Per John Creighton, Port of Seattle Green Initiative is Good for Business

It's commonly said that the environmental movement pits the needs of business against the opinions of the consumer, and in this battle, the business is bound to lose. This statement has become so omnipresent that the group Free Market America created a video to coincide with Earth Day 2012, and this video included the astonishing statement that the environmental agenda in this country has, "become an economic suicide pact." Given this rising tide of anti-environmentalism, it might be surprising to learn that Port Commissioner John Creighton wants the Seattle Port to embrace a strict set of environmental standards in the coming years. John Creighton also uses an interesting argument to sell the idea to those who might be inclined to disagree.

According to John Creighton, Seattle's pristine beauty is at risk if the Port does not work hard to implement clean air and water standards. It's a fact that in the past, ports were incredible polluters, and port officials would be remiss if they did not work to ensure that their operations stay in line with state and federal requirements regarding pollution and emissions. However, John Creighton also points to multiple studies that indicate consumer preference for items that are "green." For example, a recent study conducted by Doubleclick Performics found that when faced with a choice between products that are green and products that are not, 83 percent would choose the environmentally friendly option, and they'd be willing to pay up to 5 percent more for that product. It's clear, from studies like this, that consumers prefer to protect the environment, even if that means paying a bit more.

A port that is environmentally friendly might well boost profits, as consumers learn more about their green choices and they begin to examine the supply chains their products follow from the warehouse to the store shelves. Port Commissioner John Creighton wants Seattle to reap those benefits.