When starting a small business, you have the benefit of being able to incorporate more sustainable practices than what you’d be able to do if you were running a larger business with more moving parts. From a coffee shop to sustainable products, whatever your business may be, there are ways to start with green ideas and turn them into profit. Here are some ideas for you:
Think about your packaging
If you’re a retail store, sending out plenty of products throughout the year, an important aspect to consider is your packaging. While you may already be doing 3A testing principle on your packaging, researching the most sustainable options is always the way to go.
Not only is this a sustainable practice that your small business can incorporate for the environment, but many customers are looking for brands that incorporate sustainability into their packaging. It’s a way to offset their consumption and do more for the environment, so it’s something to keep in mind when seeking to go green while improving your customer base.
Making your product sustainable
For anyone who is just getting started with the designing of products or coming up with a business plan, consider creating something that is sustainable. Whether it’s something that helps others become more sustainable in their day-to-day lifestyle or it’s created out of sustainable materials, doing whatever you can to make products more sustainable is the name of the eco-friendly game.
If you’re looking for a green product while seeking to make a profit, think about what is needed in the market you’re getting started in. If there are not enough sustainable products in that industry, you could be the sustainable brand that really stands out.
Save money on travel
A lot of businesses seek to save money yet have a lot of travel on the books for their team. While some industries and brands do need to travel for work, in order to grow it, do business, source materials, build partnerships, etc., for others, especially small businesses, travel may not be a part of their accounting. With the products that we have today that make it easy to have online meetings, like Zoom or Google Meet, there are easier and more eco-friendly ways of getting together with colleagues or team members.
Remote work
In the same vein as the above-mentioned point, having your team work remotely so that they avoid the commute to the office is also another way to create more sustainable practices in your business. Or if you need your team to come to the office every now and then, consider the benefits of promoting green commuting, such as with a bicycle or public transport.
While this may not be possible for every type of business, especially not retail brands, it’s important to consider it if you’re just a small boutique agency or business that can make things work with a remote setup.
Energy saving methods
From a smart lighting system to an HVAC system designed for eco-friendly and energy-saving practices, there are different ways for you to take care of your office’s needs while also incorporating sustainable practices. If you have an office or retail store, do what you can to save on energy while also helping to make your team or customers comfortable while at the shop or office space. There are plenty of sustainable options out there to consider when trying to build a more sustainable brand and environment.
In Conclusion
Are you hoping to meet the demands of your customers while also making sure that you’re doing your part to build a sustainable brand? With tips like these ones, you can get a start on incorporating practices that make sense for your company, customers, and the planet.
