8 Things To Consider When Starting Your Sustainable Business

Julie Starr • May 19, 2020



If you’re thinking of starting a sustainable business but you don’t know where to begin then don’t worry, you have definitely come to the right place. Whether you have had your idea for years or it’s something that has only just come to you, you need to be sure you’re making the right decision. Whilst it may be overwhelming, there are lots of questions you can ask yourself to ensure exactly that. From deciding on what your business is going to be doing to working out how it’s going to make a profit in a sustainable way, the more questions you’re asking yourself the better. With that in mind, here are 8 things to consider when starting your sustainable busines s:

What Will Your Business Be Doing?

One of the first things you need to consider is what your business is going to be doing, as this will be the basis of your journey as an entrepreneur. Whether you’re going to be offering sustainably made products or you have developed an app that encourages people to think about their energy consumption, you need to clearly plan out exactly what it is your business is going to be doing. The sooner you do this, the easier the process will be.

How Will It Be Sustainable?

When thinking about your business and what they’re going to be doing, you also need to detail how it’s going to be sustainable. Although this will be obvious to you, it may be something you have to explain during pitches to potential investors or buyers.

The best way to approach this, of course, is to come up with a thirty-second elevator pitch that details what your business does and how it helps the environment. For a guide to putting together an elevator pitch , you can visit this site here.

What Are Your Overall Business Values?

Another important thing to consider is your values, as these will help to define your business. Although it may take some time to perfect them, thinking about what you will offer your customers is incredibly important. For a guide to putting together your business’ values , you can visit this handy site here.

How Will Your Business Make A Profit In A Sustainable Way?

When it comes to running a sustainable business, often it’s a little harder to make a profit. Whether you’re paying more for materials or you have a smaller target audience, you need to think about exactly how your business is going to be making a profit and whether or not it’s something you can sustain.

Have You Considered Your Costs?

When it comes to profits, you also need to think about your costs as chances are when you’re running a sustainable business, your costs are going to be much higher. If you don’t know what your exact costs are going to be right away, it might be worth putting a rough estimate together as you’re finding the best suppliers for your business.

Do You Need To Employ Any Staff?

Another important thing to consider when it comes to starting a sustainable business is whether or not you’re going to need to hire any staff. Although this may not be something you do right away, hiring staff is the perfect way to free up your time to work on business growth. Whether you outsource or bring someone on full-time, you will notice the difference in no time.

If you do need to employ staff, here are 8 Payroll Reports Every Business Manager Needs To Know.

How Will You Promote Your Business To Others?

As you start to launch your business, you need to think about how you’re going to promote it to others. When it comes to sustainability, online is often the best place to start.

What Are Your Targets As A Business?

Finally, you need to think about your targets as a business. Whether you’re looking to make a difference in the world of sustainability or you’re looking to make a profit during your first year, setting goals is a great way to keep you motivated. For a guide to setting goals , you can visit this site here.

With lots of important things to consider before starting a sustainable business, you can be sure you’re doing all that you can to protect the environment at the same time as following your dreams. What else do you need to consider? Did we miss anything off of the list? Let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.

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.