Sustainability and environmental responsibility are more than just buzzwords. Given the climate disasters striking nearly every corner of the world, they should be priorities for all brands in 2022, both ecommerce and brick and mortar.
Though there are varying degrees of sustainability for a retailer, it’s not easy to transform a brand into the next Patagonia, especially from one minute to the next. Instead, try starting small. Here are 18 simple, easy-to-implement environmentally friendly business practices to get started:
Research and incorporate sustainably sourced materials.
Choose environmentally friendly or recycled product packaging.
Reduce the overall amount of product packaging.
Use renewable energy in your warehouse, factory, storefront, or office.
Partner with an environmental organization to donate a portion of profits to related causes.
Check out eco-friendly shipping solutions, such as EcoCart.
Add an environmental pledge to every order (e.g., your brand will plant a tree or remove a pound of trash from the ocean for every order)
Launch a product recycling or reuse program that offers shoppers credits for new purchases.
Create a page on your online store dedicated to selling lightly used or returned products.
Add badges to product pages to feature ethically sourced, sustainable, cruelty-free, or toxic-free materials.
Purchase carbon credits to offset your carbon footprint.
Choose domestic producers and manufacturers to reduce your carbon footprint.
Use your content to educate shoppers on the importance of environmental sustainability and responsibility.
Promote your sustainability efforts via your website and social media.
Create a new product line or brand focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Donate your team’s time to spend a day volunteering with a non-governmental organization (NGO).
Encourage your customers to use products for longer periods of time before buying more.
Offer a free repair service or add a lifetime warranty to your products.
Looking for more ideas, tips, and tricks on building a more purpose-driven brand? We’ve got you covered in this blog.
Last updated on February 15th, 2022.