In the United States many small businesses have been created around the “green movement” that is growing at a rapid rate. While the steps being taken by these entrepreneurs are making a difference, it is efforts by some of the largest companies in American that are forcing a shift toward environmentally friendly business practices in the United States and global marketplaces.

McDonalds is one of the largest fast food chains in the world. The size of their corporation means that they are one of the biggest consumers of farm products. Recent protests by PETA, an animal rights organization, and pressures from consumers has led this food giant to take a hard look at its policies that pertain to the channels through which they obtain their ingredients. McDonalds has started publicly committing to choosing more sustainable food choices. If the transition works for McDonalds they will surely influence other fast food chains to follow them toward more green choices.

Packaging reconfiguration has long been though of as a way to decrease the amounts of product delivered and continue to charge the same amount under the “we have a whole new look” slogan. The Anheuser-Busch brewing company has put a whole new twist on an old trick, and this time the consumer is not loosing a thing. The company recently redesigned their beer cans to slim line their look and also saved twenty one million pounds of metal at the same time. The cans do not hold less beer so the consumer is still getting the same bang for their buck.

Starbucks is another beverage company who takes their environmental impact seriously. The company has committed to consider environmental issues at every stage of their production. Starbucks has a hand in their coffee production from beginning to end. The company has coined their business model “bean to cup” and many environmentalists are applauding their efforts. The company has taken steps in its stores like using recycled paper to create its cup sleeves. The company also instituted a “bring your own cup” incentive to encourage customers to bring a reusable cup to the store in exchange for a discount.

Coca Cola is a well know American brand that has grown into a global giant. The company distributes to every corner of the globe. The Atlanta Georgia based beverage company has put together a business plan that focuses on three areas in which they are committed to fostering change in their business and community. For those interested in an in depth look at the companies plan the details are proudly displayed on their website. Not only is Coca Cola changing the way they do business by investing in sustainable packaging research and development and working to make their facilities safer for the environment, the company is reaching out to the communities where they operate. They are also one of the largest companies talking about the threat of climate change and are taking steps to lessen their impact on the environment.

It is true that even the smallest action to save the environment is one more step in the right direction but when large corporations get involved their impact can change the focus of entire markets.

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Category: Business Management
Keywords: Environment, Business, Industry, Insurance