Green Biz On The Rise
by Ashley Schiller
Published on February 23rd, 2009
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The word is out: it pays to be a green business. More and more emerging companies are putting themselves on the environmentally friendly roster.
An illustration of the industry’s growth is the sharp increase in membership in the Green America Green Business Network. Since its founding in 1983, the network expanded from 345 members to nearly 5,000 members, a growth rate of about 1,350 percent.
The network has seen the largest growth in the following areas:
- Alternative energy/contractors: up from 10 to 88 members
- Financial services/investment: up from six to 623 members
- Construction (including architects, designers and builders): up from one to 209 members
Despite economic conditions, many new 'green' businesses are sprouting up.
Green businesses can help create jobs during this difficult economic period, according to Corporate Responsibility Programs Director Todd Larsen. “At a time when greed has created widespread economic harm, green businesses can play a major role in providing secure jobs and a sustainable economy,” he said. “Just look at wind power, which creates far more jobs than coal, and which will be with us for years as a clean energy source. Green America is committed to further growing the green marketplace so that we’ll have an economy that works for us all.”
The Green Business Network works with small- to medium-sized green businesses to provided the tools and information they need to succeed. The network was a very unique idea when it was created in the 80’s, but has since grown enormously.
Green America’s Green Business Director Denise Hamler said, “It is clear that what began as a small movement of people and businesses looking to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable lifestyles in the early 80’s has become mainstream for us now… I can’t say it is a surprise to see the immense growth of business in the green sector but it is definitely a welcome outcome. We see new businesses joining the Green Business Network every day and look forward to continuing to grow in the future.”
Companies new and old, from Samsung and Waste Management to EcoMinders and To-Go Ware are embracing the “green” business mindset supported by groups like the Green Business Network.
