Being a sustainable company is no longer just good for PR — it’s the bare minimum.
Making sustainable changes to your brand — whether it’s reducing your waste, stepping up your recycling or using ethical suppliers — can have many beneficial effects. None more important than the effect on the planet.
But in this day and age, it’s also important for consumers. Sustainability for the planet should go hand in hand with sustainability for your company.
Today we’re going right to the heart of the issue — why should your company be more sustainable?
Where to start?
If this is all new to you, it can be daunting. The good news is that you’re working from a blank slate and the opportunities are endless.
The first step is to understand why this is important.
Ask yourself what being sustainable means to your company. If it’s just a bandwagon you think you should jump on, it’s time to do some research. The evidence is overwhelming: things need to change.
Consult the experts. Look at the latest IPCC reports on the climate emergency. Listen to people who understand the data, like Naomi Klein.
There’s nothing wrong with not knowing all the facts. We’re all at different stages of our sustainable journeys, so there’s no judgment here.
The demand for sustainable brands
The evidence is clear, so what does that mean for your business?
Well, the new generations of consumers are more switched on than ever before. They want value, but not to the detriment of the planet. It’s why we’re seeing ethical consumerism grow year-on-year.
Young people are more likely to buy from and invest in ethical companies. They’re also more likely to stay loyal to your brand and promote you on their social media channels.
With constant yearly growth, this isn’t a trend anymore. It’s the new normal.
Companies that get caught lagging behind will pay the price, as sustainable brands push on and change the market for the better.
No such thing as too much
Once you’re on board with becoming more sustainable, it’s time to take action.
The mindset we all need to be in is one of never being satisfied. The world moves on, technology improves and we all get new chances to grow.
So to answer the question ‘How much is enough?’ — there’s no such thing as too much sustainability.
Consumers want to see that you care about the climate crisis and aren’t resting on your laurels. If you’ve reduced your plastic consumption by half, great! Now it’s time to set a new target.
And sustainability isn’t just about resource use. It’s about how you treat your staff and suppliers, how you give back to the local area and how you’re leaving a positive mark on the world.
Being an ethical, sustainable company isn’t an exception anymore. It’s the baseline by which every new generation is going to judge you. Time to get ahead of the curve.
