The Difference between Green, Sustainability and What is Driving Both

Blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Company
May 5, 2011 3:07 PM ET

Taiga Company blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Compa…

Two emerging buzz words have accompanied growing eco awareness in our society:  Sustainability and Green.  Do they mean the same thing and why are they the new buzz words?

As explained in our business sustainability consulting, sustainability is a macro concept that applies more broadly to entire systems and infrastructures. The term can be somewhat elusive, but can be characterized as it spans a multitude of topics.  It is often helpful to start the conversation about sustainability with a common language.   Regarding business sustainability, The Natural Step framework offers a common language for discussion.  However, addressing green living, sometimes discussing sustainability concepts that are most familiar are a quick easy way to begin the conversation.   Sustainability concepts, in the form of strategies, tools, ideas and models, are tangible mechanisms used to achieve sustainability for both businesses and individuals.      Green, on the other hand, is a micro concept.   We deal with green in our everyday lives with things like clothing, food, transportation, and a long list of "how to go green today" suggestions. Green is a pretty easy concept to understand in part because it’s relative and tangible.   It is measured on a scale from dirty to clean or eco friendly vs. traditional product.   Also, tangible eco actions are oftentimes associated with being green, as in recycling.   

So where is the buzz coming from?  Why all the talk about green and sustainability?  Click here to find out.

 

Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".