Quick Ways To Reduce Your Business’ Carbon Footprint

Julie Starr • November 25, 2020



Any conscientious company should be looking not just at their profitability but also their sustainability. All businesses will impact the world around them, but that impact does not have to be negative. In America, the average footprint for each person is a staggering 16 tons per year. This figure can be lowered by a few quick and simple changes to our business practices. Here are a few simple suggestions that any business can quickly implement to reduce your carbon footprint. 

Streamline Your Online Data

It is hard to imagine, but while an email costs less carbon than a similar size letter, our online use still has a carbon footprint. A Greenpeace report stated that some of the biggest data centers consume the equivalent energy of 180,000 homes within a day because the drivers where cloud data is stored need power and often also need cooling. This has a cost. So if you have multiple duplicates of a file sitting on your companies’ shared files, this does have a cost to your carbon. Every minuscule cost soon adds up. Consulting for cloud environments is a service that will help you streamline your cloud setup and use it most effectively. The added benefit is that the less data stored, the lower your carbon footprint, and the less financial cost occurred as well. 

The Reusables Bin

A recent study by Forbes discovered that, on average, companies recycle 54% of their waste. While this is an increase over recent years, there is room for improvement. If you have a sound system of recycling in place, consider adding a Reusables bin as well. This is for items that might usually be disposed of but could be reused by the company. For instance, paper clips or ring binders can be reused multiple times. If your business prints large quantities of non-confidential paperwork, you could use the paper’s back for scrap notebooks, rather than just throwing them into the recycling. Remember, while recycling is great, it does have a carbon cost, and reusing is a much more efficient way to deal with waste. 

Appoint A Green Champion

The best way to show your commitment to your environment as a business is by investing in it. This doesn’t mean you need to siphon off your profits for tree planting each year (although that could be a great idea). Even just given someone dedicated time within a week to calculate your business carbon footprint and lead any campaigns to reduce the footprint is an investment. A green champion can become well versed in the latest thinking within your industry and ensure that projects are thought through with sustainability in mind. This will prove better in the long run than discovering you have a terrible environmental impact within your supply chain, for instance, and trying to unpick the problem. A green champion can have this cause at the forefront of their mind during planning meetings and can be expected to raise the issue whenever you need to discuss it. 

Finally, remember, as, with any business change, it requires a commitment from the leadership. You need to demonstrate to your colleagues that this is a cherished company value and take reducing your carbon footprint as seriously as increasing your profits.

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.