Sustainability Practices for Small Businesses
What is the true cost of doing business?
We know what it costs us to produce and sell our products and services, but there’s another piece of the puzzle that business owners need to consider. Arguably, it should’ve been considered long ago during industrialization but there’s no time like the present.
The real question then becomes, “What does my business cost the planet?”
And then the follow-up question is “How do I go from costing the planet to helping the planet?”
Here are a few simple yet effective ways you can practice sustainability in your business and reduce your carbon footprint:
Reduce Energy Consumption
The way we consume energy can contribute greatly to our carbon footprint. The types of bulbs we use, the energy we waste when we are in and when we leave a room, and the tools and appliances we use are all examples of small but critical changes we can make.
Consider making any of these adjustments to begin your sustainable business journey:
Switch to energy-efficient lighting (e.g., LED bulbs)
Turn off equipment and lights when not in use
Invest in energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems
Conduct regular energy audits to identify and address inefficiencies
Install solar panels if feasible
Purchase green energy credits to offset electricity usage
Explore grants or subsidies for renewable energy projects
Minimize Waste
Reduce, reuse and recycle aren’t just fun alliteration, they’re words to live by!
Signal is all about minimizing waste, that’s why we use cloud-based accounting, bookkeeping and payroll software (to name a few)!
Not every business is remote, and for those who do have a brick-and-mortar store or office, review your current waste practices and implement any of these practices:
Go paperless where possible by using digital tools and e-signatures
Set up recycling programs for paper, plastics, and electronics
Opt for reusable or compostable materials in operations
Reduce packaging waste by using sustainable materials or bulk purchasing
Source Responsibly
Another way you can prioritize sustainability is through the vendors and suppliers you do business with. Who you do business with says a lot about your business, after all, birds of a feather flock together.
When considering your suppliers and vendors, consider the following:
Partner with suppliers who prioritize sustainability
Choose locally sourced products to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation
Use recycled or sustainable materials in production or packaging
Foster a Sustainable Culture
It isn’t all about your office space or the physicality of it all, it’s also about paying it forward.
Your team is crucial to your business and you want to ensure you’re all on the same page about the values you have when working together as a team. Creating and fostering a sustainable culture is a great way to engage your team in taking steps toward full adaptation of sustainability.
You can foster a sustainable culture in your business by:
Educate employees about sustainability practices
Reward eco-friendly initiatives or ideas within the team
Share sustainability goals and achievements with customers and stakeholders
Embracing sustainability practices is not just about protecting the planet—it’s about building a resilient and responsible business that customers and employees can believe in.
Your small business can reduce costs, enhance its reputation, and contribute to a brighter future by taking small, actionable steps toward greener operations.
Start today, and make sustainability a cornerstone of your success story.
Not sure how to adapt sustainability to your business model? Book a sustainable business consultation call with me, and we’ll develop a strategy together!