‘Sustainability’ isn’t just some flavour-of-the-month buzzword, it’s an ethos that more and more businesses are adopting. It’s well worth it too; a 2017 study from Cone Communications found that 88% of consumers surveyed are more loyal to a company that supports social or environmental issues, and 92% are more likely to trust one.
Profit margins aside, there’s also the way it can align with your company’s ethos; the moral boost it can give your employees who will be proud to be a part of something bigger than themselves; and, not to be understated, the positive ramifications it can have on the environment.
Becoming a more sustainable business doesn’t have to be hard either – in fact, you can start improving your carbon emissions in just 3 easy steps.
Choose to refuse single-use plastic
Did you know that every single piece of plastic that’s ever been created still exists? Yikes. Think about that – the container your Uber Eats arrived in last night, the lid off the takeaway coffee cup you drank from this morning. Multiplied across billions of people around the world and years of plastic production, it really starts to stack up!
There are so many great alternatives to single-use plastic these days, including reusable drink bottles, metal straws, canvas shopping bags and more. The Shuttle Rocket team has joined the Plastic Free July challenge the last few years, which has helped us develop great plastic-free habits not only during July, but right around the year.
For small business owners, this is a great opportunity to rally your staff and get everyone involved. You can join the Plastic Free July challenge together, and encourage each other to use reusable alternatives rather than contributing to plastic waste.
Invest your money where your mouth is
Many businesses (and individuals) don’t realise that their money is tied in with unsustainable practices. Through bank accounts, loans and even superannuation funds, you could be inadvertently funding fossil fuel projects without even realising it.
The same goes for where you procure your goods and services. You may have chosen suppliers years ago based on your budget and never looked back, but it’s worth checking if what you’re buying contains toxic substances, is made from renewable materials, and is manufactured in a sustainable way. Buying local can also help cut down on transportation pollution, even if it costs marginally more.
Look into renewable energy sources
Utility bills can be the bane of many a business owners’ existence. Not to mention, where you source your power from can have a real impact on the environment.
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro are growing in popularity around the globe. In fact, according to The Climate Council, 17 countries in 2017 generated more than 90% of their electricity using renewable energy. Somehow, Australia is still in the dark ages on this one, with only 15% of our power coming from green sources.
There are many great renewable energy options available to businesses around the nation, including solar power. In many states, there are even subsidies that you can get from the state government for installing solar panels.
The Australian Government has also introduced a scheme to help businesses and individuals use clean, reliable renewable energy, called GreenPower. In other words, it’s easier (and more profitable) than ever to start sourcing your business’ electricity from somewhere that’s kinder to the planet.
Shuttle Rocket’s commitment to sustainability
At Shuttle Rocket, we’re passionate about sustainability and doing our part to help reduce our carbon emissions. That’s why we work with clients in the sustainability sector, implement sustainable practices in (and outside of) the office, and are a registered member of 1% For The Planet, donating 1% of our profits to environmental causes.
When it comes to your own business’ sustainability practices, it’s all about starting somewhere. You don’t have to do everything, but it is important to do something. If you’re as passionate as we are about keeping this planet as beautiful as it is, and want to work with like-minded people on your next copywriting project, get in contact with our team today.