3 Sustainable Ways to Avoid Burnout When Growing Your Business

Julie Starr • June 18, 2021



The pressure of scaling a business can be too much, even for the most passionate entrepreneurs in the land.

While the stress of shouldering financial losses, handling employee problems, and dealing with consumer demands comes with the territory, striking a balance between your well-being and building your business is vital if you want to avoid burnout.

Here are four sustainable ways you can stay healthy as you grow your business to the next level.

Outsource

The “control freak syndrome” is a problem affecting most budding entrepreneurs. Due to fear, pride, or lack of resources, you may feel the need to take on everything yourself.

However, this move often proves counterproductive as you either end up too tired or lack the skills to solve each problem effectively. If you want to become a successful entrepreneur, you must be humble enough to know when to ask for help or delegate. When you’re unfamiliar with specific departments like IT, for example, reaching out for professional IT services relieves you from the pressure of fixing such problems on your own.

Outsourcing is also a great way to direct your energy on other essential tasks you are good at within your organization.

Remove the Excess Clutter

If your office is always in a constant state of mess, this can be the reason you hardly get anything done in time. Besides taking up most of your working space, excess clutter can be stressful and even unhealthy because it causes burnout.

To boost your performance, improve your working mood, and increase your overall productivity , begin to declutter through the following steps:

Assess Each Item

Do a complete evaluation of each item in your office and categorize them into three – keepers, archive, and junk. 

Carefully place each material in its pile, depending on how often you use it. The keeper category should only contain items you use daily, while the archive should hold essential documents that do not serve immediate use. Donate or sustainably destroy items that land on the junk pile.

Divide and Conquer

Instead of throwing items inside your drawers or shelves recklessly, use dividers to segment sections for different things. Organize materials such as manuals, binders, and files on hanging shelves to have a more elegant display.

Compartmentalize

As an entrepreneur, it is never easy to draw a line between work and rest. You always have a burning desire to work round the clock and maximize every minute.

While this mentality may bring short-term success, it only leads to burnout long term.

If you want to take your business to the next level , learn to separate your working hours from your downtime. When you’re at home with your family or out with your friends, be present in those moments, and avoid checking for work emails or accepting any duty calls at all costs.S

Sustainably Grow Your Business

Sustainably growing your business means taking care of your mental and physical well-being. If you do one and leave the other, you may experience burnouts that prevent you from operating at high levels.

Incorporate the above ideas into your work life, and you’ll have a much smoother entrepreneurial journey, one with no burnouts or health challenges.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.