Five Key Eco-friendly Corporate Players that Are Leading the Eco-friendly Green Trend

How would you know a company is an eco-friendly company? First, the company or organization must support eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, recycling and reusing resources. Second, the company encourages energy efficient practices such as installation of energy efficient lighting, central air conditioning and heating systems. Third, the company offers eco-friendly products and services based on renewable energy. Fourth, a portion of the companies' profits is donated towards eco-friendly causes.

Based on the above criteria, the following companies are considered emerging eco-friendly companies. Most corporations still have a long way to go in terms of implementing eco-friendly best practices, but these companies are ahead of the pack.

Hain Celestial
Hain Celestial is the largest organic company in the world. They own popular eco-friendly brands such as Jason Natural. Their food and cosmetics products rivals traditional products offered by major Fortune 500 companies such as Proctor and Gamble or General Mills. The company leverages its distribution and sales channels to ensure that their products are readily available to consumers. Despite its large market capitalization, the corporate brand fails to leverage its clout to instill greater influence in global environmental practices and policies.

Stonyfield Company
Third largest dairy/yogurt producer in the US. Stonyfield has the lightest packaging per unit in the industry and uses only organic ingredients.

Walmart
Although Walmart has traditionally been associated with bargain deals and sales, management has openly acknowledged that Walmart needs to be at the forefront in leading eco-friendly efforts. As such, they have partnered with a number of organic and eco-friendly brands to provide equal prominent shelf space next to traditional brands. As a company, Walmart is also evaluating its business practices to ensure maximum energy efficiency (everything from motion sensor lighting in stores to maximizing shipment per delivery (to save on fuel costs).

Whole Foods Market
In a span of thirty years, they have become the world's largest retailer of organic and natural foods. They have led the way in terms of providing prominence to new emerging organic companies and their respective products. By including new product offerings from start up organic companies, Whole Foods Market remains a viable retail niche player which can co-exists nicely with traditional supermarkets such as Walmart. In addition to offering organic products and services, they actively encourage their employees to pursue eco-friendly causes.

IKEA
When you think of IKEA, you most likely associate the brand with young couples who are starting to furnish their first home or office. However, IKEA has long been recognized by Europe as an eco-friendly energy efficient company. They offer great products at a great price using the most energy efficient means in product development. What is impressive with the company is that they have been able to marry design, cost efficiency and eco-friendly practices efficiently. Their business model is one that will be emulated and copied and improved upon by all other corporate players who need to expedite their eco-friendly practices to remain competitive in the marketplace.