Sustainability isn’t a buzzword. It’s a way of running a company in a way that privileges the planet’s future. Whether your company is big or small, climate change will affect everyone, and with resources depleting and temperatures rising it’s more important than ever for businesses across all industries to adopt sustainable practices. Large corporations typically will have entire divisions devoted to sustainability action plans, so as a small business, it might seem daunting to balance resources and labour to make your business more sustainable.
With the right implementation, sustainability is not only possible but also practical and beneficial for the long-term success of your company. This article will have a look at why sustainability matters, address challenges for small businesses and make practical tips for recommendations on what you can do to directly implement sustainable practices that’ll help your business and carbon footprint.
Practical Tips for Sustainability
Luckily, it’s not “all-or-nothing” for sustainability. Small changes that can be made in a business week that are equal parts sustainable and manageable can make a massive difference to how your company operates and how it looks to business partners.
Switch to Eco-Friendly Packaging and Supplies
Using sustainable packaging for your products is a great way to signal to customers that you’re taking steps to be sustainable. This can include using paper-based materials or compostable packaging to minimise plastic use. If your business relies on deliveries, this can make a significant difference to your overall sustainability for a small increase in packaging costs.
Many customers are willing to pay a little extra for products that are packaged sustainably because more and more people are voting with their wallets when it comes to going green. Consulting giant PWC found that consumers are willing to spend more on sustainably produced goods to be more sustainable, so saving the planet might save your bottom line, too!
In terms of office supplies, using biodegradable lanyards for your employees is an easy way to switch to eco-friendly materials and reduce waste, as the standard plastic used takes centuries to break down in landfills, not to mention novel concerns about microplastics.
Partner with Local Sustainability Initiatives
Another practical change is supporting initiatives through the local community. The major advantage small businesses have over larger corporations is being able to forge and maintain strong bonds with individuals and local organisations through partnering with local sustainability initiatives. Things like local cleanups, tree planting, or community gardening days can all be great ways to get to know people who are interested in helping the planet and can demonstrate genuine commitment to the cause.
Greenwashing is something to look out for. Defined by the clean energy regulator as when “a company makes itself, its products or services seem more environmentally friendly, sustainable or ethical than they are.” Big corporations are constantly being called out for greenwashing, so getting into grassroots movements can be a surefire way to signal that you are genuine about making your small business sustainable, and customers are sure to follow.
Why Sustainability Matters
Sustainability, at its core, is about longevity. The planet is in a state of disrepair as a direct result of our actions since the Industrial Revolution, so it’s our job to help fix the problems that we have inherited and continue to create. After all, profit margins and salaries mean nothing if there’s nowhere left to spend the money. Modern consumers are increasingly aware of how brands prioritise the environment and are also not afraid to blast brands that greenwash on social media. Being genuinely sustainable means attracting more loyal customers and enhancing your brand’s relationship with consumers.
Sustainable practices also make sense from a long-term cost standpoint. Sure, upgrading to LEDs can be costly in the short term, but over time the savings on your electricity bill more than make up for this upgrade expense. It can also help to get ahead of regulatory pressure – depending on where you’re operating, it may only be a matter of time before many environmental regulations become mandatory and your upgrades haven’t been priced into the current financial year.
Barriers to Change for Small Businesses
It’s important to take a step back and acknowledge the issues with making these changes for small businesses. Unlike corporations, capital is limited, and making choices that don’t lead to short-term gains can be unpopular, especially if your funding is limited to a handful of investors who may have a larger say in what happens to their money. Sole traders and small partnerships also suffer from wearing many hats in their roles: despite a company owner being a veteran in their field, marketing or customer service may not be their strong suit and these are both important aspects of how to “sell” your move to sustainable practices.
None of this is cheap, either. Being certified by third-party green companies is a cost with no immediate return. Switching suppliers can be time-consuming and difficult, and may result in a less favourable contract, with the benefits only being evident in the long run. As a result, it can feel like an impossible task to take on all of these roles and challenges and come away as a successful, sustainable business. On top of all of this, it can seem like an uphill battle against corporations with stacks of cash to throw at their latest eco-friendly venture, but it’s important to remember that some of the best changes that you can make are in one-on-one interactions with local customers.
At the end of the day, the corporation is a faceless entity, and you are not. Every change you make can directly affect your community and how people in it view your company, so changes can be magnitudes more effective for this reason. Making small, manageable changes can be a great way to begin making impacts over time, and your efforts are sure to be noticed if they are done earnestly. Sustainability comes with its own set of challenges, but it opens up a slew of opportunities for growth and engagement. You can lead by example and change consumer hearts and minds, one sustainable choice at a time.
