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The recent World Environment Day, the United Nations’ day to raise environmental awareness and encourage action, is a good reminder of how important it is for businesses of all sizes to evaluate their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals and sustainability efforts. But awareness and action are timeless. Recent statistics show that sustainability is more important than ever to consumers and employees, with almost 70% of workers saying they would be more likely to accept a job at a sustainable organization. Considered environmentally sustainableEven if the pay goes down.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), it’s important to keep these statistics in mind, because corporate sustainability efforts not only attract talent, but can also bring financial benefits to your company. For example, investing in quality tech products that can be easily repaired and upgraded extends the life of products, creating a more sustainable tech industry and saving money that would have been spent on new devices.
I have always believed that sustainability is about finding solutions that have a meaningful long-term impact and working together towards a better tomorrow. Luckily, sustainability is at the heart of what we do at Lenovo. We Plastic-free packaging Not only have we reduced the carbon footprint of many of our products, we have also taken important steps to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint. Lenovo Intelligent Sustainability Solutions Advisor (LISSA)is an AI-powered sustainability engine that provides customers with actionable insights to understand the estimated emissions impact across the entire IT lifecycle and enable them to deploy customized solutions that align with their sustainability goals.
Lenovo is also committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with science-based targets verified through the Science Based Targets Initiative’s (SBTi) net-zero standard.
Here are three necessary How small businesses can integrate sustainability throughout their business.
Related: 6 Ways to Incorporate Sustainable Principles into Your Business
1. Reduce, reuse, repair
Electronic waste is often overlooked, but it’s a big and growing problem. According to the United Nations: Approximately 53.6 million tons of electronic waste It is produced every year all over the world.
that’s why”“Reduce, reuse, repair” It should be a top priority for any small business wanting to become more sustainable.
One way to reduce waste is to implement circular practices for electronics within your company, which means adopting practices that prioritize product longevity and repairability.
Extend the life of your products by investing in quality tech products and laptops that are designed to be easily repaired and upgraded. Look for tech that’s easy to repair, with parts that your employees can easily replace. Your employees can quickly make repairs themselves, reducing the downtime they would normally spend waiting for support.
2. The power of packaging
Business leaders often overlook the role that packaging plays in their sustainability efforts, but it’s a serious issue: Approximately 2.1 billion pounds of plastic packaging was used in e-commerce worldwide in 2019, and this number is predicted to grow. More than doubled to £4.5 billion By 2025, this means that sustainable packaging will be crucial not only to the products companies sell, but also to the devices they buy.
Whenever possible, small business owners should purchase products made from recycled, renewable, and bio-based materials. For example, bamboo and sugarcane fibers are great alternatives to traditional packaging because they are made from 100% renewable materials. So, look for partners and vendors that are focused on reducing packaging consumption and promoting an ecosystem of more sustainable practices and solutions.
Small businesses that sell physical products should take similar steps to ensure their packaging and shipping processes don’t create excess waste by ensuring their products are sustainably produced and recyclable. Highlighting sustainable packaging is not only beneficial for the environment, it can resonate with environmentally conscious consumers and have a positive financial impact for your brand. A recent IBM study conducted in collaboration with the NRF and the Baker Center for Retailing at the University of Pennsylvania found that between half and two-thirds of consumers believe that sustainable packaging is a better choice for their products than sustainable packaging. I would pay more for sustainable productsFor consumers between the ages of 18 and 34, that number jumps to 80%. Business of Sustainability Index Report.
Related: How businesses can unlock and prioritize sustainability through recycling
3. Investing in the future
Investing in the future can help you further embed sustainability into your business. This includes activities such as looking at ways to recycle, limiting energy consumption, and supporting sustainable charities and initiatives. For example, investing in technology products with longer battery life reduces energy consumption and e-waste. Additionally, working with organizations such as Global Electronics Counsel, which promotes sustainable technology purchasing, can have long-term benefits.
Adopting energy-efficient practices, participating in recycling programs, and supporting sustainable activities not only contributes to a positive corporate image, but also fosters a sense of responsibility among employees and customers. By investing in the future, small businesses can actively participate in the development of a more sustainable technology industry.
World Environment Day is a good opportunity for small businesses to reflect on how they can play a key role in shaping a more sustainable future for all, but companies need to remember that environmental awareness isn’t just for one day.
E-waste is a problem that isn’t going away anytime soon and is a major environmental concern, so remembering to “reduce, reuse, repair” (and recycle) can help make the tech industry greener. Prioritizing sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental aspect of business that can attract top talent, drive better financial decisions, and perhaps most importantly, make a positive impact on the planet.