Sustainable Outsourcing: Making The Right Decisions

Julie Starr • December 2, 2020



Most businesses find that they need to use outsourcing in one way or another. If you are looking to improve your business with the use of outsourcing, you will need to make sure that you are doing so in a way that fits in with your ethical framework as a company too. Most businesses are keen to try and be as sustainable as possible these days, for instance. As it happens, there are a lot of ways in which you can make sure you are outsourcing sustainably, and in this article, we are going to look at some of them in detail.

Putting The Planet Above Competitiveness

When you are searching around for the right company to help your business along in some way or another, competition is clearly going to play a big role. But if you really care about keeping your business sustainable , you will need to make sure that you are putting the planet above that competitiveness as best as you possibly can. In other words, always make sure that you work with the sustainable and environmentally ethical team over the cheaper one, if that is the choice you are faced with. As long as you do that, you should find that your outsourcing is much better for the planet on the whole.

Keep An Eye On Purchasing Processes

When you are researching companies you might be using as outsource partners, you need to look into their supply chain in as much detail as possible. In particular, you should look into their purchasing processes , and make sure that they live up to the kind of ethical green standard you are hoping to maintain in your own business. This information should be fairly easy to come by, and if it is not that can often mean that the company in question has something to hide. By keeping a close eye on this, you can tell whether the company in question is truly operating in as sustainable a manner as you would hope.

Seek Out Green-Dedicated Teams

There are teams out there who are absolutely dedicated to being as green as possible in everything they do. If you can manage to find those teams in particular, you are going to be sure that they are a good bunch to work with, as their processes are bound to be in place with regard to keeping things sustainable. So when a company makes a big noise about green issues, that should be a, well, green light for the go-ahead. You know you will be working with an outsource team who really care as much as you do about doing their bit for the planet.

Ask For Sustainable Goals

One way to determine whether a company you are looking to work with really cares about sustainability is to ask to see a list of their sustainable goals. If this is something that they tend to truly prioritize, then producing that list should not be too much of a problem, and you can then look through it and see how serious they are. If they are unable to produce a list  or the one they do produce is simply not up to scratch, you know that you should think about looking elsewhere instead. In either case, you have saved some time and ensured that you have not deviated from your own commitment to operating in a sustainable fashion.

Consider The Differential Effects Of Outsourcing Versus In-House

Whenever you are hoping to outsource anything, one thing you should bear in mind is how more or less it is going to affect sustainability compared to doing the same work in-house. You can generally be sure that it’s as sustainable, and therefore a good move, if the work happens in a similar environment to where you run your business, or it’s being carried out by a team with similar goals to you. Some tasks are just clearly as sustainable in an outsourced setting as they are in-house, like using content writing services by companies like FATJOE . In those cases, you know outsourcing is a perfectly sustainable option.

Use That Saved Time To Improve Other Areas

When you want your business to be a leader in sustainability, you need to have a wide focus on everything you are doing in your business at once. So, anything that you might do in terms of outsourcing is likely to have some kind of effect in this wider way. If you are outsourcing a lot, you are probably saving a lot of time that way, not to mention a lot of energy too. If you make a point of using at least some of that time and energy into improving your sustainability in other areas, then that’s an important way in which you are helping to keep things green too.

Learn From Your Partners

On occasion, it might even be the case that the partners you have chosen to work with are altogether operating in a way that is more sustainable than your own company. When that is the case, the best approach is to simply use this as inspiration for improving things in your own business. In fact, you could make a point of asking them what they do and how they do it, and in the process you might be able to learn a thing or two that you can carry forwards. This is just another powerful reason to make sure you are seeking out teams who care about sustainability.

Never Compromise

From time to time, you might come across an outsourcing opportunity that is just too good to be true. It might be a ridiculously low offer price, or it could be promising a crazy fast turnaround time. Whatever it is, if you have the suspicion that what’s being offered is in sacrifice of sustainability, don’t go for it. Ultimately, it is never worth compromising in this way. As long as you stick to your guns, you should have a sustainable operation you can be proud of.

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.