5 ways going green is good for business
“Sustainability is treating ourselves and our environment as if we are to live on this earth forever”
-Arron Wood
Sustainability, in the true essence of the word, means ‘the capacity to endure’. Creating a sustainable business is developing one that is resilient and built to thrive long-term. Your products and services, and your business practices will allow the planet to thrive long-term too. You’re in it for the long run.
I’d say the main driving force behind making a business more sustainable is to protect the future of the planet. As we face serious environmental issues, including climate change, it is imperative we stop what we are currently doing and look at all ways we can create sustainable solutions in our own businesses.
What are sustainable business practices?
This includes what you do (your product or service) as well as how you do it (the operations within your business). Some key areas that businesses can look at is the energy used, waste produced, wellbeing, transport and purchases. For some ideas on ways to incorporate sustainable practices see my blog post here.
Interestingly, it is not only the planet that benefits from making your business more sustainable, but your business too. Sustainable business practices will help you become more efficient, improve your brand value and reputation, help attract and keep staff, achieve better growth and reduce production costs. A win-win-win for improving the social and economic conditions, while also making a profit.
Why should my business become more sustainable?
Although each business will have their own motivations and reasons for becoming more ‘green’, eco-friendly and sustainable in business, here are a few of the main benefits to becoming a sustainable brand:
1.You attract more customers
These days, consumers are more aware of their purchasing power and they are more interested in aligning their personal values with the brands they buy. By going ‘green’ your brand can have an enhanced brand image, and attract more customers who value that too. Studies show a growing number of people prefer to deal with businesses that are both environmentally and socially responsible. According to the consumer research by the The Natural Marketing Institute, Consumers are 58% more likely to buy from a company when they know the organisation is mindful of their impact on society and the environment. Also, consumers are willing to spend up to 20% more on environmentally sound products and services.
2. Marketing advantages and opportunity
Knowing that consumers value brands that make sustainable business efforts also offers a unique selling point for your business. By highlighting your environmentally sustainable practices, products and services you have an edge on your competition. Some really great ways to showcase your unique selling point is on your eco-friendly packaging, your environmental policies on your website, carbon-neutral certification on your email signature, your sustainability impact report, in your email newsletter, in your about section on your website, throughout your social media and even in blog posts highlighting your efforts (also great for SEO!).
3. Increased productivity and reduced operation costs
Through the development of more sustainable business practices, your efficiency in operations will also increase. With better use and conservation of resources, your operations will be more streamlined, resulting in decreased production costs. This could also mean spending less on your energy bills by creating a more energy efficient office. This could also mean less materials wasted or working out a way to create a completely zero-waste product.
4. You are prepared for the future.
You will be ready for any future laws or regulations that will take effect in the future as you are thinking ahead now. You will also be avoiding any future risks of damaging your reputation or distrust from your loyal customers by having socially and environmentally friendly practices in place now. With social media, consumers expect to see brands pulling back the curtain of their practices, policies and providing complete transparency. Nothing turns consumers off more, than discovering the brand they love to invest in, doesn’t live up to their word.
5. You’ll become a more desirable and healthier place to work.
People are increasingly wanting to work for businesses ‘doing the right thing’ and who share their own values. Therefore, you are likely to retain and attain quality staff that care about your company too. Also, working with planet-friendly, eco-friendly, plant-based or biodegradable products is likely to be much better for the health, happiness and longevity of your staff.
There you have it, doing good business will also be good for your business. So what are you waiting for? The time to start making small, sustainable shifts is now.
If you are keen to explore sustainable packaging design, environmentally friendly business card options, or just want to chat about sustainable printing options for your marketing collateral, I’d love to talk.
