6 Environmentally Friendly Business Practices Your Brand Should Consider

Julie Starr • December 11, 2020



Business owners are being challenged by public opinions and global legislative changes to practice environmentally friendly business cultures. As a result, the commercial viability of your company may depend on green transformation. In fact, 58% of customers are more likely to follow a brand if they know that the organization cares for the environment. Are you looking forward to embracing eco-friendly business development strategies but don’t know where to start? Here are five environmentally friendly business practices you should consider.

  • Practice green procurement

A simple way to adopt an environmentally friendly business culture is to practice green procurement. Consider your suppliers and find out who produces their goods sustainably. Order recyclable supplies that don’t contain substances that are potentially toxic to the environment. You can also decide to cut ties with suppliers who excessively package their goods with tons of plastic and other materials that aren’t eco-friendly. If you’re a procurement manager, it is smart to be mindful of your suppliers and their goods to screen for sustainable business partners. 

  • Use eco-friendly cleaning solutions

Traditional cleaning solutions may release toxic chemicals into the environment. These can also affect your employees’ health and hurt the planet. Conventional cleaning solutions can cause pollution in your business environment. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products could place your organization on a straight path to success. Greener cleaning products can minimize air and water pollution and lower the risks of climate change and ozone layer depletion. By using environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals, companies can reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Green cleaning products are more sustainable as they use less packaging.

  • Use reusable office supplies

In the US alone, over 4 million pens are discarded per day, which is terrible for the environment. The solution to this problem will be to switch to reusable pens to limit their plastic waste. Reusable pens are refillable with new ink if they run out of fluid. Your organization can also cut down its production of paper waste by using tablets in place of sticky note pads. Additionally, encourage your staff to take notes electronically instead of using marker boards. Ask your team to keep track of your business materials to help you understand what products are being wasted and how to green your office space. 

  • Adopt green advertising strategies

Technology has made it easier to do virtually anything. With regards to eco-friendliness, technology allows eliminating the use of certain materials. For example, in advertising, you no longer need to print your message to get it across. You can use social media platforms to achieve that. Similarly, when conducting research or receiving feedback from clients to establish your marketing strategies, you can use platforms such as MaxDiff survey templates or Google forms. By launching eco-friendly marketing campaigns, companies can distinguish themselves as environmentally friendly business brands. These suggestions are practical as a large number of the world’s population uses smartphones.

  • Reduce vehicular emissions

It’s no longer news to say that the transportation sector is a heavy contributor to greenhouse gas production. In 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that emissions from road vehicles and commercial aircraft accounted for 29% of greenhouse gases in the environment. 2016 had previously seen even more shocking statistics — one American Community Survey found out that workers drove at least 115 million cars to work every day. Unfortunately, more oil-powered vehicles on the road mean more emissions. 

As a means of building a sustainable company, you can encourage your workers to use commuting options that reduce emissions. For example, you could start carpooling systems and subsidize transportation for your workers to use public transport instead of driving their own cars. The use of public transport saves travel time and minimizes fuel consumption in urban areas. You can also incentivize employees who walk or cycle to work every day.

  • Break the addiction to plastic convenience

Collectively, humans produce more than 300 million tons of plastic per year. You can help reduce that number by limiting your plastic waste usage and searching for alternatives. Recycling can help your business minimize waste, save more money, and contribute to a healthy environment. Perhaps the smartest decision you can make is to decrease the number of single-use water bottles and coffee cups in your work environment. Annually, the average office worker uses roughly 156 plastic water bottles and discards about 500 coffee cups. When your organization starts using reusable materials, you can limit your carbon footprint and decrease the volume of waste in landfills. 

The future of the planet and that of humanity hinges on sustainability. Therefore, consider going green.

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.