9 Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Demonstrate Environmental Sustainability
Climate change is a glaring issue. Individuals are trying to find ways to do their part to help the environment, but what about businesses? Since a business has a considerably large carbon footprint, it should take into consideration its impact on the environment.
To further explore the topic, we asked 9 thought leaders to share their thoughts on why businesses should care about sustainability.
See what they have to say about it, below.
It Creates Room for Innovation
Environmental and social challenges that businesses face every day open the doors for companies to innovate and explore solutions to these problems. Sustainability quite literally means ‘the capacity to endure.’ Businesses should be constantly striving to come up with new ways to be profitable while improving the quality of environmental and social conditions.
It Preserves Resources
Resources that seem to have infinite abundances, like forests and freshwater and even space for landfills, are dwindling before our eyes. When businesses practice sustainability, especially by minimizing waste, it not only reduces the increasing cost of resources, but it helps preserve those resources for the future.
There is a Financial Incentive
Businesses should care about sustainability because it's critical for the future of mankind. Apart from the moral argument, businesses have a financial incentive to invest in eco-friendly manufacturing and products. Younger generations are increasingly "voting with their wallets," opting to purchase eco-friendly products over traditional ones. And because they're willing to pay more for them, sustainability is not only good for the environment but may also be good for your bottom line.
Jonathan Pipek, Product Marketing Manager
It Shows You Are Paying Attention
Because it's the only way the business will maintain itself in the future. We are entering an age where climate change, poverty, sustainability are a part of everyday conversation. It shows that the business is investing back into society and recognizes the impact that it is having.
Sharissa Staples, Business Operations Analyst
It’s Contagious
Caring about sustainability is contagious. When a business puts the pieces together to support a sustainable model, employees are more likely to do their part. Motions as simple as ensuring there are recycling bins available in more than one place, as well as having lots of available info on what is and is not recyclable is an inexpensive and easy start. Rewarding people or departments who are going above and beyond to make the business more sustainable also encourages coworkers to take positive action. The reason WHY is where things get complicated. Sustainable can mean expensive. But, other things that are expensive include innovation stunted by the attempt to cling to outdated materials or methods. When we create opportunities for the future, they can spend time creating and adding to the wealth of the world, rather than just trying to fix the mistakes of prior generations.
Annie deKanter, Brand Development Manager
It’s a Collective Effort
Humanity and sustainability is a collective effort. Although we can mentally disengage from cause and effect, physically we cannot. Sustainability is a personal contribution to a universal situation. As responsible leaders and businesses, we must open our eyes and act in the best interest of the collective.
Candace Cotton, Halo Branded Solutions
There is No Planet B
We have one planet. There’s no Planet B. Anything a company can do to be more sustainable is setting an example.
Emily Beattie, Recruiter & Human Resource Consultant
It Creates a Better Future
"Sustainability" can be boiled down to ensuring your business is not making future generations worse off environmentally, socially, economically. If you care about your children, your grandchildren, or the success of people worse off than you, sustainability should be a top priority of your company.
Grace Mueller, Research Associate
Greater Impact, Greater Responsibility
While it is important for individuals to do their part in striving for a sustainable future, it is arguably more important that businesses acknowledge their objectively larger impact on the environment. Thus, small and large businesses alike should make a conscious effort to incorporate sustainable practices into their business plans. In the wise words of Uncle Ben, "With great power comes great responsibility."
Emily Bosak, Nonprofit SEO Company
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