Can You Truly Take Tech To The Green Side?

Julie Starr • January 26, 2022

When it comes to sustainability in business, digital technologies are often painted as the bad guys. Certainly, the fact that the internet alone is responsible for as much as 3.7% of global greenhouse emissions is enough to make any ethically conscious company shudder. Unfortunately, with online activity now essential for success, even businesses that are aware of this often high cost of tech usage have no choice but to invest. 

Of course, sustainability focuses like ethical energy usage can go a long way towards offsetting this damage, but there’s still a lot of ground to cover before it’s possible to even come close to limiting the damage created this way. Hence why, for green-minded businesses, something called sustainable technology is increasingly becoming a pressing focus.

As well as referring to the most sustainable sourcing of energy reserves, this term has largely come to refer to technology that provides environmental good. This sustainable focus can both reduce the amount of technology being used and, hopefully, offset the damage created by residual digitizations. Keep on reading to find out just a few of the most pressing sustainable technology focuses currently making that possible.

# 1 – Automating unnecessary processes

Automation is responsible for a great many of the sustainable focuses that we’ll be discussing here, but it deserves a mention of its own because automating even unrelated in-house processes can make a huge difference to energy outputs. Targeted solutions like automated process discovery that specifically highlight weak points in a company’s digital infrastructure can especially help to eliminate time-consuming and eco-damaging tech-led processes. Furthermore, automation significantly reduces the time each team member must spend in front of a computer, which can lead to significantly more time spent on eco-focuses including sustainable practices, eco-collaborations, and general environmental good. All because of the implementation of a technology that you previously dismissed for being as bad as the rest. 

# 2 – Sourcing supply chain improvements

As can be seen from the implementation of certain technologies such as shelf-canning robots and built-in sensors by companies like Walmart , technology that helps with the management and simplification of general supply chain processes can also make a huge difference from an environmental standpoint. Again, this is in large part thanks to reducing the need for far lengthier tech-led manual processes for the same purpose. However, the ability of this technology to significantly reduce supply chain wastage is perhaps its main selling point. This is especially evident in Walmart food chains, where self-led technology has significantly reduced food waste with a positive environmental impact when paired with general reductions in output, largely offsetting any energy that these technologies require to function in the first place.

# 3 – Seeking more sustainable solutions

Generally speaking, sustainable solutions such as collaboration and energy sourcing , etc. are limited to things like word of mouth recommendations, or the options that are closest to your company location. However, by providing simplified access to far wider-reaching sustainable solutions, internet usage, in particular, can lead to significant improvements elsewhere in your company. This is going to be difficult to justify if members of your team spend hours on the internet seeking sustainable partnerships of this nature, but targeted, limited searching for the right companies to work with can make a huge difference to processes overall. From changing energy suppliers to ensuring partnership with a more eco-friendly delivery service, well-chosen searches of this kind can more than make up for the energy usage they cost in the first place. Offsetting energy consumption with automation, in general, can especially afford you the energy usage needed to enjoy this benefit without compromising on your green standing in general.

# 4 – Using tech for social good

Outside of making certain sustainable business practices possible , it’s also important to note that a generalized focus on using technology to do environmental good can also largely justify the energy needed to make them possible in the first place. Social media campaigns like those seen from companies like Ford are a prime example of this, with this otherwise necessary aspect of digital marketing operations being targeted towards direct environmental good. From petitions to fundraising campaigns and beyond, taking social good online can certainly help to see tech doing more environmental good than it does damage over time.

Sustainable technology may be a step away from everything you’ve learned, but the reality is that it isn’t difficult to both offset digital damage and find a positive way around it when you keep these unique, and importantly green, approaches in mind. 

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.