Climate Change not only affects the lives of everyday people but also their spending. Reducing the carbon footprint of your business creates opportunity while keeping conscious of sustainability. Here are some important things you can do to reduce your footprint:
Sustainable Products
For businesses dealing with consumable products, it's important to know their reputation. A 2019 report from consumer analytics group Nielsen claims that 41% of global consumers are 'highly willing' to pay for more all-natural or organic products. 73% of global consumers stated they would likely change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment. It's clear that consumers want to feel like their spending will create positive impacts. This can be a great opportunity for business. A new image can create exciting new brands, or positively promote current ones. Different markets become available: local or artisan suppliers that focus on sustainability. Organic products help customers realise that sustainability is more than just responsibility: it's a desirable brand.



Going Paperless
It's hard to imagine how much paper wastage can be created in the day-to-day running of your business. According to the environmental awareness group The World Counts, around 50% of all business waste is paper, with one-third of all of our trash composed of paper packaging material. There is no need for it at all when you consider the alternatives in modern technology. Everything from communications to data storage can be processed and stored electronically. A business is no longer even limited to local disk storage: there are options for cloud storage with green web hosting. Not only do you have a secure alternative to local systems, but if you choose sustainable hosting, you also help reduce the global footprint! Doing away with paper wastage will net you immediate benefits: fewer supply costs, less physical impacts, and fewer environmental impacts. It's a no-brainer.
Eco-Logistics
One of the biggest challenges facing any company's struggle to tackle their carbon footprint is logistics. It's easy enough to recommend that a business recycle their waste or swap out their dirty lightbulbs, but real change starts from the top. Plans need organising from those in charge to ensure the proper direction of their venture. Things to keep in mind could be:
• The working space of a business and what it needs to operate it. What materials are used in their daily operations? Is it worth small businesses constructing from scratch, or recycling unconventional spaces? With the opportunity to use modified shipping containers, a business has the option of eco-friendly repurposed spaces that are lightweight, durable and more importantly: customisable. Modifying a set of existing containers for whatever your business or employees need is far cheaper than the costs of traditionally renovating a new office or building spaces.
• Logistical equipment is another factor worth weighing up for its environmental impact. Businesses less focused on IT could replace energy-intensive machines like desktop PCs with smaller appliances like Laptops or Tablets for their admin. Retailers looking to cut costs on supply could consider alternative methods of supply like Electronic or Hybrid.
• Businesses dedicated to emission-intensive ventures like tourist excursions, including scenic flights, coach tours, camper vans, or city transport have ways to offset these emissions. Offering customers the chance to 'buy up' their carbon emission gives them a choice to create less of an impact. With groups like Climate Care alongside these businesses, the off-sets help fund climate initiatives such as reforestation projects or renewable energy sources aimed at environmental sustainability.
The great challenge of tackling climate change affects everyone and everything. There is no 'one solution' to revert what is happening, but there are many things that can be done to help. Businesses that take the initiative now are not only at the forefront of action for the environment; they are also on the frontier of a new market. A market of consumers who wish to make a change with the way they spend.
An NZ based freelance writer, Cloe Matheson believes that among her most important responsibilities is caring for the environment. She busies herself by inventing healthy meal recipes and tending to her beloved garden. Read more about Cloe’s inspiring articles on her blog.