Large retailers are not wasting any time when it comes to going green. Instead of waiting around for new environmentally friendly ideas to become standard in society, these businesses are constructing and testing buildings and business models that could change the way we see the world forever. They have gone far beyond recycling bins sitting outside. They are taking the initial concept behind recycling containers and expanding on it by leaps and bounds.

Experimental Stores

Some of the world's largest retailers have built entire stores for the sole purpose of testing some of the world's greenest ideas. These demonstration stores give the retailers the opportunity to try these concepts out in a real life situation, but they also use it as an educational tool for the public. Customers get a rare opportunity to examine the various technologies and techniques up close. While it does teach others about what options are out there and how they work, they stand as a life-sized inspiration that one person can make a difference.

The concept of green goes far beyond strategically placed recycling containers — these stores are as fascinating to explore as they are to shop in. They will often run on geo-thermal heating and alternative power sources to lower the impact of their cooling and heating. This translates into massive monthly savings when you consider the typical budget of these stores.

HVAC systems work directly with the refrigeration and electricity systems to boost their efficiency further. The HVAC unit collects heat given off by the refrigeration system, which is then transformed into heat into energy. Other technologies used include daylight harvesting systems that maximize the amount of daylight these stores have access to, energy efficient case fans, and doors on medium temperature display cases. In all, these stores are tossing away approximately 60 percent less waste and using 30 percent less energy.

Green Business Models

These businesses include their environmentally friendly ideas and concepts in every level of their business. Walmart, for example, is currently working on its goal to have zero impact on the environment. They may have started with recycling bins and recycling containers, but it was their values and sense of community that propelled their project forward.

They are working to find affordable solar energy, but it isn't the only thing Walmart is interested in. To encourage consumers to think about their own energy use, the retailer has set goals in the past, which include selling 100 million energy-efficient bulbs. They have also been working with more than 60,000 suppliers across the world to reduce the amount of packaging they use and think about their own energy use. They have sponsored contests that collect new green ideas as well as some that encourage others to fill up their recycling containers.

If you have been looking at your recycling bins lately and wondered what you could do to do more, look towards your local green businesses. Their ideas and concepts may not translate directly to your home, but the inspiration of how these companies have stepped up to make the world greener is truly remarkable.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on recycle bins, please visit http://www.wastewiseproducts.com/.