More consumers than ever are prepared to spend money on non-toxic, environmentally friendly products to safeguard the next generation and the planet’s future. As a result, companies of all sizes are implementing more ecologically friendly practises today, and their clients are taking notice. Surveys have revealed that a product that is more environmentally friendly would be preferred by 35% of respondents over one that is marginally less expensive. It is thus important to incorporate sustainability into businesses. Below are a few steps every business can take to do so.
1. Sourcing sustainable materials
Businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, should ensure that their materials are sourced from ethical suppliers who pay their workers just and liveable wages. An attempt should also be made to use recyclable, renewable and biodegradable materials as they leave a minimal impact on the environment. Businesses can also source materials from local suppliers as this would support the local economy as well as reduce the transportation costs incurred by the business.
2. Using eco-friendly packaging
More and more businesses are opting for biodegradable packaging today. Businesses can switch from single use plastic containers and bags to other materials such as cardboard, corn starch, mycelium and paper. These can be designed creatively to add further functionality and branding in order to improve the consumer’s brand experience, leaving a better impression of your business.
3. Sustainable shipping and delivery
Using environmentally friendly shipping methods will help you cut your carbon footprint even further. Businesses can cut down on waste by reducing the number of boxes and packaging materials while shipping an item. You can also offer discounts on bigger purchases in order to consolidate orders and reduce the costs of shipping and carbon footprint left behind.
4. Going paperless
In this digitally savvy world that we live in, paper receipts are almost redundant. Businesses should aim to be as paperless as possible by switching to email receipts sent to customers. The usage of paper at the workspace ought to be cut down as well. And if you must use paper, make an attempt to switch to sustainably sourced recycled paper while resorting to recycling internally.
5. Reducing your carbon footprint
Several countries across the world have committed themselves to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and you can follow suit. Start by measuring your carbon footprint to understand what you need to do as a business to reach the goal of net zero emissions. Then take active steps such as reducing to renewable energy and reducing travel. And if you are already ahead of the curve, aim for zero carbon- a position where you’ve eliminated all carbon emissions entirely.\
6. Find and support causes
Consumers admire businesses that support a cause. You should set long term goals to improve the sustainability of your business. This can be done by supporting a charity working towards the environment. You could also choose a more specific cause such as reforestation or reducing water pollution.
7. Associate sales with environment friendly initiatives
Show your commitment to becoming a more sustainable company by tying your sales to certain environment friendly activities such as planting a tree for every unit of product sold, or donating a percentage of your total sales to a cause.
8. Educate your employees
Talking to your team and providing them with resources and advice can help them become more sustainable in their daily lives, which is a terrific approach to both inspire them and draw in top candidates. Giving them a comprehensive manual is one option; another is to suggest a simple change, like urging them to take their coffee break in reusable bamboo cups.
9. Using cloud storage
You can still benefit from a virtual space even if you’ve made an investment in a physical one. Utilizing cloud-based solutions reduces waste and can result in a corporate process that is more streamlined, effective, and collaborative.
10. Encourage employees to use green transport
Encourage your staff to commute in the most environmentally friendly way as the last step toward a sustainable workplace. Consider systems that encourage employees to bike to work and carpool with others who live nearby.
These are some of the initiatives for turning businesses into a more sustainable model. These actions won’t just help the environment; if taken, they could also provide organisations an advantageous USP over competitors. Promoting sustainable adjustments in company’s advertising campaigns also offers business owners with a terrific opportunity to attract new customers.
