Businesses can be greener!
Many businesses are using sustainability to differentiate themselves from competitors, innovate new products and services, reduce costs and adhere to environmental legislation. Without a doubt, there is potential in the "green" or "sustainable" market. Here are some of the ways that many businesses are going green that many businesses can learn from.
It’s no secret that the world is seeing a rise in eco-conscious businesses. More and more brands are coming forward to claim they are dedicated to sustainability, social good, and other positive ventures. While these businesses are fantastic, their presence raises the question: Are these companies really sustainable? Do you need to be a “social business” in order to be sustainable? Or is it possible to incorporate sustainability into any kind of business? And now more than ever, people want to do business with good companies. A recent study found that 66% of Americans want to support businesses that have positive social impacts as well as financial success. And consumers today are looking for ways they can support companies that align with their values.
Be transparent in your supply chain
One of the best ways to ensure your business is sustainable is to be open about your supply chain. You might be surprised to find that many large companies don’t actually know where their goods are coming from. But by being transparent in your supply chain, you can ensure that your business is truly sustainable. A transparent supply chain means that your company has clear information on where materials come from and how they were produced. This means you know where your raw materials come from, who made them, and how that process impacts the planet. This transparency can help you identify potential risks to your supply chain, and it can help you address those risks proactively. And not only can transparency in your supply chain help you make your business more environmentally friendly, but it can also help you save money. Being transparent about the materials you use can help you create products that are more efficient and cost-effective.
Commit to recycling
While a commitment to transparency will help you discover where your materials are coming from, a commitment to recycling can help you figure out where materials are going. You might be surprised to find out that only a small percentage of the paper products produced annually get recycled. And paper is just one example; there are many materials that do not get recycled as much as they should. A commitment to recycling means that your business will be responsible for all the paper, plastic, and other materials it uses. This means you’ll be working with local recycling centers and other organizations to effectively dispose of your materials when they are no longer in use. A commitment to recycling can help you reduce costs, improve your company’s image, and protect the planet.
Shift to renewable energy
If you are serious about making your business sustainable, you should also commit to using renewable energy. This includes both electricity and natural gas. Most of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels, which can have a devastating impact on the environment. But you can help reduce that impact and make your business more sustainable by making the switch to renewable energy. When you use energy like solar and wind power, you are reducing your carbon footprint and protecting the planet. A commitment to using renewable energy can also help reduce your company’s energy costs, which can improve your bottom line.
Asking customers to help
One easy way to make your business more sustainable is to help out. One example is offering digital instead of paper receipts. Paper receipts are a major contributor to the 16 billion pounds of paper that gets thrown away in the United States every year. And when you throw away paper receipts, you’re also throwing away trees. By switching to digital receipts, you can help reduce your paper waste and make your business more sustainable. Some businesses have even gone so far as to offer customers discounts or rewards for opting out of paper receipts. One way to make your business more sustainable is to start composting. Composting is a great way to reuse materials that would otherwise go straight to the landfill. This can be especially helpful if you have a large office that uses a lot of paper products.
Conclusion
As you can see, being a sustainable business isn’t a lofty goal that only the most socially responsible companies can achieve. Being sustainable just means making smart business choices that benefit you and the environment. By making a few small changes to your business, you can help protect the planet. Being a sustainable business doesn’t have to be difficult, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it can be quite the opposite.
