Green. You hear it everywhere, but what does it really mean? Is it just about hydrocarbons and footprints? Who does it and what is the advantage? There are a lot of questions about green and so much information it is hard to sort through it all.

Basically green means working is such a way as to minimize any negative impact on the environment. It is not a single approach, but an attitude. An attitude to examine the way we do business and ask if there is a better way, a more efficient way, a friendlier way.

When thinking about cabinets one might assume them to be a very green product, after all they are made out of wood. Assumptions and reality is not always the same thing. Every company and any product, including cabinets could be manufactured and delivered in such a way that further lowers its impact on the environment. Take for example the green cost of transporting a cabinet from Pennsylvania to California. This is a 2,600 mile journey using 430 gallons of diesel fuel total or 2 ½ gallons per cabinet! This fuel usage is most likely to deliver the cabinets to a distribution center, where they will be loaded onto yet another truck for final delivery.

When thinking about green it is important to have a holistic approach. This is why Eurodesign follows The Seven Steps to Becoming Green.TM It goes beyond recycling paper and aluminum cans. It is a philosophy that encompasses our entire company and culture.

The graph above shows Eurodesign’s green footprint today, as measured against The Seven Steps to Becoming GreenTM. It is considerably greener than the average company footprint, but we still have a ways to go. Each of the seven steps plays a role in transforming a company to a green organization. Let’s look at The Seven Steps to Becoming Green™ as they apply to Eurodesign. a member of the KCMA and is certified green under the Environmental Stewardship Program.