If you’re an entrepreneur getting started on a new business idea, you’ll want to take a look at sustainable practices to incorporate into your business plan. Why? For one, it’s good for the environment, which should be reason enough, but for two, it’s also a great way to reach your target audience and appeal to people who care about eco-friendly practices. Here are a few tips to think about as you create a business plan designed around sustainability:
Research sustainable energy
As you start on your business plan and think about how your company could be a successfully sustainable one, think about how renewable energy plans can make a difference. Did you know that there are plans offered that are 100% renewable energy, so you can always be sure that you’re doing your best at sustainability as a business? Whether you’re powering a small building or have large warehouses and facilities to power, save money on the energy you use while also doing more for eco-friendly practices.
Consider eco-friendly packaging
If you’re starting a brand based on a consumer product, you’ll want to take time to come up with the best packaging for it. Nowadays, consumers are looking to buy from brands that offer sustainable packaging. They want to continue buying products they need but are looking for a way to do more for the planet with their shopping habits.
With this in mind, plus your desire to build a sustainable brand, you’ll take more time researching the eco-friendly packaging options that are available on the market today.
Promote sustainable commute initiatives
Offering your team members a commute stipend to be used on public transport or encouraging the use of bicycles to get to work may be something you can incorporate into your business plan. With vehicle usage as one of the main causes of the detrimental impact that we have on the planet, brands who care about becoming more sustainable know that they can do more by using less fuel.
An alternative to this is to consider a remote work setup or at the very least, a hybrid work plan so that your team members don’t always have to drive into work. The reality is that WFH may encourage more productivity with the reduction of time spent commuting.
Look into eco-friendly shipping
If you’re a retailer who needs to ship products regularly, you may be feeling a bit conflicted about the way that this may contribute to your carbon footprint. However, some methods can at least help you to improve the way that you ship products for a more sustainable outcome. From the actual transportation used to ship your goods to better scheduling of shipments so that there is less of a need for frequent shipments, it is possible to have more sustainability in your shipping.
It will take planning and plenty of forethought, as well as patience and eco-friendly-minded consumers, but it is possible. Talk to an environmental professional about better shipping practices.
Care about community
For those brands who care about what they’re doing in the environment, you’ll also look at what you’re doing in your local community. Perhaps you can get involved in eco-friendly initiatives such as trash pickups or donating to green spaces in your city. You could also get involved with underprivileged communities, helping to support charities while also creating places where people learn about sustainability, regardless of their background or income. Community is where we get started in better practices, and eco-friendly programs are something that your brand can consider.
In Conclusion
As a brand, your company has more of an impact on the environment than you do as an individual. So, as you care about sustainability on a personal level, it’s important to also take that environmental-conscious commitment to your business as well. Think about the ideas above as you craft your sustainable business plan.