With COP26 and the ever-pressing need for the world to reach a new, sustainable phase of its life, businesses big and small are all wondering what they can do to be more sustainable themselves. In fact, in many ways, it is the small businesses who are leading the way and are giving consumers and the public new ways to shop and even new ways to live.
Give Back to the Community
Sustainability and ethical business practice go hand in hand, and it’s a good way to operate your business. Not only does giving back through charitable contributions, participating in charity events, and more help your local and global community, it is also an excellent way to advertise your business and get more visibility the right way.
You could set up a donations system, where so much from every sale goes towards a charity of your choice, or you could host an event on your own, for example, by collecting winter coats and having them cleaned to then give to the at-risk population during winter.
Sustainability isn’t just about doing less harm; it’s about making the world a better place. The cause you put your backing into can be anything, from environmentalism to human aid, but it should be considered one of the cornerstones of your sustainable business.
Improve Your Packaging and Supplies
Everything, from your packaging to the supplies you use to the materials you use to clean your store, should be sustainable themselves. This means that they should be easily recycled and non-toxic. Improving the packaging you use and the supplies you need to operate your business is the easiest changes you can make for your business.
Think About the Entire Product Lifecycle
If your business sells products, then one of the best ways to make your business more sustainable is to think about the entire product lifecycle. There are options for absolutely every business. For most, however, the biggest difference will come in your product development. Aim to create products that can be completely recycled if recycled through your or through proper channels. This means using different materials and implementing a take-back system, but it can actually help your business’s bottom line by significantly reducing the need for virgin materials.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Finally, you need to think about your energy consumption. You can upgrade or simply change the settings on your electronics so that they shut down or go into low power mode more often. If you live in a sunny location, you can install a solar panel or several so that you can practically completely offset your energy requirements.
