits and vegetables;
4. Businesses and professionals who publicize their “greenness” actually boost their image/brand to public servant status.

Join the “green” movement and become a trendsetter in your community. Position your brand as a leader in your community and yourself as a conscientious humanitarian.

• Want to Be an Online Marketing Sharpshooter?
• 10 Action Steps to More Strategic Social Media
• How Much is a Facebook Fan Worth