How to Make Each Department in Your Business Greener

Julie Starr • August 26, 2021



The world is changing. Consumers are demanding more sustainable products and services, and businesses are feeling the pressure to change. But, as a business owner, you may not be sure where to start to make your company greener. The good news is that there are plenty of ways for you to get started! In this blog post, we will discuss ten ways your business can transact greener in each department – from marketing to HR, so read on!

Marketing

As marketing is often the face of a company, changing your approach to how you market can make a big difference. Instead of using traditional paper flyers or postcards, why not try an electronic flyer and email? If you insist on sending out letters via snail mail, consider buying recycled paper products instead – there are plenty available these days. 

Another way marketers can transact greener is by working on their digital presence . Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great ways for businesses to market themselves. And, with the major leaps being made in the world of digital marketing, you can now market your company and reach a much larger audience than would never have been possible with traditional marketing methods.

HR

Many companies already have a green policy in place – for example, requiring employees to print double-sided or only printing when necessary, etc., but did you know that if your business is big enough, then it could be possible to offset your carbon footprint? The easiest way of doing this is by using an online service called ‘ My Climate. ‘ All you need to do is register with them and purchase one of their packages which will allow you to play a part in reforesting land, so even though as they say, “you can’t change the past,” at least you’re helping keep our future greener!

Another great way HRs can transact greener within their department is through recycling old office equipment like PCs and printers. According to Environmental Protection, the UK alone produces around 15 million tonnes of electronic waste a year, so it’s best to dispose of old equipment properly. The good news is that manufacturers like Epson and Apple have a ‘take back scheme’ which allows you to recycle both new and old products!

If your business does decide on a recycling scheme for office supplies, then make sure you handle it correctly by ensuring anything containing hazardous material (like batteries) are sent off-site where they can be disposed of with specialist companies safely, as well as making sure that everything else gets shredded before being recycled – this stops any confidential data from falling into the wrong hands!

Logistics

When it comes to making a company more green, logistics is where most people get discouraged as they think there’s not much they can do. However, this isn’t the case! Firstly make sure your business has joined initiatives like The Carbon Trust or Climate Care, which allow you to offset carbon emissions when transporting goods around. 

This means that whether you’re sending out one package or several, any negative impact on the environment will be balanced, so even though you’re still using natural resources to send items in bulk, by joining these schemes, you are at least helping keep our planet cleaner overall! Another part of logistics that often gets overlooked is the packaging. Still, if carefully planned, companies can reduce their waste significantly without jeopardizing service quality – for example, having boxes with pre-cut holes can be an excellent way to ensure your items are secure and prevent too much excess packaging!

Sustainable energy sources

When it comes to making your company more green, sustainable energy sources are an excellent place to begin because they’re easy and cheap (and in some cases even free) too! For example, let’s say you own a warehouse or office building that has large windows – if the sun is shining, then why not use solar panels from https://jrcousa.com/commercial-solar-panels/ instead of regular electricity? Even though these may initially seem expensive, just think about how much money will be saved on bills as well as helping save our planet so both us and future generations can live peacefully. Plus with government grants available for small businesses who install renewable technologies, there really isn’t any reason why every business shouldn’t invest in this.

Remember, some small changes can make big differences, so don’t feel like this is something that has to cost lots of money or take up much time because sustainable energy sources are here and they’re ready now. All we have to do is reach out and grab them with both hands! 

Sales

One of the first things that people think about when it comes to making their business greener is recycling paper and plastic cups at events. While this will help, there are actually many other ways you can transact greener in your sales department by thinking outside the box! For example, if all or a few of your staff have company cars, then why not switch them from petrol/diesel engines to an electric model? This means they’ll emit less carbon dioxide, plus as long as these models meet specific safety criteria (like having sufficient range for each journey), they’re also exempt from road tax, so employees could save money! You may need some convincing, but trust me – electric vehicles really are up there with cars now. Since most cities are introducing clean air zones (where older, more polluting vehicles are banned from entering), it could be good to make the switch before legislation is enforced!

Another way your company can transact greener in sales is by using recyclable pens. Instead of throwing away old biros that have run out or broken, why not just refill them with new ink? Although this may seem like an impractical task, there are actually websites online which specialize in selling refills, and if they’re purchased once every few months rather than buying brand new pens, you’ll save yourself money as well as helping our planet too!

Production

When it comes to making a business more green, production can seem like the most daunting task as there are so many things you need to consider. However, don’t worry because while this may be true for big companies with large factories and lots of employees, if your company is smaller, then you’ve got even more of an incentive since less work means fewer resources will be needed! 

So what can you do? Well, firstly remember where possible that recycling waste materials from one department into another is cheaper than buying new products (and often better quality) – after all, did you know that recycled paper costs on average 20% less than newly harvested wood pulp which saves money but also uses far less energy? Plus, let’s not forget about carbon emissions – recycling paper uses 65% less energy than making it from new wood pulp, so it is a win-win situation.

Packaging

Another way your company can transact greener in production is by making sure all your packaging has as little excess material included. Although it may seem attractive to have a box that’s big enough for the product inside plus some free space, most of this will end up being thrown away, and if you supply just one item, then why spend money on something which won’t be used? Plus, don’t forget – recycling cardboard takes less energy than creating new boxes, so using leftover materials would save even more! 

By utilizing the above tips, you’ll have a greener business that focuses on sustainability as much as profit in no time!

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.
By Julie Starr May 20, 2025
No one likes having to tighten their belts, especially when it comes to running a business or managing a big project, but sometimes cutting costs isn’t just a good idea - it’s actually the only way to keep things moving. The tricky part, of course, is doing it without sacrificing quality or ending up with a long list of regrets you’ll be paying for (literally in many cases) later. The thing to remember is that cost-cutting doesn’t have to mean cutting corners, and if you can be a bit creative and rethink how you usually do things, you can reduce your spending and still get great results. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. Not only does this support your project, but it can support sustainable business initiatives as well. You Don’t Have To Buy Everything One of the most common ways money disappears in business is buying things you don’t need to buy. If you’re in the trade or construction field, you already know how expensive equipment can be, especially when it’s only needed on occasion, which is why it’s crucial to get out of the idea of having to buy everything - there are other ways. Rather than buying every tool, machine, or device upfront, it’s worth thinking about short-term options instead, and that way you don’t have to commit thousands to something you’ll only use once or twice a year. Instead, renting can help bridge the gap between affordability and getting good results, and you’ll still have access to the tools you need. For example, if you’ve got a job coming up that needs specific welding gear but you don’t use it regularly, you’re better off exploring welding equipment rental rather than buying it. You’ll get high-quality, up-to-date equipment, but you avoid the ongoing expense of maintenance, storage, or even depreciation. And when the job is complete, it just goes back with no wasted budget or clutter. Aim For Better Planning Another area where money leaks is in poor planning . The fact is that scheduling and communication are basically very often the difference between staying under budget and going over budget. Over-ordering materials, miscommunication between suppliers, last-minute bookings, and so on all has an impact and the ability to add up and cost significantly more. Spending a bit more upfront in the planning process can save considerable amount of funds later, which is why it’s worth planning projects in phases, double-checking inventory before you place any new orders, and staying as realistic as possible about delivery times. In doing so, you’re not just avoiding waste, you’re keeping the entire project on track, and that’s going to give you much better results and success in the future. Use Tech In Useful Ways We’ve all seen the impressive new software packages with prices to match, but tech doesn’t have to be expensive to work well, and in fact, using a few smart digital tools can save hours of time and lots of paperwork, especially if you’re managing a team or you’ve got multiple projects to juggle all at once. Free or low-cost apps for time tracking, job scheduling, or being able to share communication can help you avoid missed communications and reduce admin hours. And of course, spreadsheets can still work if you like using them, but adding a digital tool to the mix could be just what you need to reduce confusion, mistakes, and having to repeat work. Invest Where It Counts Saving money doesn’t mean always choosing the least expensive option or not buying something when you really do need it. Sometimes, saving money just means choosing the best value item over time, and factoring in sustainable concepts taht support the project and business case. Be mindful and invest in the right things. You’ll want to fund equipment and purchases that support safety and the items that your team use every day that support the business. Cutting corners on essentials might save you money at the start, but it usually just creates more problems later on, and it’s just not worth the risk. Invest wisely.