A Sustainable Business: 6 Things You Need To Do

Julie Starr • February 27, 2022



There is no question that the world is changing, and with it, the way we do business. As a result, consumers are more interested than ever in sustainable brands, and companies that don’t adapt will find themselves at a disadvantage. If you’re looking to make your business more sustainable, there are six things you need to change. Keep reading for tips on making your brand more environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and profitable!

Make Sustainable Practices A Priority

One of the most important things you can do to make your business more sustainable is to make sustainability a priority. This means ensuring that environmental and social responsibility are considered in all aspects of your company, from product development to marketing to employee training.

It’s also important to set measurable goals for sustainability and track progress over time. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and ensure that your efforts have a positive impact.

Finally, it’s essential to have a strong leadership commitment to sustainability. The top brass needs to be on board with making changes towards sustainability, or else they’ll likely never happen.

Throw Out All The Plastics

Plastic is one of the biggest threats to our environment, and it’s something that businesses can easily do without. Switching to sustainable materials like bamboo or metals can help reduce your environmental impact.

When it comes to packaging, make sure you’re using recyclable materials whenever possible. If you can’t find a recyclable option, try to choose products that come in minimal packaging.

You can also consider changing your signage for something more sustainable such as a large metal signboard. What you should know about cnc cutting is that it can be used to cut out very intricate designs, giving your new signage a unique and stylish edge. In addition, this signage can be used to promote the fact that your business practices sustainability.

Implement A Company-Wide Recycling Program

One of the easiest ways to make your business more sustainable is by implementing a recycling program. This can be as simple as providing bins for employees to recycle paper, plastic, and other waste.

You can also get creative with your recycling initiatives by implementing composting programs or upcycling projects. The more you can do to reduce the amount of waste your company produces, the better!

Sustainability is no longer a trend; it’s a necessity. If you want your business to thrive in the years to come, you need to prioritize sustainability.

Educate Your Employees About Sustainability

Your employees are your most important asset, so it’s essential to educate them about sustainability. This can be done through training programs, internal communications, or even just by setting an example as a leader.

The goal is to get everyone on board with making sustainable practices a part of their daily routine. Once your employees are on board, they’ll be more likely to make sustainable choices in their personal lives as well.

Sustainability starts with education, so make sure you’re doing your part to educate your team!

Evaluate Your Supply Chain

Your supply chain has a significant impact on your company’s sustainability. Take a close look at your suppliers and evaluate their environmental and social practices.

Make sure you only work with suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. If you can’t find any that meet your standards, consider switching to a more sustainable product or material.

It would help if you also considered the carbon footprint of your supply chain when making decisions about transportation and logistics. For example, the further away your suppliers are, the more emissions will be produced in order to get their products to you.

If possible, choose local suppliers or those that use green transportation methods. This will help reduce your company’s carbon footprint and support sustainable businesses in your community.

Make Sustainability A Priority In Product Development

Product development is a critical part of any business, and it’s imperative to make sustainability a priority. When designing new products, ask yourself how they can be made more sustainable.

By making sustainability a priority in product development, you’ll help ensure that your products are as eco-friendly as possible.

Not only is this good for the environment, but it can also save your company money in the long run. Sustainable products often have lower manufacturing costs and require less energy to produce.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of things businesses can do to become more sustainable. But it’s important to remember that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. There will always be room for improvement, so don’t get discouraged if you’re not perfect from the start. Instead, just keep taking small steps, and you’ll eventually get there!

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.