What is the difference between going green and sustainability? Everyone seems to be talking about sustainable living these days. It is clear that they are also emphasizing going green, eco-friendly practices, and a whole lot of other buzzwords!
After reading this article, you will understand the difference between going green and sustainability and how you can live sustainably and go green at the same time.
The Misunderstanding
People often misunderstand the terms “green” and “sustainable” and use them interchangeably, although they have different meanings. While both terms emphasize the importance of protecting the earth and its natural resources, their similarities end there.
What Does It Mean to Go Green and How Does One Start Going Green?
“Going Green” is a term we frequently encounter in news, advertising, social media, and stores. But what does it really mean? Going green green means to become conscious of your environment and make the necessary lifestyle changes to reduces your carbon footprint and the waste and pollution you generate.
The more you understand what it means to go green, the more successful you’ll be in making a difference and contributing to environmental conservation.
Steps to Going Green
Reduce Waste
Committing to reducing waste means using items until they are no longer usable. This reduces the number of items that end up in landfills and the need for producing replacements.
Reduce Pollution
Pollution is an unavoidable part of daily life, from soap in sewers to food packaging waste, to emissions from transportation. Being aware of when and how you release chemicals or products into the environment and thinking of ways to reduce these emissions is crucial.
Save Energy
In recent decades, humanity has realized that many of the world’s energy sources (gas, coal, water) are limited. Sustainable harvesting of energy, like solar power, also presents challenges due to the toxic substances in solar panels. Conserving energy use is essential for the planet.
Also Read: Negative Effects of Technology You Should Know
Save Resources
Earth’s resources, such as trees for paper, natural metals, and water, are being consumed rapidly. Going green helps save these resources, ensuring they are available for future generations.
Reduce Consumption
Recycling alone is not sufficient. Reducing overall consumption is vital. When shopping, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” If you own something similar, use it instead of buying new. Consider buying used items or borrowing from friends if you need something new.
Going Green: A Public Relations Campaign?
Some companies use “Go Green” as a public relations strategy to mask less environmentally friendly practices. They may make small changes in their supply chain while ignoring broader impacts. For example, a clothing company might create a sustainable clothing line but still contribute to environmental damage through fast fashion.
However, many companies are genuinely committed to making real changes, and so can you! By understanding and implementing these green practices, you can contribute to a healthier planet.
What is sustainability?
We can define the term “sustainability” as “the quality that does not harm the environment or consume natural resources, which helps maintain long-term ecological balance.”
Sustainability reminds us that the planet we live on has finite resources, and we need to take steps to preserve the planet and help it maintain its ability to sustain itself in the long term.
This is not only about plants but also concerns the well-being of the world’s communities.
What Is the Definition of Eco-Friendly?
To be eco-friendly means considering the ecology of the planet and ensuring that the products you consume and the practices you follow have the least impact on the planet.
Environmentally friendly products
Many products may be labeled eco-friendly, but what exactly does that mean?
- First, the product should be non-toxic. This means it is made without toxic materials or toxic pesticides and herbicides.
- Eco-friendly products are made from recycled materials such as wood, metal, glass, or plastic that have been broken down from waste and reassembled into something new.
- Eco-friendly products should contain sustainably grown or manufactured ingredients, meaning they are produced with minimal damage to the planet and the communities they come from.
What is Greenwashing?
Unfortunately, a good number of companies engage in “greenwashing.” If you do not know what greenwashing means, it is the act of labeling products as “eco” or “environmentally friendly” without committing due diligence to ensure the claims are accurate.
Other companies may produce eco-friendly products to cover up other non-green practices in the supply chain.
To avoid being caught up in this, be sure to research the brand thoroughly before buying. Don’t just trust labels unless they are certified claims.
Also Read: 10 Major Causes of Climate Change
Why is there a lot of confusion?
A good number of industries have begun to notice the impact their sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution have on the planet. While many companies are traditionally committed to a future of sustainability, they may not necessarily have eco-friendly practices that are green in nature.
What can you do to live greener?
We have put together some tips that will help you live a greener life. All you need to do is pay attention to these tips, and you will find all you need to know.
Sustainability as a Lifestyle
Once you start to understand all the things you can and should be doing for sustainable living, it may become overwhelming. You might feel like you will never be able to fully live sustainably. However, bear in mind that this is a choice of a consistent lifestyle and a journey.
All you need to do is start with the small things and work your way up to a fully sustainable lifestyle.
You Need to Set Your Goals
The first thing you need to do is to set goals for your organization and yourself.
Setting goals means you have some ideas and will take steps to achieve them. For example, the goal might be to stop using single-use coffee cups. Start by carrying a travel mug with you at least once a week, then gradually move to using it every day.
Don’t be discouraged if you forget it; try to remember it next time. You can start with small changes, move slowly, and put in the effort to climb up the sustainable, eco-friendly ladder.
Buy Products That Are Local
When you purchase local products, you support not only local farms and businesses but also the global environment by reducing the transportation fuel for food and supplies that must be transported long distances.
Do Not Use a Lot of Water
Reducing water usage is one of the most efficient ways to conserve resources and reduce consumption. Make sure the water is turned off when washing dishes or brushing your teeth. Try to shorten your shower time and avoid unnecessary bathing.
Do Not Drive a Lot
Use other forms of transportation, such as walking or biking, instead of driving. If you need to use a vehicle, consider commercial transportation or carpooling to reduce your carbon footprint.
Reuse What You Have
Reusing or making use of the same items and products is an integral part of living an eco-friendly lifestyle. By reusing, you reduce waste and limit the need for the further manufacturing of new products.
Reduce the Use of Light
Remember to turn off lights when they are not in use to save energy. You can also shop for light bulbs and other appliances that are energy-efficient.
What is the difference between going green, sustainable, and environmentally friendly?
A lot of individuals confuse sustainability, going green, and eco-friendly, but once you look closely, the distinction between the three isn’t that hard.
Let us try to define these in the shortest possible and most understandable terms.
What is Going Green?
Going green is a term that refers to everything from fashion to architecture to eco-friendly products throughout the movement.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability means that the activities we perform today do not deplete the resources for future generations.
What is Environmentally or Eco-Friendly?
Environmentally or eco-friendly means that products, practices, or activities do not harm the environment.
What is the Difference between Purchasing Green vs. Purchasing Sustainable?
A product can be considered green because of its composition, but that same product may be considered unsustainable because of its production.
An example of this is a product that was produced with renewable resources, like a wooden hairbrush. It can be considered green, but it is not acceptable if a life cycle analysis of the production process shows that manufacturing and transportation require a lot of energy and that the hairbrush cannot be properly disposed of after its use.
An ideal way to address this is to try to locate brands and products that are both environmentally friendly and sustainable.
The Lifestyle: What You Should Understand
With what we have been discussing in this article, going for full sustainability is far easier to understand. Sustainability presents requirements that are not there when it comes to going green, and environmental protection does not.
However, this does not imply that working towards a sustainable future is not worthwhile. Adjusting our choices and mindset is an important first step. When we all strive to be sustainable, we can stay green.
Some people may go for personal goals, such as switching to LED bulbs and installing water-efficient shower heads.
However, a lot of other people may opt for a more involved approach, such as aiming for a neutral carbon footprint. Regardless of how you decide to begin, being consistent and equipping yourself with the required knowledge is key. Protecting the earth is something we should all strive to achieve, even if we’re still trying to figure out the difference between these terms.
What is Clean?
It’s also simple once you understand that “clean” means no chemicals or synthetic materials, and often includes only natural ingredients.
What is Non-Toxic?
“Nontoxic” is used to describe things that are free of chemicals or something that does not contain materials that are harmful to humans or the environment where we live.
What is Organic?
“Organic” means the ingredients are grown without pesticides or herbicides. Organic products have a strict certification process that varies by country, unlike the other two claims (clean and non-toxic).
Effects on Future Generations
If we talk about the effects of these on the generations to come, each is as important as the other. Without green products and practices, the planet will suffer; if there are no sustainable activities, we may run out of resources.
Other Importance of Going Green and Sustainability
Below are some of the importance of Going Green and Sustainability:
Societal Impact
Apart from the fact that going green and practicing sustainability can help your company improve profitability, the actions you take can make a real difference.
When change is implemented, there will be a smaller carbon footprint, and the number of toxins released, which will pollute the atmosphere, will be reduced.
Attract New Customers and Increase Sales
Practicing Going Green and sustainability can market your company more effectively. Most consumers are directly concerned about the environment, and when you make improvements, it will enhance your company’s reputation.
Reduce Energy-Related Costs
The top concerns for manufacturers are the cost of energy and water. Focusing on improvement can reduce these costs. Often, improvements like this result in yearly savings rather than immediate short-term cost reductions.
Switching to energy-efficient lighting and adjusting your lighting levels with respect to your production schedule can significantly reduce your long-term electricity costs.
Tax Incentives
There are a good number of tax credits and rebates available at the federal and state levels for manufacturers actively pursuing a path of more sustainability and making the necessary improvements. Your business may qualify for incentives.
Boost Workforce Morale and Innovations
Improving sustainability is a collaborative effort. It fosters a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement as employees work together to identify and implement green and sustainable initiatives.
When employees are engaged and proud of the company, they work harder. By internally communicating the benefits of changes and their effects on the business and the environment, manufacturers will have a positive impact on the culture of their corporation.
Conclusion
What Is the Difference Between Going Green and Sustainability? This is a significant question, as it not only involves explaining the difference between the two terms but also discussing their importance and how one can go green and live more sustainably.
This article has done justice to this topic, and all you need to do is carefully go through this article again, or as many times as you wish, for a proper understanding.
References:
- University of the People. (n.d.). What is the difference between going green and sustainability? https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/what-is-difference-between-going-green-and-sustainability/
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2020, October 26). Five benefits of embracing sustainability and green manufacturing. https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/five-benefits-embracing-sustainability-and-green-manufacturing
- Quicken Loans. (2021, April 16). What’s the difference between green and sustainable? https://www.quickenloans.com/blog/whats-green-sustainable