Can Making Your Business More Virtual Make It More Sustainable?

Julie Starr • February 23, 2021



Many of us have been working virtually over the last year. Some businesses may choose to go back to normal eventually, while others might decide that a greater amount of remote working is suitable for them. You might be thinking about how making your business more virtual could benefit you, and one of the things that you can consider is how it might help you to make your business more sustainable. Remote working could be used to introduce green practices, from reducing the amount of office space that you use to less traveling required for your staff. So how could making your business more remote make it more sustainable?

Remove or Reduce the Need for Commuting

When you have a remote team, you can make your business more eco-friendly by removing the need for people to commute . Your staff won’t need to drive to work or use other methods of transport every day, before and after their workday. This cuts down on the amount of fuel that they need to use if they drive, not only reducing their carbon emissions but also saving them money. Even for people who prefer to hire a desk or join a coworking space, they can choose somewhere convenient for them that’s easy to get to.

You can help to cut down on travel in other circumstances too. People may not need to travel to attend job interviews, for example. Business travel might be less necessary if people can meet online instead of traveling to meet in person.

Reduce Your Office Space

If your business is more virtual, you don’t need as much space to accommodate your staff. You don’t have to get rid of offices and business premises completely, but you might be able to reduce the amount of space required. While you might still have a warehouse to deal with your order fulfillment, you might not need to have an office for your admin and support staff. Instead, they can work from home (or wherever they choose to work from). If you do ever need to provide space for them, such as for important meetings or team days, you can hire the space you need for the amount of time that you need it.

Less need for office space and other buildings means that you won’t be using energy and other resources for your business. If you work with other businesses that provide virtual services for you, you reduce the impact on the environment by sharing these services with other businesses. If you use a virtual answering service , you know that they are helping you and a number of other businesses instead of having to sustain your own team of people to answer phones. Of course, it’s also important to consider that your employees will instead be using these resources at home, which will cost them money and will be a more hidden way that your business makes use of essential resources.

Cut Down on Waste

Less business space also means that your business can produce less waste. If you don’t need an office, you don’t have to have office supplies . There’s no need to have paper, printer ink, paperclips, pens, or other resources that can be important in an office environment. Everything can be conducted online instead, using cloud applications and other tools to carry out necessary tasks. People who are working remotely also tend to spend more time at home, which means they might make choices such as making their own lunch instead of going out to buy something that produces a lot of waste.

If you digitize your business, there’s no need to do anything on paper. Not only does that save paper, as well as other resources such as printer ink and electricity, but it also means you don’t need space to store all of your paper documents and records. There’s no need for filing cabinets and rooms full of paper documents when you can just keep everything stored digitally instead. You can explore a range of options too, such as having your own servers or making use of cloud storage services, which can enable you to use shared servers.

Create a More Diverse, Sustainable Workforce

Making your business more virtual can also help you to hire a more diverse and sustainable workforce. When you’re able to hire from a diverse pool, you can find people who share the same values as your business, especially where sustainability and eco-friendliness are concerned. As well as creating businesses that are sustainabl e in an environmental way, this also helps to make your business more future-proof. You can offer equal opportunities to a wide range of people, regardless of their background or identity. You are able to offer more support to those who might need it through virtual working.

Use Sustainable Marketing Methods

Marketing is one of the key things that you can think about if you want to use remote working to ensure your business is sustainable. When you take your business completely online, you can remove the need for marketing methods that might be less useful. Sending out direct mail is potentially not particularly beneficial for an online business. Cutting back on marketing methods like this and focusing on online marketing not only helps you to save money but can make your business more sustainable. Use digital marketing methods to promote your business instead of print marketing or other techniques that aren’t so eco-friendly.

Make Your Supply Chain More Efficient

If you sell physical products, you might decide what making your business virtual means that you have more flexibility with how you fulfill orders. You could choose a more convenient place for your orders to be fulfilled, helping your business to cut down on carbon emissions. You can let another company take care of your fulfillment for you so that you’re able to manage everything remotely. This allows you to choose a location anywhere that helps to cut down on travel time between suppliers, fulfillment, and customers.

In fact, you can choose to work with various partners in your supply chain and beyond who are also sustainable. Running a virtual business gives you more flexibility to work with whoever you want to so that you can choose your partners more carefully.

Consider the Impact of Your Reach

Working remotely can allow you to work with people all over the world. It might also mean that you decide to expand your business into different countries. If you’re doing this, you should think about how your actions might have a more global reach on the environment too. Are there any ways in which you might be having an effect on different countries in various ways? Maybe you’re helping employees or business partners in other countries to be more eco-conscious and to make better choices for sustainability.

Provide Support for Employees

Just because you’re not working with your employees in person, it doesn’t mean you can’t provide them with support. Whereas before, you might have encouraged them to cycle to work or set up an office recycling scheme, there are still ways you can encourage them to be green when they work from home. You can still do things like creating an eco-committee , putting on video conference workshops about sustainability, or challenging employees to do certain sustainable actions. It’s also a good idea to form partnerships with other sustainable organizations to provide more support and set a good example.

Your virtual business could be more sustainable than ever. When you work remotely, you can reduce your business’s carbon emissions and encourage employees and business partners to be sustainable too.

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.