Climate change affects us all, on an individual and company level. As an SME owner, ensuring that your business is sustainable is the perfect first step you can take in your journey to go green.
Research indicates that as many as 88% of consumers want brands to help them make a difference, so demonstrating that your business’s commitment to sustainability will not only benefit the planet, but it’ll aid you in achieving customer loyalty.
If you’re not sure where to start, then here are five ways to make sure your brand is more sustainable.
1. Measure your carbon footprint
If you want to understand how to become more sustainable, you first need to know where you’re going wrong.
By using this handy tool to measure your carbon footprint, you can start to put together a strategy for environmental improvement. It might take time to implement all your planned changes, but with some dedication you can eventually achieve Net-Zero.
2. Use renewable energy
Using renewable energy is a great way to contribute to your sustainability, with its overall use growing in popularity.
With the rise in gas prices, the use of solar and wind power is not only better for the environment, but it’s better for your pockets too.
Installing solar panels can be expensive, however, they make up for it in the money you’ll save in the long run… not mention the reduction you’ll see to your carbon footprint.
3. Reduce your pollutants
Limiting the pollutants you put out into the environment is essential for any company looking to go green.
There are many forms of pollutants, and luckily there are increasingly more and more solutions to tackle the problem. Take Smart Storm, for instance, these wastewater experts have created an innovative answer to keeping fat and oil out of the sewage network.
Working with a range of industries, they aim to prevent the problem at the source.
4. Source locally
Sourcing your supplies have numerous benefits, aside for gaining the approval of your environmentally conscious customers, you’ll also help to reduce the distance that couriers have to travel.
By choosing local suppliers to partner with, you’ll improve your brand’s reputation, boost your local economy, and network with those in your community that might have the perfect answer to your next problem.
5. Use sustainable packaging
It has become obvious now that plastic packaging is incredibly harmful to the environment – it’s usually discarded and shipped off to landfills, doing no one any good.
However, when you choose sustainable packaging, you’ll be part of the important change that many businesses are seeking to make.
There are so many options to choose from, from recycled cardboard to biodegradable packing peanuts. Whichever you choose use, it’s important to remember to only use as much packaging as you need.
Have you taken steps towards sustainability? Share your own tips in the comments below!
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