“There are two numbers you need to know about climate change. The first is 51 billion, the other is zero,” Bill Gates starts his book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster with these curious lines. He then explains that 51 billion is how many tons of greenhouse gases the world typically adds to the atmosphere yearly and that we need to aim for zero. How do we get to this zero mark? We need to change how we live so that we leave tiny carbon footprints. It is not going to be an easy task. Fortunately, entrepreneurs worldwide have realized the importance of going green, and it is becoming increasingly attractive as a business strategy.
Unlike a regular businessman, a green entrepreneur does not think only about making a profit. By definition, green businesses, also called sustainable companies, seek to balance profit with the health of the planet and its various populations. It does not mean the entrepreneurs who run green businesses have limited opportunities to make profits like regular businessmen. Today’s young generation, especially the millennials, want brands that embrace purpose and sustainability. A survey conducted by PwC found that 58 percent of millennials prefer to have eco-friendly materials. However, researchers have also pointed out that consumers who have a positive attitude toward green products would go for cheaper products available in the market, as they prioritize their wallets rather than their planet.
Technology is helping businesses to make innovative products that would green consumers. In this issue, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of eco-friendly companies. We have included opinions, insights, and ideas gathered from industry experts to help our readers understand the potential of green technologies that would help us save our planet Earth.
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