Today more and more major companies are adopting the green way of doing business. This is a smart move as people around the world are becoming aware of the environmental costs of human activities. Read on to know which companies are investing the most and why.

In today’s economy, “Going Green” has become a catch-phrase that’s seriously grabbed the nation’s attention. For most companies, “Going Green” is no longer just a PR move, but a profitable business decision. With the cost of energy rising, higher efficiency means lower operating costs and higher profit margins, as well as a high demand for eco-friendly products. Which companies are doing the most – right now – to go green?

  • Whole Foods – With the motto “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet” the organic grocery store is taking “going green” to the next level. Their “Green Mission” has a network of representatives working to increase efficiency, and in 2006 they purchased renewable energy credits from wind farms to offset 100% of their energy use. Not only that, but several store locations nationwide have installed solar cells to supplement their regular power with the Berkeley store becoming the first major food retailer to introduce Solar Energy as its primary lighting source.
  • Alcoa – “EcoAlcoa” describes itself as “part of the solution” as it aims to develop new methods for sustainability. It’s a member of the USCAP and has funded Geothermal research, freshwater conservation and has entered into a partnership to produce Eco-Friendly buses for the 2008 Olympics, according to the company.
  • Cargill - This large privately-held company does not have to answer to investors about as it pushes its operations towards green. In numerous Cargill plants worldwide, bio-waste products are being converted into energy, and has a branch of it’s company, Cargill Environmental Finance, to develop emissions reductions and renewable energy products around the world.
  • Hewlett-Packard - Like most of the technology sector, HP is invested in going green but they may be a bit ahead of the pack. With information technology’s environmental impact increasing each year, HP is cutting their own energy consumption 20% by 2010, and they even audit their suppliers to ensure eco-friendliness. Not only that, but all HP machines are 100% recyclable and the company maintains several e-waste recycling plants, from which numerous components can be reused. 
  • Continental Airlines – Continental Airlines is the leader of the pack when it comes to efficient aviation. It has spent over $16 billion in the past ten years adding fuel-efficient planes to its fleet, installing fuel-saving parts to several models, and even made their Houston hub 75% more earth-friendly. The company keeps a close eye on its emissions, and even employs a group of in-house specialists to streamline the airline’s operations.
  • GE – Imagination at Work for the good of the planet. CNBC’s parent company is doubling its investments in Clean R&D to $1.5 Billion by 2010 and reducing their own carbon emissions through the “1-30-30″ plan. The company is also focused on producing more eco-friendly products and informing the public on how they can help the planet, such as NBC/Universals “Green is Universal” campaign this week. For all of GE’s Eco-Friendly policies, check out GE.com
  • Honda – It’s become an industry leaded in fuel efficiency with the Civic and Accord Hybrids. The company is also developing its Civic GX, natural gas-powered, cleaner-burning vehicle that is already on the road. With competition from other fuel-efficient automakers like Toyota, look for Honda to be pushing the envelope even further.
  • Sun Microsystems – An estimated 20% of total energy costs at major companies can typically be attributed to Information Technology and Sun Microsystems looks to change that by developing more efficient products and systems. Sun looks to cut its own emissions 20% by 2012, and has even reported that 55% of their employees gave up their offices to reduce emissions on commutes and office energy, calculating that over 30,000 Tons of carbon is saved per year.
  • Starwood Capital Group – Lead by Barry Sternlicht, a major new project for the company that owns Starwood Hotels (which includes the Sheraton and “W” chains) is currently involved in planning and building highly-efficient, earth-friendly luxury properties that will allow guests to remain in the green and still live the good life away from home. The $200 Million “Seattle Project” broke ground in June, with plans for a New York site in the near future.
  • Toyota - Toyota describes itself as an environmental leader that looks to raise industry standards. Practicing what it peaches, Toyota does more than simply produce one of the most fuel-efficient automobiles currently sold. It’s also currently in the 2nd year of a 5-year environmental plan that sets Earth-friendly goals for production including everything from setting fuel efficiency goals to waste disposal procedures.