6 Affordable Tactics For A More Sustainable Small Business

Key takeaways

• Start with one or two affordable tactics, then build from there as they become routine.
• Choose local sourcing and reusable packaging to cut costs and reduce everyday waste.
• Switch to energy-efficient equipment like LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• Go digital with payments to save money and trim the paper waste that checks create.

Why affordable sustainability is good for business

A sustainable business practice is any everyday choice that reduces your environmental impact while keeping your operation running well. Think local sourcing, less waste, and lower energy use. These small changes are easier to adopt than you might expect.

They also tend to save money over time and help you win loyal customers. Around 80% of U.S. consumers say they’re willing to pay more for sustainable goods, spending nearly 10% more on average. That’s real demand you can meet without a big budget.

Source locally and sustainably

Buying locally helps both your community and the planet, so prefer local vendors whenever you can.

Whenever possible, procure as many of your products, raw materials, and equipment as possible from local vendors and suppliers.

Your community benefits from stronger ties and support for the businesses within it. Shorter travel distances also mean fewer emissions and less gas burnt, so the planet wins too.

If you can’t find what you need locally, prefer merchants who prioritize sustainable and ethical practices themselves. Here’s how to vet them:

• Ask about their efforts: Don’t be shy to ask vendors how they maintain the environment before you choose who to work with.
• Look for certifications: Depending on your industry, check for labels like Fair Trade or The Rainforest Alliance to confirm acceptable standards.

Digitize payments (and anything else you can)

Moving your payments online is both more convenient and greener, so it’s a smart way to cut waste.

Managing accounts payable and receivable (AP and AR) online lets you almost fully eliminate paper products like invoices, receipts, envelopes, and checks. Just shift your business to a digital payment platform.

Going digital also means fewer paper checks. On top of the paper you save, less gas is burnt transporting physical envelopes.

While you’re at it, consider which other processes in your company can go digital instead of using paper and physical objects. A couple of examples:

• Send an email newsletter instead of handing out a printed brochure.
• Keep inventory records in a digital spreadsheet instead of a physical clipboard.

Invest in reusable packaging and shopping bags

Durable, reusable packaging cuts waste, saves money, and can become a real competitive advantage.

You probably have at least one beautiful cookie tin at home, still used for notes, trinkets, or loose change long after the treats were gone.

Their beauty, elegance, and durability make people savor these boxes and reuse them for years or even decades. This reduces waste and saves money on buying dedicated containers, which create even more waste.

Cookies don’t have to be the only things that come in beautiful packaging. If you’re a manufacturer, appealing and durable packages help your products stand out. They also encourage consumers to reuse the box instead of tossing it.

A reused package isn’t just good for the environment. It also gives you a competitive advantage when people are gift shopping, plus free advertising for your company or products.

Even if you sell products made by other companies, you can still make your shipping boxes and bags reusable:

• Choose better bags: Instead of thin nylon bags, opt for reusable and beautifully designed tote or paper bags.
• Repurpose your boxes: If you sell pet products, design cardboard shipping boxes with cut-out instructions so they can become cat caves.
• Make it recyclable: Ideally your packaging is also recyclable, so it stays out of a landfill once it wears out.

Choose energy efficient equipment

Choosing energy efficient equipment lowers your footprint and cuts your energy bills at the same time.

Whether it’s an office fridge, a coffee machine, or a computer monitor, opt for products with the best energy rating you can find and afford.

For electronic appliances sold in the U.S., look for the blue Energy Star label or check the manufacturer’s website.

Your lighting choices can make a big difference too. Here’s how to save:

• Let natural light in: If you have large windows, keep them clear and use daylight, which is also healthier for you and your team.
• Switch to LED: When installing artificial lights, choose LED lighting for up to 90% less electricity used compared to incandescent bulbs.

Helping the environment should be a main priority. It won’t hurt to mention that lower electricity use will also save you a lot of money on your energy bills.

Encourage green transportation

How your employees get to work affects your business’s carbon footprint, so make greener commutes easy.

If you have extra space, encourage some employees to leave their cars at home. Try these options:

• Set up bike parking: A bike room or bicycle parking makes local employees more comfortable cycling to work, which saves them time in traffic and counts as exercise.
• Add charging sockets: Make sure you have available sockets for those who use electric two-wheeled vehicles.
• Deliver by bike: If you offer local deliveries of small items, consider using a bike instead of a motorized vehicle.

Grow some plants

Even a few plants make your space more pleasant and help the environment along the way.

If your business has a backyard, a porch, or even a window sill, consider growing some plants. Whether they’re in the ground or in pots, they instantly transform your space and make it more appealing to customers and employees alike.

Many offices and small businesses choose to grow herbs. These plants are cheap and easy to care for, and employees can use them in tea, other beverages, or even salads.

Herbs also reduce waste, since you only cut a few leaves or stems at a time as you need them.

On top of that, plants are crucial for the environment. They improve the air we breathe and encourage biodiversity by providing food and habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Make sustainability part of how you do business

You don’t have to change everything at once. Pick one or two tactics that fit your business today. Once they feel routine, add another and keep building from there.

Digital payments are a simple place to start. They cut paper waste and often save you money on checks and postage. Ready to pay bills the greener way? Sign up for Melio and see how easy it is.

Sustainable business practices FAQs