Business Sustainability Trends To Follow

Julie Starr • May 14, 2022



Over the past few years, people have become more and more interested in making their personal and professional lives more sustainable. Many businesses are constantly told that they aren’t doing enough to make their business model more sustainable, which is fair. Retailers are often singled out because general trash and too much packaging are two of the biggest causes of the huge landfills that pollute the world. Offices also use a lot of energy, and many of them don’t follow ways to save resources. We’ve put together a list of some sustainability trends that all businesses should be aware of to help you make your business more environmentally friendly .

Sharing Data

It’s one thing to tell your clients that you use sustainable practices and products that are good for the environment. It’s another thing to show the public that you’re keeping your word. Today, many people who work for businesses want them to be more open about how sustainable they are. This means sharing information about everything from your carbon footprint to proof that they are doing things to make up for the bad things they do to the environment. For example, they might show that they are planting trees to make up for the carbon emissions caused by their global deliveries or that the solar panels on their office or store generate more power than they use from fossil fuels.

Sustainable Packaging 

Even though this has been a problem for a long time, people are more upset than ever about how much packaging is used that can’t be recycled. Plastics are one of the biggest sources of pollution on land and in the sea, and many marine creatures get sick or die after eating plastic. As there are better, more sustainable ways to package products with recycled plastic, like eco-friendly polythene , for example, all retail businesses should try to find other ways to package their goods. And when you buy general office items and supplies, it’s important to get them from businesses that care a lot about being environmentally friendly.

  Reducing Waste

As important as it is for your business to use sustainable packaging and materials, it is just as important for your office and employees to waste less. Recycling programs should be strongly encouraged and enforced, so you can be sure you’re slashing waste as much as possible. Food waste doesn’t have to end up in landfills either. Work with businesses that are good for the environment, like those that turn this waste into biofuel, and think about sending good-condition unwanted items, like old furniture, to charity shops.

  Green Initiatives 

Green initiatives are another great idea for your business, both from an eco-friendly point of view and as a way to send a good message to the public. This can mean anything from running big campaigns to get people to recycle to changing the way your office works from top to bottom. Going paperless, using a different energy source, using programs to help you, such as Rezatec , or taking part in a global project like planting trees are all great ideas. Switching to working from home could also be a good idea because it could save you money and reduce your company’s electricity use by eliminating the need for an office.

Amplifying Climate Action: The Critical Role of Communications in Advancing Davos 2025 Initiatives

By Julie Starr • March 3, 2025
At the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, leaders from around the globe convened to address pressing environmental challenges. The discussions underscored the urgency of climate action and highlighted innovative solutions to safeguard our planet. Effective communication plays a pivotal role in amplifying these efforts, ensuring that critical initiatives gain traction, engagement, and long-term support. Here are three key takeaways from Davos 2025 and the vital role of communications in advancing these initiatives: Launch of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor A landmark announcement was the creation of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor , aiming to restore and protect 540,000 km² of land across the Congo basin. This initiative not only seeks to conserve biodiversity but also to foster sustainable economic growth for local communities. The Role of Communications: Strategic storytelling can elevate awareness of the Green Corridor’s impact, ensuring that global audiences understand its significance. Media engagement and public relations efforts can generate widespread support from governments, NGOs, and investors. Thought leadership initiatives can position conservation experts as authorities, driving further collaboration and funding. Integration of Indigenous Knowledge in Climate Solutions Davos 2025 emphasized the importance of blending cutting-edge climate science with the wisdom of indigenous communities. This approach ensures that solutions are contextually relevant and culturally sensitive. The Role of Communications: Effective stakeholder engagement ensures that indigenous voices are heard and respected in global decision-making forums. Social media and digital storytelling can amplify the invaluable contributions of indigenous communities, fostering greater appreciation and inclusion in policy frameworks. Clear, accessible messaging can bridge gaps between scientific research, policymaking, and indigenous traditions, leading to more holistic climate solutions. Recognition of Groundbreaking Environmental Initiatives The inaugural Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Awards at Davos honored five innovative projects advancing systemic transformations for people and the planet. The Role of Communications: Public relations efforts can shine a spotlight on award-winning initiatives, securing media coverage that attracts further investment and collaboration. Brand positioning and digital outreach can help environmental organizations establish credibility and thought leadership in sustainability. Social media engagement can rally communities around these initiatives, ensuring continued momentum and impact beyond Davos. In conclusion, the insights from Davos 2025 highlight a global commitment to environmental sustainability. Communications serve as a bridge between action and awareness, ensuring that transformative initiatives receive the recognition, resources, and engagement necessary to drive meaningful change. By strategically leveraging media, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement, we can amplify impact and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future.

The Power of Social Media for Sustainability Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 24, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.
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