What does ‘Going Green’ Mean?

Many companies, brands and products proudly tout a ‘Made in the USA’ label but what does this mean and why is it important to purchase USA-made products?

As the term suggests, products with a ‘Made in the USA’ designation refers to domestically-produced products that are manufactured in the United States. They may use raw materials that are sourced from other destinations across the globe or they may utilize raw materials that are produced locally. USA-made products promote a healthy economy since the manufacturing process creates lots of jobs for Americans. In fact, a single manufacturing plant can employ thousands of individuals! American-based manufacturing facilities are also strictly regulated, so consumers can rest easy knowing that the workers who have helped to make a particular product work in a safe, healthy environment and are compensated fairly for their work. Sadly, this isn’t always the case in overseas manufacturing facilities, which may have poor working conditions and low pay.

Domestically-produced products can also be more affordable and eco-friendly because there is no need to transport items overseas. This results in a dramatic reduction in terms of transportation costs associated with the product’s distribution across the nation. The expense associated with overseas shipping would otherwise be passed along to the consumer. A shorter transportation distance means less fuel is consumed during the distribution process and there are fewer emissions too, so the environmental impact is minimized in the case of locally-produced products.

GPS Corp is among the many companies that strive to procure products in the USA, so you can rest eas’Go green’ and ‘green living’ are common catch phrases, but what do they mean exactly? And why should you go green?

It’s no secret that humans place a tremendous demand on the planet; a demand that’s exceeding the rate at which the planet can produce resources. The term ‘going green’ refers to a movement that entails adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle that minimizes an adverse impact or completely eliminates any negative environmental impact. But this rather nebulous definition leaves many scratching their heads when it comes to the question of how to actually be eco-consciousness in your everyday life. Going green can be better understood by understanding the movement within the context of four basic principles, which can be applied to your everyday life.

Principle 1: Reducing Pollution

Going green means living in a way that reduces pollution. This can entail using eco-friendly cleaners and products, opting for products with minimal packaging or biodegradable packaging and carpooling or opting for public transportation instead of driving alone.

Principle 2: Conserving Energy

Energy comes in many forms. It comes from highly polluting fossil fuels like gasoline. It comes from electricity, which sucks up natural resources and has an adverse impact on the environment. So while the environmental impact of leaving those lights illuminated may not seem harmful, when you go down the line, there is a dramatic environmental impact, especially when you consider the collective impact. You can also opt to use eco-friendly energy sources whenever possible, such as solar power, wind power and hydropower.

Principle 3: Conserving Resources

The Earth’s resources are limited. A recent study revealed that humans are now using over 20 percent more natural resources than the Earth is producing, which is a recipe for disaster. Conserving resources in your everyday life can take the form of buying locally-grown produce, using only the power that you need, reducing your carbon footprint by driving a hybrid, using eco-friendly products and working with companies that have adopted a ‘go green’ attitude.

Principle 4: Reducing Consumption

When you reduce consumption, you’ll reduce the amount of waste, while decreasing the amount of stress that’s placed on the planet and its natural resources. Reducing consumption may entail recycling, purchasing recycled products, reusing items whenever possible to avoid waste, and utilizing more effective products that require less product to get the job done.

Going green means living in a way that promotes a better ecological balance, from reducing consumption, to buying eco-friendly products, reducing your carbon footprint, minimizing waste, buying foods that are grown in a sustainable manner, reusing and recycling and living in an all around more eco-conscious manner.