As a small-business owner, you may think that going green in your business will require a huge lift and require you to make expensive investments, but transforming to a sustainable business does not need to be scary. The environmental impact of your small business is very important, especially with all the environmental problems we face year after year as a result of climate change. Our economic productivity on a global scale may have been curbed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and since everyone consumes, consumers alike have a huge role to play in achieving sustainable progress.
Stephanie Bermudez, founder of Startup Unidos, an incubator program in Southern Arizona that helps young entrepreneurs innovate in sustainability, says, “I think that COVID-19 has shown us a sample of what is ahead when it comes to some of the detriment and serious issues (epidemics) that we are facing day to day.” By small businesses taking an active approach, going green can make a big impact in many ways, especially with your customers.
A poll of U.S. consumers found nearly half would shift their buying habits to reduce their perceived personal impact on our global ecosystem. The surveyed consumers belong to an American audience that consumed an estimated $128.5 billion worth of sustainably branded products in 2018.
Most of us have been taught to recycle, reuse and reduce, but how do you measure your own impact? To think like a green business, you start by monitoring three key areas in your business — people, profit and planet. People refers to the impact of your customers, workers, self and community. Profit refers to the impact to your bottom line, your costs, savings and profit. Finally, planet refers to your energy consumption, water usage, waste practices and food development. Thinking in these terms can help you go from knowing about sustainable practices to doing them while enhancing your competitiveness in the market.
Here are five ways your small business can make a significant difference in the new year to achieve your sustainability goals and transform to a cleaner, greener business.
- Recycle your old electronic gadgets. What are you doing with your old technology? Keeping your old devices and equipment out of the landfill is a great way to help the environment and benefit those in need. If you are planning to replace them, think about donating the old gadgets to schools or charities in your area. Some manufacturers offer programs for trading in used electronics for cash and recycling your older devices that cannot be reused.
- Choose to use biodegradable packaging and replace single-use silverware. Single-use, everyday products found in the kitchen are extremely harmful to the environment. Consider using washable silverware and dishes like old jars, large tins and refillable containers. When it comes to packaging, consider sourcing from biodegradable manufacturers whenever you can. There are more affordable options becoming available for small-business owners every day.
- Train your employees on green practices. A popular Chinese proverb says, “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” Invest in green business courses, today; there are many options available at no cost by doing a simple internet search. Make learning about green practices a priority in the new year.
- Reduce your water usage. It is widely researched and accepted that the past decade has been one of the driest on record in western North America, and many cities have enacted strict water rules for small businesses and households. Fix your dripping taps and plumbing leaks, install low-flow toilets, move to drought-tolerant landscape designs, or use a high-efficiency pressure washer for your cleaning jobs.
- Replace your old technology for energy efficiency. Did you know that about 40% of the country’s energy is used for lighting, heating, cooling and appliance use. Turn off the electronics you are not using and consider using cloud systems to store your data. Find appliances and light bulbs with energy efficiency standards and certified energy seals like Energy Star.
Make sure you build your sustainability plan to measure your energy use, your energy expenses, how it impacts your profits and who is responsible for getting it done. Set benchmarks for your team and let your customers know what you are doing. If you need additional support transforming your business, try partnering with environmental groups in government and community organizations. Utility companies typically have sustainability consultants who can help you conduct energy audits for your small business. By you acting now, the planet will thank you later.
EDGAR RAFAEL OLIVO is a bilingual business educator, economic advisor and contributor for several media outlets. He’s a nonprofit executive who is passionate about education. He is certified in finance and data analytics and holds a business degree from Arizona State University.
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