Business operations aren’t what they used to be 10 years ago — or even five! Until recently, most people haven’t even heard the term “single use plastics” or thought of replacing a plastic straw with a paper one. Today, sustainability is one of the biggest factors people consider when buying a product or service — and it’s only getting more important.
As a small business owner, you might not think your business practices can make a real impact, but they are more important than ever. Not only do more and more people want to do business with eco-friendly companies, but it’s simply the right thing to do.
Every business is unique, so no two sustainability journeys are going to be the same. However, there is a common thread to all sustainability initiatives: people, planet, and profit. It’s what sustainability gurus call the triple bottom line. And it’s not just more corporate jargon.
The Triple Bottom Line Explained
The traditional bottom line in business is profit. However, that model is increasingly becoming dated and out-of-touch with today’s reality. Many businesses, including big box stores like Target, Kroger and Walmart, are shifting away from the pure-profit model of business and incorporating purpose-led KPIs (key performance indicators). You have no doubt seen or heard companies phasing out plastic grocery sacks and installing solar panels.
This shift toward more sustainable business practices is not just a push from investors. It represents a shift in consumer attitudes towards the impact that businesses inevitably have on people and the planet. Average consumers can now hold companies more accountable for the full cost of their business — not just on how much money they make.
Thus, the triple bottom line, also referred to as the three P’s of corporate and social responsibility, is the new gold standard for doing business.
11 Creative Ways You Can Go Green in the Workplace
The great thing about small businesses is that you don’t have to deal with the dreaded “red tape” that can often plague corporate giants just to add a recycling bin. In fact, you can get started today!
Here are 11 green business ideas to get you started on your journey into better business.
1. Conduct a Sustainability Audit
Before you begin implementing anything, it’s important to know where you stand. A sustainability audit helps you identify the areas where you already excel, where you could improve, and ideas you’ve never considered. Green America provides a quick-and-easy sustainability audit that will help you begin framing your sustainability plan.
2. Create a Dedicated Green Team
Once you’ve got the status of your business down, consider creating a dedicated “green team” in your workplace. Similar to a “culture” team that corporations create to boost morale and employee engagement, businesses are also doing the same in regard to environmental and social sustainability!
These folks will lead your initiatives and make sure your business follows the green brick road.
10. Only Use Paper Tape for Cardboard Shipments
Not only is paper tape simply better at sealing boxes, but it’s also better for the environment. Paper tape essentially bonds with cardboard, making the seal permanent, while plastic tape merely sticks to the container, leaving room for breakage.
As for the environmental benefits, you cannot recycle cardboard with plastic tape still attached. Customers will have to go through the extra step of removing the tape (which many will not do) and then throw the plastic tape in the garbage — a double whammy of waste.
With paper tape, you don’t have to do anything. Simply break the box down and throw it in the recycling bin. It’s easier, more effective and more sustainable.
11. Resist the Urge to Buy New
Our last tip: in the event that you need new office furnishings, opt for gently used or upcycled furniture pieces. There are clear benefits both financially and sustainably:
- Used furniture costs less, point-blank
- In most cases, there is nothing wrong with used furniture
- Used furniture prevents creating new pieces, which lowers the burden on resources and the supply chain
- Used furniture is significantly more environmentally friendly than newly created pieces
Now, we know not everyone is a fan of used, but if you can find items that look as good as new, we urge you to choose the more sustainable option.
Now is the Time to Revamp Your Business Practices
It’s not only the Walmarts and Targets of the world that play a role in making better choices for people and the planet. All businesses regardless of size are key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our resources, our planet, and our people.
If we want to keep our planet green and create the future we want for our children and future generations to come, we must all do our part. If you’re ready to do yours, head on over to our solar for business page. You can make a difference today.