Because companies generally have a larger impact on the environment than individual consumers, many consumers have been demanding companies become more environmentally friendly. However, in order for companies to be motivated to take action, they need support from consumers. Here are ten reasons you should support green companies.

1. Reduce Your Impact on the Environment

Making an effort to purchase environmentally friendly products from companies that have implemented green practices can help consumers reduce the negative impact their purchasing decisions have on the environment. Consumers should look for products that utilize reduced and recyclable packaging and are manufactured using green techniques. Additionally, they should choose retailers who have made a commitment to green sales strategies over those who have not.

2. Purchase More Durable Products

In order for a product to be eco-friendly, it needs to be durable enough to last awhile. Otherwise, consumers will just be filling up landfills with "eco-friendly" products that need to be frequently replaced. Many eco-friendly products, such as LED lightbulbs, last significantly longer than the products they replaced.

3. Create New Jobs

Green technology is projected to be one of the fastest-growing job sectors over the next decade. Supporting green businesses helps those businesses grow and growing businesses need to hire more employees.

4. Motivate More Companies to Go Green

When you support a business with green practices, their competitors take notice and are motivated to make their practices greener to compete for eco-conscious customers. Giving your money to eco-friendly businesses not only rewards them for their efforts but encourages businesses as a whole to improve their environmental practices.

5. Support Local Businesses

Transporting goods across the country uses a lot of energy and results in higher levels of toxic emissions from the vehicles used to haul those products. Purchasing from local, environmentally friendly companies who sell locally produced products is good for the environment, creates jobs in your local community and generates more tax revenue for local services.

6. Less Waste

Green businesses generate less waste. This can lead to better prices for you, through reduced overhead. It also has benefits for the environment in reduced fossil fuel usage, less waste going into landfills, fewer trees used to produce paper products and lower carbon emissions.

7. Better Work Environments

Happy employees provide better customer service. Offering green options, such as green cleaning products, can make for a better work environment for employees with allergies and respiratory issues. It can also make store environments more pleasant for chemically sensitive customers.

8. Sustainability

One of the major goals of the green movement is to move away from using environmentally harmful fossil fuels and finite natural resources to more sustainable energy production. Supporting businesses that utilize sustainable energy, such as wind, solar or water power is a good way to reduce our nation's dependence on fossil fuels.

9. Lower Prices

Many eco-friendly practices result in cost savings for companies. When businesses spend less money to keep the lights on or keep their buildings heated and cooled, they can pass on those savings to consumers.

10. Drive Legislation

Many politicians balk at the idea of passing environmental legislation because they believe it will harm the ability of businesses to turn a profit. Supporting green businesses demonstrates that green practices can help businesses thrive, rather than hurting them.

There are many reasons for environmentally conscious consumers to support green businesses. Supporting eco-friendly companies improves working conditions, creates jobs, reduces the impact of consumerism on the environment and many other benefits. Spending your money with green businesses is one of the best ways you can make a positive environmental impact as a consumer.