Unique Strategies To Grow Your Sustainability Business

Julie Starr • June 16, 2022



Running a sustainability business can be difficult. There are many things to consider when trying to grow your company, and it can be hard to know where to start. The following blog will discuss some unique strategies that you can use to grow your sustainability business. It will cover everything from online marketing to networking events and more.

1) Online Marketing

One of the best ways to reach new customers is through online marketing. You can use social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and email marketing to attract new leads. Make sure that your website is up-to-date and easy to navigate. Use strong calls-to-action (CTAs) to encourage people to learn more about your products or services.

For social media , create engaging content that will interest your target audience. Share blog posts, infographics, and other types of content that will help promote your brand. If you have a physical product, take pictures or videos of it in use. For SEO, research keywords that are relevant to your business and use them throughout your website and social media accounts. Email marketing can be a great way to stay in touch with current and potential customers. Send out monthly newsletters with exclusive deals and helpful tips.

2) Networking Events

Another great way to grow your sustainability business is by attending networking events. You’ll have the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals and learn about new trends in the industry. These events can also be a great way to find new customers or partners. Attend trade shows, conferences, and other events that are relevant to your business.

When you’re at these events, be sure to dress professionally and have plenty of business cards on hand. Introduce yourself to as many people as possible and strike up conversations. Exchange contact information with those who seem interested in what you do. Follow up with them after the event so you can continue the conversation.

3) Business Lawyer

It’s essential to have a business lawyer on your side when you’re running a sustainability business. They can help you with everything from contracts to intellectual property law. A lawyer will also be able to advise you on the best way to grow your business. They can help you navigate the legal landscape and avoid any pitfalls along the way.

When choosing a Business Lawer , be sure to find someone who has experience with sustainability businesses. Ask for referrals from other entrepreneurs or look for lawyers who specialize in green businesses. Once you find a few potential options, set up consultations so you can learn more about their services and fees.

4) Green Certification

One way to make your sustainability business stand out is by getting green-certified. This certification shows that you’re committed to operating in a sustainable way. It can also help you attract new customers who are looking for eco-friendly products and services. There are a few different ways to get green-certified, so do some research to find the best option for your business.

The process of getting green-certified can vary depending on the organization you choose. But generally, you’ll need to fill out an application and provide documentation of your sustainable practices. You may also need to undergo an audit from a third-party organization. Once you’re certified, be sure to promote it on your website and social media accounts.

5) Collaborations

Collaborating with other businesses is a great way to grow your sustainability business. You can team up on marketing campaigns, product development, or even just co-hosting events. This type of partnership can help you reach a new audience and get people interested in your business. It’s also a great way to build relationships with other entrepreneurs.

When looking for collaborators, find businesses that complement what you do. For example, if you sell sustainable furniture, team up with an eco-friendly cleaning company. If you have a physical storefront, collaborate with a local farm-to-table restaurant. There are endless possibilities for collaborations, so get creative and think outside the box.

6) Employee Referral Program

A great way to grow your sustainability business is by starting an employee referral program . This type of program incentivizes your employees to refer new customers or clients to your business. You can offer a cash bonus, paid time off, or even just a gift card. The key is to make the reward worth their while.

To get started, create some guidelines for the program. Decide how much you’re willing to pay out and what type of referrals you’re looking for. Then promote the program to your employees and let them know how they can start referring people. Keep track of the results so you can see how effective it is and make adjustments as needed.

In conclusion, there are many unique strategies you can use to grow your sustainability business. By networking, collaborating, and getting green-certified, you’ll be able to stand out from the competition. You can also attract new customers and employees by starting an employee referral program.

 

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.

Cutting Cost Without Cutting Corners

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.