Holistic Design: Actualizing Authentic Sustainability
In the realm of sustainability, acknowledging the role that small businesses play is crucial. By making thoughtful choices and adopting eco-friendly practices, you have the power to create a lasting impact. In this guide, we'll explore a variety of strategies and practical tips to help you transform your business into a force for good.
Print Sustainably
Businesses often rely on printing, be it for marketing materials or packaging. However, this essential aspect of branding can also be a significant source of waste. Instead, you can opt for eco-friendly inks and glues, plastic-free materials, recyclable paper, and why not take it a step further with seeded paper that can bloom into wildflowers or nourishing herbs?
To ensure you are partnering with printing services committed to sustainable practices, look for The Forest Stewardship Council® accreditation for certified proof that they are upholding sustainable practices.
We recommend:
→ Hatch Print for sustainable vegan print and seeded paper.
→ Moo for cotton business cards that are tree-free and recyclable.
→ TishWish for sustainable, zero-waste mailing bags and packaging when shipping your products.
→ PackHelp for a range of eco-conscious print, from packaging box to tote bags.
Plant Trees
As small businesses, we can offset our environmental footprint by planting trees. Dedicate a portion of your profits to reforestation initiatives or collaborate with organizations that focus on planting trees where they are needed the most. By doing so, you help sequester carbon, enhance air quality, provide habitat for wildlife, bolster local economies, and reduce poverty, all while supporting the overall health of our planet.
We recommend:
→ THG (more:trees) to plant trees as a business or a consumer, or on behalf of your customers.
→ One Tree Planted is another option that allows you to plant trees for your customers or for each sale made on your website.
Become Carbon Positive
To make a tangible difference, small businesses can commit to being carbon positive. This means reducing carbon emissions and actively removing more carbon from the atmosphere than they emit. How? By embracing carbon offset programs and investing in renewable energy sources to minimize our carbon footprint.
We recommend:
→ Ecologi to calculate and offset your carbon footprint.
Make Products That Last
In a throwaway culture, by crafting durable, long-lasting goods, you not only reduce the need for frequent replacements but also minimize the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal processes. Embrace the design philosophy of recyclability, using materials that are readily recyclable, and provide clear instructions on responsible disposal. A good place to begin is the Cradle to Cradle certification, a program that determines a product’s environmental and social impact based on its “material health, material reusability, renewable energy, and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.”
Donate Unused or Returned Stock
Rather than disposing of unsold or returned stock, consider donating it to charities or organizations that can put these items to good use. For example, if you sell underwear, you could donate unused items to a charity like I Support the Girls, who collect essential items like underwear and menstrual hygiene products.
Be Transparent About Your Supply Chain
Transparency is a cornerstone of ethical business practices. Share detailed information about the origin of your materials, the production process, and ensure your production aligns with fair labor practices and ethical treatment of workers. Collaborate with factories that prioritize ethical standards and fair working conditions. By doing so, not only do you contribute to the well-being of workers, but you play a pivotal role in creating an industry that values responsibility and care.
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Building a purposeful and conscious brand is a deep commitment. We specialize in helping businesses like yours embody sustainable practices and thrive in alignment with your values. If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey towards building a fair, conscious, and ethical brand, we invite you to reach out.
