How To Become A More Sustainable Business

Julie Starr • June 22, 2021



As a business owner and company, part of your responsibility is to help make the world and environment a better place. You may have the desire to but are unsure of where to start or what to do to achieve this goal.

Be glad to know there are several ways and steps you can take that will help you become a more sustainable business that you can be proud of. Take it one small step at a time and track your progress so you can see how you’re doing as you go and what you may need to work on and focus on in the future.

Set Goals & Communicate the Initiative

One way to become a more sustainable business is to outline goals for what you want to accomplish in this area. Figure out a game plan and strategy for becoming greener and improving your current practices. For instance, it may be that you want to work with more sustainable businesses or use less energy at your office. Write down your goals and review them often so you can monitor how you’re doing along the way. Once you have a plan in place you should communicate your initiative and objectives to your company and employees so they can help you find success with the ideas you have in place.

Create A Green Team

You may struggle to become a more sustainable business if you’re the only one doing the work. Therefore, consider creating a green team of employees who are passionate about the cause and can help you reach your goals. Let them take charge and figure out how to get more people at your company involved. Give them some direction but then allow them to lead the way and come up with strategies to implement your plan and ensure your business follows through on this important initiative. Brainstorm ways to improve and then work together as a team to turn your ideas into reality.

Do Your Homework

One reason you may be struggling to be more sustainable is that you’re unsure of how to go about it. In this case, it’s best to do your homework and research so you can get some additional ideas and strategies. Study your competitors and find out what other businesses are doing in this area so you can follow suit or come up with other innovative and creative ways to do a better job with this project. Learn from their mistakes and successes and figure out how they’re running a more eco-friendly business and come up with your own model for success.

Bring Your Products & Marketing Online

Another way to become a more sustainable business is to change what you’re doing and how you’re operating. Consider bringing your products and marketing online so you’re using technology and less energy, actual waste, and physical items to run your business. Use your website to market your business instead of printing off flyers and signs. Make sure your website is a success and your message gets out by working with a company like Unravelseo.com that knows how to get you higher up in the search results.

Offer Remote Work

Think about offering remote work at your company to make it more sustainable. This way you don’t have to operate a physical office as much or as frequently and can save money not having to stock, light, and heat your building. You can save on energy and your employees can work at home instead of having to take their cars to work. Having fewer cars on the road is good for the environment and will save your employees time. You may also want to offer public transit commuter benefits for when they do have to come into the office, which is the greenest way to get around. It provides your workers with more flexibility and an opportunity to complete more tasks online and through technology. Make energy-efficient upgrades to your office for the days you do have to spend and work in it.

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle

You should also commit to reducing, reusing, and recycling as a business if you want to run a more sustainable operation. Make sure you have the right tools and set up to see the results you desire and do what’s in your power so you’re not always creating more waste. Make sure you have recycling bins around your office, print less and use technology more, and rethink your packaging and use of plastic. Once you get in the habit it’ll soon become second nature and you won’t have to think so hard to follow through with these practices. Make it a point to use stainable products in and around the office so you’re practicing what you’re preaching. It can be anything from the rolls of toilet paper you buy to the cleaning products that you use. You may also want to consider how you decorate your office and choose to shop and buy second-hand and consignment décor and furniture.

Reward Effort

You can do what’s in your power as a business owner to turn your company around for the better but you may struggle to succeed unless your employees stand behind you and support you. Become a more sustainable business by rewarding any and all effort that’s made by your team and those you work with. Make sure that they know you’re watching and monitoring their actions and hard work. Reward their behaviors as a way to offer positive reinforcement and get them to stick with it in the future.

Conclusion

These tips will help ensure you can become a more sustainable business over time and can thrive in this area. Be patient because it’ll take time to change habits and behaviors and get everyone on board with what you’re trying to achieve. Let these ideas provide you with a starting point for knowing where to begin and how to succeed in this area. Be proud of yourself for making an effort and getting your company on the right track to helping the environment and making the world a better place.

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.