Are You Being Sustainable With Your Business?
- qualicominnovations
- Aug 5, 2016
- 2 min read
Our planet is slowly running out of resources, our factories are running down our earth's ozone layers, and everyone knows about it. Not everyone might admit to it and not everyone might care too much for it (yet), but the concept is hanging dry in the air. It's hard to be impervious to the fact that our planet is showing signs deterioration. As a result, people are trying to become "responsible" citizens of the globe by trying to adopt sustainable behaviours. This includes being a more environmentally-conscious consumer when purchasing needs and desires. But to do so, they have to make sure they're buying from "globally responsible" businesses and how do they do that? They look you up on the internet. They look up your manufacturing practices: where and how you're getting your materials, and what your mission/vision is for your company. Sustainability is now a drive for consumers to purchase: "Among the 66% of people willing to pay more, over 50% of them are influenced by key sustainability factors, such as product being made from fresh, natural and/or organic ingredients (69%), a company being environmentally friendly (58%), and company being known for its commitment to social value (56%)." There's no argument that making your business a more environmentally-friendly one will have a helping hand in boosting sales and/or increasing your customer platform. Consumers, and in particular, millennials, are more attracted to corporations that have a more genuine and active approach to sustainability. It's their future that's going to be most affected by the sustainable and unsustainable decisions made today, so they're going to be the ones who care more. Millennials also make up a huge portion of the consumer population so they're absolutely vital customers your businesses should be focusing on. Therefore, showing off your company's support in being globally conscious is a great start in keeping your business trendy and innovative.
So how can you make your business more sustainable? Start by going green in your company. Little things such as using recycling bins goes a long way. Saving paper by sending receipts to customers online is also a great start. You could also link this with getting customer information and starting a loyal relationship. You might also create an additional charge for your customers for using a plastic bag and in return, apply appropriate rewards for those who bring their own cup or their own bags. These are just small and basic nudges to kick you off in the right direction towards sustainability but there are also bigger moves you can take in ensuring your company is being more conscious about the environment. Talk among your management team, list some ideas that could potentially lessen your carbon footprint AND lessen costs. Saving the planet starts with us making changes in the way we move in our everyday lives.
Sources:
Comments