Get off the starting line of the Race to Zero with these easy-to-action tips for making your business more sustainable.

Businesses are looked at with extra scrutiny when it comes to going green, as they have a greater impact on the environment than the individual. With the UN’s plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, it’s a good idea to start putting an eco-friendly foot forward.

Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious about their spending choices, so it’s more important than ever to look at creating a sustainable business.

1. Reduce Energy Consumption

One of the easiest ways to make your business more sustainable is to look at the way you use energy. It’s no secret that utilities can get out of hand in a bustling office or store, but there are some simple actions your team can implement to help with this.

  • Turn off computers at the end of the day
  • Use sensors to activate lights (or just make sure you switch them off when nobody’s around!)
  • Switch to LED lightbulbs
  • Use smart thermostats
  • Insulate your property

Small changes can have a big impact in the workplace if everybody’s on board. Try having a team meeting to discuss what you could all do better!

2. Reduce Waste

Looking at your processes can help identify areas of unnecessary waste. Are you using paper for things that could be done digitally? Do your colleagues frequently scribble on fresh memos? Easy actions such as encouraging your employees to bring packed lunches, or changing print settings to ‘double-sided’, can make a world of difference in reducing waste in the workplace.

3. Recycle

Placing easy-to-use dry recycling bins in your workplace can help reduce the amount you’re sending to landfill each week. If you’re unable to reduce paper or plastic waste, this is a great way to compensate.

4. Sustainable Packaging

Switching over to eco-friendly packaging is another way to reduce waste and help your consumers make good choices. Eco-conscious shoppers aren't very pleased when their order arrives in meters of single-use plastic, so it's important to look for alternatives.

If you use paper in your packaging (perhaps for custom notes to thank your buyers), try looking at seed paper as a sustainable alternative. Seed paper is made from recycled materials, designed to be planted and grown into flowers! Customers will be grateful for the effort and the extra gift.

Some inventive methods of packaging products have been coming to market recently. Try switching out the polystyrene and packing peanuts for crinkle-cut paper filling, padded paper liners, eco-friendly cooler bags, or even wool!

5. Use Reusable Bags

You’ve probably spotted shoppers walking around grocery stores with reusable totes. Offer reusable bags at the checkout of your store to give customers the sustainable option and allow them to ditch the single-use plastic.

Ordering custom reusable shopping bags with your company’s logo on can even help with advertising. Your customers will often take these bags out and about with them (not only to your store), showing other shoppers that your business is taking steps to become more sustainable. Make your company stand out even more with an impactful and eye-catching design, with a full-color imprint reusable tote.