Sustainable Business Owners: How to Keep Your Business Green for the Long Haul

How to Evolve Your Sustainable Business Without Losing Your Eco-Conscious Edge

I know. 

I know. 

“Sustainability,” it can be such a buzz word but what does it really mean for you– a sustainable business owner?

So, What is Sustainability and How Can You Be More Sustainable in Your Business? 

Sustainability is using current resources with future generations in mind. Most people think of environmental, social, and economic sustainability when they think of this industry. These are usually essential topics but that's not why you're here. 

You're here to learn more about how to run your sustainable business successfully. So let's dive in. 

If you’re looking for more tips for your sustainable business, subscribe to my email. You won't be disappointed. 😉

Sustainability as a Business Owner

Whether you have owned your own sustainable business for a few years or several years, you know the struggles of increasing sustainability in your business. 

The endless content is enough to make your head spin. And Google? Psh, it’s easier to find a needle in a haystack than it is to find a starting point on Google for sustainable businesses. 

Social media? Forget about it! Searching “sustainable groups” on Facebook will make you want to throw your laptop off the 4th floor. 

But don’t do that. 

Keep reading to find real help in real time for your real problems. 

What Are You Already Doing as a Sustainable Business Owner?

Like me, some sustainable business owners don't realize how many tangible steps they’re already taking.

Do you? 

I recycle, compost, work from home and have my own garden. What about you: what are some sustainable steps you are taking in your business journey? 

Recycling, ordering from eco-friendly sources, reusing products, giving out green swag, or offering incentives for sustainability to employees are good places to start. 

If you already do some of these things– great! You're already checking off a ton of boxes on your sustainable business owner checklist. 

If you’re not doing any of these things– that's okay! You can start with small goals and work in baby steps. We have to crawl before we walk, right? 

If you’re looking for a deep dive on where to start with your unique business, subscribe to my email list for more great tips. 

Creating Goals For Your Sustainable Business

Think SMART when it comes to your future sustainable business goals:

S: Specific

M: Measurable 

A: Achievable 

R: Relevant

T: Time-sensitive 

Maybe you want to reduce the amount of plastic your company consumes. How can you set a goal with those parameters as a framework? 

Get creative. You are unique and so is your sustainable business. What is something you can implement that no one else is trying? Or what personal spin can you put on a practice that everyone's doing? 

For example: if you own a landscaping company that offers tree trimming as a service you can take the yard waste and compost it! Less trash at the dump and more organic matter for your plants. Win-win! 

Don't forget about the power you have as a consumer. You choose who and where to buy your products. By making a commitment to only buy from sustainable sources, you're making that much of a difference. 

If you're doing these things and you need more ideas– don't worry I haven't forgotten about you.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to take your sustainable business to the next level:

• How can I reduce waste, emissions and other resource consumption? 

• Can I adopt renewable energy anywhere in the business? 

• Can I pivot to a more sustainable or recyclable packaging? 

• How can my resource management be more sustainable and efficient? 

• Can I implement any circular economy principles?

• Am I engaging in fair wage and fair trade? 

• Are there any sustainable investors I can reach out to? 

These are great questions to start with. Answering them can help you decide what to do next in your sustainable business.  

What's Next For You as a Sustainable Business Owner?

This topic can be overwhelming– I know. So take it one step at a time and try not to be overloaded.

Remember to start with small goals and work your way to bigger ones. This is a marathon– not a sprint. Take your time at first and the rewards will slowly start rolling in. 

The next step for you could be a big one…

Have you looked for funding for your sustainable business? This is a fantastic way to take your level of sustainability up a notch.

Have you looked into local sustainable regulations? What about on the national or federal level? Stay tuned for an in-depth look at this subject. My future blog will help get you started in the right direction. 

Don’t forget to subscribe to my email for more juicy tips. 

What if you don't own your own sustainable business but want to do your part at work? I'm so glad you asked.

Sustainability at Work For Non-business Owners 

Where to start? Remember to start small– it's easy.

Talk to your boss or manager about shopping more sustainable for the office. Even in your workplace you can use your consumer power to make a difference. 

Here are some practices you can do right now to kick start your sustainable journey at work:

• Bring your own:

  • Reusable water bottle. 

  • Reusable coffee cup. 

  • Silver utensils and glass dishes. 

    
    

This might sound weird but stay with me. 79% of plastic comes from discarded utensils in the workplace. Essh! By taking these steps you can cut down on tons of plastic waste generated at your workplace. Also, bringing your own tea towel can cut down on paper towel and napkin waste.

What else can you do?

Invite a friend. It's much easier to stick to something when you have a buddy or are in the buddy system. Make a commitment with that co-worker to implement one or two of these suggestions.

Keep each other accountable. 

Keep each other encouraged. 

Share your struggles and new ideas. 

Ask each other questions. 

Pro tip– take your food waste from work and add it to your personal compost.

Your sustainable journey doesn't have to end at work. That can be the beginning of your beautiful green chapter! 

Personal Sustainability

We all know and use the mantra Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Recycling plastic, paper, and glass is probably the number one thing most people think of when in comes to sustainability. This is a great first step. If you don't have a recycling option available, talk to your friends, family and coworkers to see where the closest option is for you. 

If you can reduce the amount of plastic you buy you're on the right track for personal sustainability.

Reusing items can be fun! There are so many videos and hacks out there to show you how to reuse everyday objects. Enjoy it by getting creative.

Recycling and composting can go hand-in-hand in this industry. Don't have a compost bin? That's okay, it's another great place to start.

The Final Resolution for Your Sustainable Business Journey

Take baby steps and start somewhere. This can be an overwhelming topic but if you take it one step at a time you'll see amazing results. Whether it's at your unique sustainable business, your workplace or at home, you can start your sustainable journey today. 

Subscribe for more great ways on how to keep your sustainable business successful. 

What will you get when you subscribe? 

• Steps on how to make your office more eco-friendly 

• Different ways to boost your sustainable business’ bottom line

• Sustainability on a budget

• Where you can find grants and funds for your sustainable business

And much more.