Small businesses can have a surprisingly big impact on the environment. As an entrepreneur, you choose whether your impact is positive or negative.
Consumers are more willing than ever to invest in non-toxic, eco-friendly products to protect their families and the future of the planet. Today, businesses of all sizes are choosing more environmentally sustainable practices in response, and their customers are noticing.
Not only does eco-consciousness help you stay competitive in today’s market, but it sends a positive message of environmental awareness that helps elevate your brand.
If you’re starting a small business, take a look at these ten ways you can make your process more sustainable.
Small business sustainability starts at the source. The first step toward making your business more environmentally friendly is asking the following questions about your source materials:
Are they sourced sustainably?
In other words, does your supplier integrate strong ethical, social, and environmental performances in the production of the materials? An example of this might be responsible water usage in manufacturing.
Are they fair-trade?
Make sure your materials are manufactured by ethical suppliers that pay their employees fair and livable wages.
Are they made with recyclable, renewable, and/or biodegradable materials?
These materials have a minimal impact on the environment, and they do not contain toxic or ozone-depleting substances.
Do you practice green procurement?
Make sure you source your goods and services from local suppliers to support the local economy and cut down on transportation costs.
You can significantly reduce your brand’s pollution contribution by changing the way you package your products.
Go with biodegradable packaging
Swap out single-use containers for materials that break down quickly and effectively, like corn starch, mycelium, wood pulp, and seaweed.
Don’t use a mishmash of materials
If your packaging contains two different types of polymers, for example, that can render it unrecyclable. If you must use plastic, stick to one type.
Make it fun — and functional
Have you ever liked a product’s branded packaging almost as much as you liked the product itself? The more stylish, sturdy, and/or useful your packaging is, the less likely it is to end up in a landfill. Your customers will probably find a future use for a reusable drawstring bag with your logo on it, for example.
Packaging is an important part of your brand experience. By making it sustainable, you’ll leave an even better impression.
A hidden aspect of small business sustainability is where products are stored before being sold. Whether it’s freezers for your food or a warehouse for your wares, the environmental impact of storage can add up over the months and years. Here are a few considerations:
Small business sustainability doesn’t stop once your products have shipped! Going green with your shipping practices will reduce your carbon footprint even further.
Use environmentally friendly shipping materials. Examples include:
On the flip side, here are materials to absolutely avoid:
The most environmentally friendly paper you can buy is no paper at all. Offices in the US use 12.1 trillion sheets per year. Cost aside, that’s a lot of trees.
Aim to be as paperless as possible
Making the switch to online billing and paperwork is a win-win for everyone. Not only does it drastically cut down on paper waste, but it also vastly increases your physical storage space. Instead of paper receipts, opt for email receipts sent to customers.
If you must use paper…
A 100% paperless workspace is a noble endeavor, but it isn’t always practical. Eventually, you’re going to need a piece of paper. You can still save countless trees by exclusively supplying your office with sustainably sourced recycled paper. If your vendor is local, even better. Just make sure you reduce, reuse, and when you’re finished with it, recycle.
Small business sustainability includes the efforts of your whole team. A company culture that is built around environmental awareness makes it easy to reach your goals.
Curb commutes
Needless to say, working from home is more popular than ever these days, which has many people breathing easier. Giving your employees the option to WFH when possible cuts down on pollution, fossil fuel usage, and reduces your company’s overall carbon footprint.
Turn your team “green”
Encourage your employees to buy into a greener mindset by incentivizing and rewarding environmentally friendly habits and showing appreciation for their efforts. Motivate and engage them by asking for ideas and input on how you can make positive changes both in your workplace and your community. Things like biking to work, zero-waste days, bring your own lunch days. Set goals and celebrate your successes.
Whether you rent or own your office or storefront, there are simple measures you can take to reduce your environmental impact within your space.
Green up your environment
Reducing waste is a win-win for businesses because it’s friendly to both the environment and your bottom line.
Don’t send direct mail
Not only are mailers expensive and a little outdated, but they inevitably end up in the trash. Instead, move your promotions into the digital realm and on social media, where they’ll get far more traction. (It goes both ways: if you’re bombarded by junk mail every day, taking the time to remove yourself from unnecessary lists will declutter your mailbox and free up your recycling bin.)
Stick to sustainable swag
Make sure any free promotional items serve a purpose that goes beyond simply getting your brand name out there. Junk items are going to end up in the junkyard eventually. A reusable metal water bottle with your logo on it will get years more mileage than a cheap plastic keychain or ballpoint pen.
Help offset your environmental impact by actively supporting the environment. Here are a few ideas:
With environmental awareness at an all-time high, consumers are becoming increasingly savvy about sustainable business practices. Before you lay claim to your business’s environmental impact, be sure you can back it up. Obtain a legit green business certification.
For more information, read the full article here.
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