How do you choose an environmental consultant?

What defines "green" is so broad, although the concept is not new, it is very trendy and often without definition. When looking at references from a consultant ask for a resume as well as a client/project list.

Often times you'll find folks or companies claiming to be a green consultant because they took a 1-2 week long course. Certifications are great, especially for continuing education reasons... but look for a degree in Natural Sciences AND Business Management. Only recently have universities started to offer "green" degrees, so I would not consider them 100% proven. It all comes down to experience AND education.

Britt Hosmer, President
Rock Environmental, LLC
www.rockenvironmental.com

"Green" Marketing

Green marketing has created new obstacles, not the least of which is the lack of standardization for shaping what it means to be a green product or a green company – or even what degree of green.

With the increase of green conscious customers, employees, and stakeholders, there has also been an increase of eco-labeling, green marketing adjectives and the importance of environmental company exposure.

Unfortunately, this creates the opportunity for just about anything to be promoted as green, from simple packaging changes to products and services that radically reduce materials, energy, and waste.

But... WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOUR COMPANY? Rock Environmental can help your company market a product or service without confusing customers about its legitimate sustainable value – whatever degree green it is – it is all important.

Contact Rock Environmental about changing how you communicate to businesses, customers, employees, and other stakeholders.
www.rockenvironmental.com info@rockenvironmental.com

Luxury & Sustainability

"In the early days, green was hippie and hemp," says Kevin George, founder of Articulate Design Inc. in San Francisco, who designed Lexus' Hybrid Living marketing program. But today, he says, "For discerning buyers there's a whole lot of choices they can make that can bring together luxury and sustainability."

Rock Environmental has experience in both luxury and sustainability. Contact Rock for more information... info@rockenvironmental.com

The Oppurtunity Cost of Convenience

Often the concept of convenience comes with a huge opportunity cost of waste. Whether the product is individually wrapped in extra non-biodegradable materials or the service is advantageous to a busy schedule only. There are little out of sight - out of mind features that add up negatively in most cases.

Often these products and services cannot be avoided in our culture, but there are ways to help eliminate additional unnecessary convenience waste. For instance, here in the States you can hardly turn around without seeing a Drive-Thru restaurant or business. By simply parking your vehicle, turning off the engine, getting out and walking inside saves several minutes of wasted carbon emissions.

People are catching on though; many communities are banning Drive-Thru businesses for due to carbon emissions and aesthetic reasons. Do not wait for your community to create a regulation, be aware and make a choice for yourself.

Employee Participation and Understanding of GREEN

There is a saying, "Your Company is only as good as your employees."

In the world that finds it trendy (and profitable) to say a product/service is "eco-friendly" or "green" or "all-natural"... their employees still leave computers and lights on when they go out for lunch or use non-recycled content paper in the printers and fax machines? Do these environmental claims really matter then?

If a company is making environmental claims, think beyond just marketing.

Stakeholders within the community and customers are starting to catch on to green-washing and are asking the right questions, "How green is this company?"

Although, introducing green products/services may initially increase profits; if they are inaccurate assertions they will only end up hurting the company in the long run. This is especially true if the company’s employees do not live up to the inspiration of becoming better corporate citizens – as represented to the public by the green product/service.

Companies who claim “green” will only be strengthen through employee focused educational workshops, training seminars, and continued corporate emphasis on becoming more sustainable (not just green!).

Rock Environmental offers corporations single and multi-day retreats and workshops. Through custom-made approaches and creative innovative sessions; Rock will edify your employees about their personal actions, your already existing green products/services, and the sustainability goals for the future of your business.

Rock makes your business better.
www.rockenvironmental.com

3rd to 1st World - GREEN

In third world countries, industries grow out of their local resources. For instance, in South Africa, one of the major sources of income and foreign investment is the travel and tourism industry. This sector focuses on the country’s assets; naturally beautiful land and seascapes, indigenous people, and their richness of biodiversity. Businesses grow literally from the grass roots level up.

In first world countries, on the other hand, industry already exists based on specific products and services - not where they came from, who they affect, or how they benefit the future. But the point is... companies and consumers alike want to go back to the grass roots approach and make a priority of the community, the environment, and while still being profitable or saving money.

With Rock Environmental a corporate company or an individual household can. Rock can show you how to save money and turn a greater profit through incorporating the benefits of sustainable use. Check out the website! http://www.rockenvironmental.com/