Sustainability: Good For The Environment, Good For Business

A strong sustainability mission is more important than ever for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive marketplace. In fact, Earth conscious business decisions have become expected by consumers rather than appreciated. The good news is, there’s really no downside to developing a high impact sustainability mission for your brand. This is especially true if you’re in the beginning stages of growing your business! 

Here are 3 reasons why having a strong sustainability mission is good for business, along with some tips for how to make it a reality.

1. Customers want to buy from sustainable brands

Customers are looking to make purchases from brands that share their values. A study by Unilever found that one-third of consumers choose to buy from brands that they believe are doing social or environmental good.

By having a strong sustainability mission, companies can tap into this growing demand and attract a loyal customer base that is engaged with your mission and willing to advocate for your products.

2. Eco-friendly options can save you money

By reducing waste, using resources more efficiently, and adopting sustainable practices, companies can save money on everything from energy and waste disposal costs to material and shipping costs. These cost savings can be passed on to customers, making products more affordable and competitive in the marketplace.

Take a second look at your packaging and supply chain choices.

Is it time to go paperless? What about your packaging? Shipping fillers like bubble wrap and styrofoam are easily replaceable with recyclable paper products that can provide the same level of protection and sometimes even save you money.

3. Partnerships With Sustainable Suppliers

One of the best ways to ensure that your business is sustainable is to partner with vendors and suppliers that share your values. 

This means researching the sustainability practices of potential partners and choosing ones that align with your mission. By working together, you can create a more sustainable supply chain that benefits everyone.

Working with sustainable suppliers can help your brand make lasting climate positive changes without added cost.

At Givr, we make sure your packing is net positive by planting 20 trees with reforestation projects for every 1 used to create your boxes. No matter what. All at or below market price. 

How to avoid greenwashing

While it’s vital to have a solid sustainability focus, it’s just as important to be genuine and transparent about your efforts. Greenwashing - the practice of making false or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product or service - can quickly erode customer trust and damage a brand's reputation. 

To avoid greenwashing, try not to overplay your legally required sustainability metrics. If your industry isn’t allowed to source from inhumane establishments, it’s best not to highlight that as your point of difference. Always be sure to back up your claims with data and communicate clearly about your sustainability efforts.

Having a strong sustainability mission is not just good for the planet - it's also good for business. By tapping into the growing demand for sustainable products and practices, companies can attract and retain customers, save money, and create a more sustainable future for everyone. By partnering with sustainable vendors and suppliers, and avoiding greenwashing, you can ensure that your sustainability efforts are genuine and effective!