5 quicks wins for a greener business

Consumers are driving the trend towards sustainable business practices, voting with their dollars to support greener companies. The Global Sustainability Study 2021 found that:

• 63% of consumers have shifted their spending toward being more sustainable in the past five years, particularly younger consumers.
• Half of consumers rank sustainability as a top 5 value driver.
• 34% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainability, with a higher share of Millennials and Gen Z prepared to pay more.

“Consumers send a clear signal: sustainability will continue to become the expectation, rather than the exception,” notes the study. “Companies must transform their businesses now in order to stay relevant for the future.”

Transforming your business might ultimately require investing in new systems, packaging or products. But in the meantime, here are 5 quick wins to help set you on the right path.

1. Reduce plastic waste

Is your business still buying single-use plastics? Whether it’s pallet wrap, disposable cups or those coffee pods, there’s a quick and easy sustainable swap that you can make right now.

2. Recycle your old electronics

Old printers, phones and laptops can often be found lying around the office – along with a huge tangle of cables. Tidy up your space and help the environment by finding your local e-cycling centre and making the best of your outdated electronics.

3. Offset your carbon footprint

You can use an online calculator to estimate your business’s carbon emissions, then buy carbon credits to the same value to offset your emissions.

4. Use less paper

Embrace digital technology to cut your use of paper; switch to an electronic signing service so you no longer need to print and scan contracts or financial documents. If you must print something out, use both sides of the paper for internal documents. Buy recycled paper and recycle the paper waste your business creates.

5. Choose sustainable client gifts

Instead of sending hampers, consider a charitable donation – you could let the client choose from a list to get them engaged. Or send a potted plant, adopt an endangered animal, or pick an eco-friendly gift basket.