Take a look at plastic, as an example. Countless companies use plastic for their packaging and products when there are other materials that you can choose from, as well, that are eco-friendly. Here are a few tips you should keep top of mind in order to make your business products more sustainable in nature.
Sustainability matters
You can read about it as much as you’d like, and the end result is always that sustainability matters. It all starts with people who are committed to the cause, and it ends with strengthening the environment.
The pollution that is around you will not only affect you, but your children and all of the future generations to come as well. While there are organizations, such as the UN, that aim to enforce sustainable practices, it is your role, as a business leader, to take note and think about how your actions will impact the world around you.
Causes that you value
When you start adopting more sustainable practices as part of your business model, think about what causes you value most, and what you would thus want to see changed.
For instance, wildlife conservation is something that benefits all of humanity, and you could even make it in a way where you donate a portion of your sales to this particular cause. You also wouldn’t want to test your products on animals, either, in the event that you are in the cosmetic industry.
Whether it’s protecting the oceans, the forests, animals, or the air from pollution, what you do as a company will have an impact. Part of this reason is because you are no longer a sole individual, but you are instead operating a big organization that is utilizing more resources for its daily needs.
Use the right materials and reducing
Take a moment to consider what type of materials you should use to make your products eco-friendlier. Plastic is always the go-to choice for companies, but have you thought about compostable plastic, or biodegradable materials, instead? Who said that you always have to opt for the norm when it comes to what you’ll use?
Moreover, think of different ways that you can reduce the materials you use, altogether, if they aren’t necessary. Rather than printing a manual, why not make a digital file that people can access at any point on their mobile phone? This is not only more convenient, but it is more environmentally friendly.
Someone must oversee the operations
Think about your product development stage for a moment, or rather, the overall operations. This is an area of your company where your product is being finessed and designed, preparing to be launched on the market. During this stage, it’s critical that there is someone there who will oversee what needs to be done, and especially whether or not you are adhering to all of the latest sustainability practices that you said you would put into place.
It’s critical that this is an individual that is knowledgeable in their field, but besides simply hiring someone, you can always choose to invest in one of your current employee’s education and elevate them to the role of manager. In fact, there are courses and programs offered online that will allow you to work at the same time. As one example, Kettering University offers an operations management online program where you can learn how to effectively organize and supervise production for optimal efficiency. These types of degrees will teach your employee to grow their leadership skills and thus link together people and performance.
The end result will be one where the overall operations are effective and efficient, with sustainability kept top of mind, if you set forth this type of business model.
Minimalistic packaging
The packaging of your product is just as important as the product itself. In fact, it could contribute to even more waste if you aren’t careful and mindful of what you use. It is a known fact that plastic pollution is on the rise, and the answer lies in green packaging, whether you are running an e-commerce business or you have a physical store with products.
Ensure that anything you put forward is easy to recycle. Options could include creating something from corn starch, fully degradable bubble wrap, biodegradable plastic, and so on. Consult your team on what you all believe to be the best option to use for your goods.
It will resonate with your customers
Did you know that consumers are willing to pay more for a product that is sustainable? This is particularly the case for millennials, and statistically, 73% of millennials agree, and on a wider scale, 66% of consumers are willing to pay more. In both cases, more people than the average would rather spend their money on a product that is eco-friendly.
This should be another sign as to why your business should adopt these types of practices. You can make a profit and better the environment at the same time, so it’s a win-win.
Sustainability will never go out of style because it has a lasting impact on the world around you. It is in your company’s best interests to adopt an eco-friendlier approach to business, and as the last point mentioned, your consumers will also be glad that you took this step forward. The solution is simple, and it’s one that requires everyone within the company to group together and come up with what the next step that you should take is.
Whether it’s minimal and recyclable product packaging or using new materials, there is always an option for what you can do. However, don’t forget that you should always have managers in place that can oversee the entire process from start to finish as well!
P.S: Did you like this article? We’d love to hear from you, so please add your comment in the comment box below. To learn more about sustainable options for your business, join our live webinar sessions at EAT Community where you can make a little money making the planet better!
