Businesses across different sectors have started looking for ways to improve sustainability and sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. While in the past, there may have been instances of brands that resorted to cynical practices with the sole aim of boosting their sales, with many incorporating greenwashing practices into their companies, that is something of the past for many.
The climate crisis continues to become more severe, increasing its scope and impacting the livelihood of millions of people from across the globe.
Drought, the increase in extreme weather phenomena, as well as the worsening of food insecurity and poverty, are some of the most pressing concerns. The loss of biodiversity due to pollution, the overexploitation of natural resources, and changes in land use that create habitat loss are worrying as well, leading many to see why it is now more than ever necessary to take measures to combat the shifts in the environment.
Nonprofit
Partnerships are one of the most essential things for any company, as they help bring in fresh new ideas, promote growth and enable you to enter new markets. Many of those who are ready to integrate sustainability into their companies need assistance in the beginning since there are so many aspects you must consider.
Joining forces with nonprofit organizations can help clarify some of the issues that come with the novelty of sustainable practices and ease the challenges of the learning curve.
Ideally, you should look for enterprises that have considerable experience in the environment since they’re also more likely to be able to help you have a better start. They can help you make concepts or policies that only exist on paper a reality, which will unquestionably help you make an impact when you’re getting started.
For instance, they can provide valuable insights into how you can improve recycling practices or altogether reduce your reliance on paper and plastics.
The best part of it is that nonprofits aren’t just helpful when it comes to environmental sustainability but can also help you make more ethical choices when it comes to your employees, whether that means addressing concerns about gender and racial equity or concerns about the labor environment.
Joint effort
You cannot create a sustainable company as long as only the people in management positions know the changes that should be addressed. All members of your team should be aware of the positive impact of sustainability, as well as all the steps of the process this shift entails.
When you make sure that everyone is thoroughly educated on what it takes to make the business more sustainable, you increase the buy-in rate, which minimizes the risk of going back to the old, unsustainable ways.
Your employees will also feel empowered and get a real sense of how their impact matters for the overall processes. Depending on the particularities of your situation, there are many different ways to go about it.
The most straightforward methods are to include lectures and webinars that employees can attend. It can also be part of a separate training program. Lunch-and-learn events can be more informal and, therefore, more relaxing for some so that information retention is easier.
Supply chains
The supply chain is the backbone of all businesses, and when it’s not working accordingly, the entire enterprise suffers. The pandemic revealed many vulnerabilities in the classic supply chains, leading many to rethink how they’re manufacturing and selling their products.
Since supply chains are so large and complex, even when supporting relatively small companies, you must find ways to implement sustainable policies across the entire system. Many companies invest in solutions like a ballepresser in DK to recycle more effectively and embrace sustainability.
Starting to work with more sustainable materials is the first step. Recycled or reclaimed is the best option, but if that’s not feasible, you must still focus on raw materials that are locally sourced. Make sure that all your partners follow the same practices as well.
The ethical aspect of working with large numbers of people is also critical, and you should always strive to embrace fairness and fair-trade agreements, as well as work with suppliers and manufacturers that share the same views.
Reducing the amount of packaging you use is also an essential thing since most companies tend to go a little overboard when it comes to this. Although you want to make sure that your products travel in perfect condition and reach retailers or customers in good working order, you should avoid using more package filler than you need and stay away from using very large boxes for small items.
Streamlining the manufacturing process to reduce the amount of waste produced, especially plastics that are notoriously detrimental to the health of the environment, humans and animals.
Moving production closer to the end customers will reduce the emissions associated with transportation. Replace your existing power installations with their solar – or wind-powered solution. Depending on your location, hydropower can be a solid solution as well.
Although you might not be able to replace all the electric equipment in one fell swoop, you’ll still make a step in the right direction. You can also install sensors in your warehousing facilities to make sure that all cooling and heating stops when necessary. This way, you avoid wasting resources, which is terrible for the environment and your energy bills.
Moreover, seeing that the temperature levels are controlled and remain relatively stable also means that your products will be better preserved when it’s time for them to reach the buyers.
Flexibility
While the rules of creating a sustainable business are relatively clear and straightforward, you must still make room for flexibility within your company. Being fully dedicated to your end goals is an excellent thing, but you need to remember that companies are constantly growing and evolving. That means that you must keep up with the changes and find ways to help your business that align with the changing values and technology.
A more nuanced approach is always a good thing when it comes to businesses, and many believe that sustainability means adopting an entirely new mindset altogether. Most importantly sustainable practices rely on a shift into what is seen as success. For sustainable businesses, it is no longer solely correlated with profits, especially not when the money comes at the expense of the planet and communities.
The road to achieving sustainability requires dedication and a commitment to constant learning. Although it can seem quite challenging initially, it’s also a matter of time until you become accustomed to it. And the rewards will appear instantly.
Sustainable Practices article and permission to publish here provided by Mary Hall. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on November 17, 2023.
Cover photo by Karsten Würth on Unsplash.