Sustainability is an increasingly important factor in the running of a business. Not only do you need to say you’ll become environmentally friendly, you also need to follow through with this commitment.
While of course, sustainability is essential for protecting the planet against climate change, it’s also becoming increasingly essential for protecting our profits. More and more, customers are looking for sustainability in the brands that they choose to support, with as many as 88% looking to companies to help them make a difference.
If you’re looking to become more sustainable as a brand, then here are just three tips to get you started.
1. Source Locally
Sourcing local products and supplies for your business is one of the best ways to help promote sustainability in your brand identity.
When you source locally, not only will you reduce the amount of carbon emissions that are produced in the transportation of your supplies, but you will also reduce the cost – after all, sources for produce are closer, and shipping of them is often cheaper.
Not only that, but when you source locally, you’ll benefit your local community. With consumers being more community conscious than ever before, being able to demonstrate that you’re invested in its growth, you’ll go a long way toward building brand loyalty with your customers.
2. Reduce Your Pollutants
Reducing the pollutants that we put out into the environment is a task that needs to be undertaken by everyone. While on an individual level, we all need to take accountability for our recycling, as a business it is especially important.
Depending on your industry, your typical pollutants may be more destructive than those of the average household. That makes your responsibility far greater than that of the average household.
Luckily, there are solutions out there to help mitigate the potential damage that you could do to the environment. For example, Smart Storm create sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment that ensure the wastewater you’re putting out into the environment is free from harmful chemicals and toxins.
Regardless of your business’s size or industry, you’re going to have waste. Implementing a recycling policy that makes it easy for your employees to adhere to is an essential step to demonstrating your commitment to protecting the environment.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Carbon Footprint
Without careful monitoring of your carbon footprint, it can be difficult to ascertain what is working for you and what isn’t.
Before implementing any changes to your business practices, measure your carbon footprint some carbon footprint calculators – this will give you a baseline.
Then, as you start to make changes, you should recheck this regularly. When you can see the reduction to your carbon footprint, you’ll not only motivate yourself and your employees to continue on this path to progress, but you could even post updates to your social media profiles.
When your customers can see you making a difference, they’ll be encouraged to support your business.
Have you made steps to make your business more sustainable?
