Eco-Friendly Small Businesses: Guide to Handle Waste Sustainability

When it comes to creating small business sustainability goals, you may think you have to go big or go home. But bigger isn’t necessarily better

With mounting global environmental challenges, small businesses face increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices. The popular misconception is that sustainable changes must be huge to make an impact. But the truth is modest shifts in habits can significantly reduce a company's carbon footprint, especially when it comes to recycling and waste. Half of all consumers are ready to invest more in sustainable brands according to the National Retail Federation. 

Let's explore some actionable steps small businesses can take to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Embrace Sustainable Packaging

For businesses that rely heavily on e-commerce, every parcel shipped is an opportunity to advocate for sustainability. Shift from plastic-based packaging to recyclable materials like cardboard or paper envelopes. Need padding for fragile items? Consider biodegradable solutions like tissue paper or cornstarch packing peanuts. 

Digitize and Limit Paper Usage

No matter your business, there's always room to reduce paper consumption, especially considering that over 67 million tons of paper and cardboard are used each year in the United States. Cut down on paper waste by transitioning to emailed receipts, digital invoicing and electronic notifications via an online portal or app.

Purchase Sustainable Office Materials

Choose quality over quantity. Investing in durable office furniture, equipment and supplies saves costs in the long run by reducing the frequency of replacements. Plus, choosing refillable supplies over disposables (like refillable soap dispensers instead of single-use soap bottles) further reduces waste. 

Cultivate a Recycling Culture

If your business lacks a recycling program, it's high time to start one. Strategically place recycling bins around your work areas and use clear signage and labels to guide employees about the types of materials they can recycle. 

Start Composting

Even if you don’t have access to a traditional composting site, you can place a countertop composter in the office kitchen or opt for organics service through your waste provider. Composting allows organic waste like coffee grounds and banana peels to decompose while reducing methane emissions from landfills. 

Avoid Single-Use Products

Stocking your lunch room with reusable dishes and utensils can help reduce the unnecessary waste of single-use items like plastic forks, paper plates and foam cups. Encourage employees to bring their own water bottles to work, or create company-branded ones to gift to employees and further minimize plastic waste.

Provide Bulb and Battery Collection

Since bulbs and batteries can’t be thrown in the trash, set up dedicated collection points where employees can safely drop off used bulbs and batteries from their computer mouse or other electronics. This encourages proper disposal and ensures these items don't end up in landfills, causing pollution or fires. 

Host Electronics Recycling Events

With technology's rapid evolution, electronic waste is a growing concern. And like bulbs and batteries, electronics like old monitors, cash registers, iPads and credit card readers can’t be thrown in the trash. To mitigate this problem, host periodic electronic waste collection drives so staff and the community can responsibly discard old gadgets. 

Craft a Robust Sustainability Blueprint

Determine with your team what sustainability means for your business. This sustainability plan can be straightforward, like enhancing recycling efforts or using eco-friendly packaging. Or, they can be bold, like our sustainability goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Once defined, regularly monitor and refine your goals.  

Partner with Other Sustainable Businesses

When sustainable businesses collaborate, they can have profound impacts. Actively seek out partnerships with vendors and businesses that are also committed to sustainable operations. Such alliances not only benefit the environment but also resonate well with eco-conscious customers. 

Harness these recycling and waste strategies to amplify your small business's sustainability efforts. Remember, in the journey towards a more sustainable future, every effort counts, no matter how small. 

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