How To Live A More Sustainable Life

Julie Starr • June 28, 2022



To live a more sustainable life, you can’t just change everything all at once. Instead, you have to change your whole way of life but do it slowly. Being more sustainable isn’t a simple goal you can check off and move on to the next thing on your list. Instead, it’s a journey you take for the rest of your life, learning, experimenting, failing, starting over, and telling others about your journey. Here are a few ways to begin.

Reduce Your Consumption 

This is a very important long-term goal. We are all consumers, but our constant excessive consumption of everything is destroying our only home. It’s not all our fault because we’ve been told that this is what makes for a happy, successful life, but more and more of us are realizing that this isn’t true.

The world is full of the things we buy, from diapers to plastic straws, and if you want to be more environmentally friendly, you should think of everything you buy as an eco-friendly choice.

  Support Local Businesses 

This is a big step toward living in a more sustainable way, but it’s often missed. Being more environmentally friendly doesn’t mean you can never buy anything again. Smaller, independent, and local businesses are often more environmentally friendly than large corporations, so giving your money to them is a great way to be greener.

  Check out the brands you often buy from. Do they work with a group that helps people in need? Do they make up for their pollution? Are they a business that helps people? Do they help the environment in any way? What about if they use a managed IT provider – are they doing what they can too? All of these are easy things you can do to make sure your money is helping the environment.

  When you buy from a local business, your money stays in your community, and you know you’re helping real people who are often very passionate about their work, skill, or product.

Make And Mend 

If you want to live in a more sustainable way, you need to keep your things, clothes, and other belongings in circulation for longer and value them more.

  Although, of course, recycling is a positive thing, it can also be useful to think of it as a last resort. Most of what we think we recycle doesn’t get recycled, and it only makes up a small part of everything we throw away. By fixing broken things and using them for longer, we’re actually living much more sustainably, only recycling when we really have to, and ideally not sending anything to landfills if possible. 

Travel Carefully

We’re all rethinking how we travel right now, so it’s time to think about how your new, more sustainable lifestyle fits into travel. Going on vacation in a more eco-friendly way can mean different things.

  Don’t fly, which is one of the worst things you can do for the environment. Carbon emissions from a round-trip flight to New York are more than what some people in developing countries use up in a whole year. Slow travel is great. Whether you take the train or a bike, enjoy not being in a hurry and seeing the scenery from a different angle. Travel less but travel better. Slow down and enjoy the ride. This will make your trip more meaningful and give you deeper, more life-changing experiences.

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.