State firms helped pave path for U.S. sustainability growth
January 25, 2011 | Posted in: sustainability | 0 Comments
Chris Farrell’s commentary in the Star Tribune on sustainability made excellent points (“The government takes a pass, and businesses point the way,” Jan. 16).
But as I read it, I kept thinking: What about all the businesses right here in Minnesota that have been embracing sustainability for the past two decades?
Farrell referenced the recent efforts of the Wal-Marts and General Electrics of the world, but fails to mention the hundreds of Minnesota companies that have been reducing waste, maximizing recycling, conserving natural resources and saving energy long before “green business” became a buzz phrase.
These companies include Marvin Windows, Arctic Cat, Summit Brewery, Pearson Candy, Andersen Windows and Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge. They’ve all been members of Minnesota Waste Wise since 1994.
Year after year, they’ve been pushing the envelope on sustainability efforts. They’ve long understood that these initiatives not only help protect the Minnesota environment we cherish but can add significantly to the bottom line.
Farrell also referenced alliances among governments, nonprofits and business that are now being formed. Minnesota Waste Wise was created in 1994 as a voluntary partnership between the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance.
The former, via Waste Wise, has been working closely with other nonprofits, government entities, energy utilities and local business associations ever since. Farrell was spot-on in his analysis that more businesses are now embracing sustainability as a core strategy.
Let’s also recognize the great work the Minnesota business community has been doing for nearly two decades to lead the way.