I’m most certainly not a financial advisor so any suggestions I make below are strictly my opinion and you should only invest what you’re willing to lose, because the market has been crazy lately.
That being said, I like to invest and support companies that are using and developing sustainable practices. I feel it’s best to put our money where our mouth is, and either invest in those companies and/or purchase their products and services. It’s one thing to verbally support something, but to purchase from those companies is where the rubber meets the road.
My view of what is considered sustainable practices may differ from yours, but below are some examples of things companies can do to be worthy of investment or purchasing their goods and services. Of course, some of these will depend on the size of the company and the industry they’re in, but it’s a good start in my eyes.
Types of Sustainable Practices Companies Can Do
- Reduce energy consumption – It’s too easy not to reduce your energy consumption. I feel that companies should be doing everything they can from energy-efficient light bulbs to using the latest technology that requires less energy to run. For example, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings. LEED is outside the scope of standard engineering and is usually a bit more costly. However, some companies may build to this standard if the community values it. LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.
- Participation in communities – Not all companies will be able to give back to their communities, but those companies large enough, and that have the resources, can do good for their neighborhoods and communities. This can be done via cash contributions, pro bono services, company-wide volunteer efforts, or a host of other efforts.
- Create sustainable products – this includes the ethical sourcing of raw materials, to environmentally-friendly practices in manufacturing, to packaging and shipping, to diverting landfill waste at the end of their product’s life.
Why Is It Important For Companies To Use Sustainable Practices
Until Elon Musk gets us interplanetary space travel we only have this one home. And the resources on this planet are not all abundant. Companies use large amounts of these resources so they can have significant impacts on our planet. Additionally, consumers are starting to vote with their wallets. Meaning, we’ll purchase from companies making significant efforts to be eco friendly.
The younger generation is realizing they are inheriting a world that’s been abused, and the only path forward is to take care of our planet. They’ll do this by buying from sustainable companies. And the companies that don’t have sustainable practices will get left behind.
So without further adieu, below is a list of the best eco friendly companies to invest in or purchase from.
Best Eco Friendly Companies To Invest In
Patagonia
1) Patagonia – Patagonia was founded in 1973 and is based out of California. One of the biggest reasons I recommend Patagonia is they pay a living wage. They’re part of the Global Living Wage Coalition (GLWC) and continue to strive to make sure all their workers earn a living wage. You’re probably already aware they have robust environmental responsibility programs, which makes them incredibly eco friendly. But I also don’t mind supporting a company that pays a living wage.
Tesla
2) Tesla – While Elon Musk might be a controversial figure and you might not agree with his behavior 100% of the time, it would be difficult to find another person that is trying to make our world better. The research and development of this company are amongst the elite companies in the world. The mass production of electric vehicles alone is noteworthy. But the Tesla batteries allow for getting the most energy production using current technology. Add in the solar roofs they’re working on, along with providing internet across the world. It’s just a few of the reasons I’m a fan.
Seventh Generation
3) Seventh Generation – When it comes to everyday household products, Seventh Generation covers it all. For over 30 years they’ve been on a mission to create a more healthy, sustainable, and equitable world for the generations to come. They create effective plant-based products, using and packaged in recycled materials. They’ve achieved numerous certificates and awards showing their dedication to being one of the best eco friendly companies to use.
New Belgium Brewing
4) New Belgium Brewing – I had to include a sustainable company that has provided adult beverages to those of us that partake a little. New Belgium is a certified B-Corporation that is striving to make all of its beers carbon neutral by 2030. New Belgium has a sustainability force for good report that outlines all the efforts they’re making to be a leading eco friendly beer producer. All that and a great-tasting beer.
Dr. Bronners
5) Dr. Bronners – Similar to Seventh Generation, Dr. Bronners one a leading producer of everyday household products. They have 6 principles they abide by and stand for. They include things like, doing right by the customer, treating employees like family, treating the earth like home, and being fair to suppliers. Dr. Bronner’s dedication to sustainable practices and commitment to regenerative agriculture, fair trade, animal advocacy, industrial hemp and drug policy reform, and living wages proves they’re a great company.
Microsoft
6) Microsoft – I was hesitant to put this one on the list just because of the sheer size of the company. But in a sense, that’s why it belongs on the list. Microsoft is one of the biggest companies in the world. The Washington-based tech giant is one of the carbon-neutral leaders not only in its industry but also globally. In January 2021, Microsoft announced a $129 million investment in funds and organizations working on carbon reduction, water management, and circular economy innovations. It’s because of their size that they’re able to put up these large chunks of money. And in the end, that’s good for the planet.
Wrapping up Eco Friendly Companies
Some of the aforementioned are great companies to buy from for your everyday products. Others like Microsoft and Tesla might be good investments to add to your portfolio. As customers and consumers, we need to support the companies that are doing right by us and the planet. I strongly encourage you to use the power of your money to reward companies willing to strive for zero waste.
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