Within this, it is important to examine the product life-cycle at every step and green accordingly. Similarly, the supply chain needs to be green -- it does not work to have green practices but purchase materials made with toxins or in countries that use non-sustainable products or labor. It is, therefore, possible that some companies may face a very tough decision in discontinuing some of its products, and developing new ones, depending on the eco-audit process. In some cases, this may mean changing the entire company culture -- a huge step. Talking Points

Should this product exist? Why, what does it contribute to the satisfaction of the consumer, and the greening of the environment?

What happens when the product is used? Is it biodegradable?

Are our suppliers and vendors committed to working with us?

Will the market bear the cost necessary to remain profitable and commit to greening?

Patagonia used as a case study -- they use organic cotton, sustainable methods, and must change 20-30% more than copies made in Asia; but there still remains a market and an understanding that the company is producing environmentally friendly clothing.

None of this can be accomplished overnight, it must be transitioned.

Chapter 8 -- the Future of Green Business- Eco-friendly business is here to stay. The idea of people and corporations taking a level...

There are activists in the developing world, people who wish to protect the environment whenever possible, but the rapid growth of globalism sometimes acts at cross purposes. The idea of a green business is not simply changing a few power sources or suppliers -- it is a complete paradigm that asks for an all-encompassing plan and commitment in every aspect of the business, and from every employee, vendor, supplier, and likely even customer. This, of course, is an ideal, and it may take years or even decades to reach that ideal. This author's point, though, is to move towards this in incremental steps but with a broad, overall vision that includes sustainability as its final goal.
Talking Points

It is encouraging to note that the number of eco-friendly suppliers, manufacturers, and even technologies has blossomed in the 21st century.

More and more individuals are familiar with the term carbon footprint, and willing at least to debate the issues surrounding materials such as Al Gore's an Inconvenient Truth.

A number of elementary schools have ecology and sustainability as part of their science curriculum.

Marketing and advertising are also coming along and the overwhelming realization seems to be that eco-friendly, greening of business, is here to stay. It will fundamentally change the world of the next few decades.