The ultimate guide to creating a sustainable business model

Materials to source and simple solutions for retailers, consider this your playbook for eco-conscious operations.

By Candice Batista

For retailers looking to green up their act, there’s a whole menu of eco-friendly moves to make. Starting with the basics, like switching to energy-saving lights and maybe even solar panels, can cut down those hefty energy bills.

Then there’s the packaging – think recyclable, biodegradable, or better yet, reusable options to keep things clean and green. Partnering with suppliers who get the eco-memo ensures everything from what you sell to how it gets to you is planet-friendly. It’s about making greener choices that feel good, look good, and do good.

Retailers influence on the market

Retailers wield considerable influence over the market by deciding which products make it onto their shelves, directly impacting consumer choices and the environment. When selecting products, here are some key considerations to ensure sustainability and responsibility:

Evaluate the supply chain: Look for products made with ethical labour practices and sustainable materials. Consider the environmental impact of the entire supply chain, from raw materials to manufacturing processes.

Consider product lifecycle: Choose products designed for longevity, that are repairable, or can be easily recycled at the end of their life. This reduces waste and encourages a circular economy.

Assess environmental impact: Prioritize products with a lower carbon footprint, such as those requiring less water and energy to produce, or made from renewable resources.

Support local and ethical brands: By stocking products from local and ethical brands, retailers can reduce transportation emissions, support local economies, and ensure that goods are produced under fair conditions.

Look for certifications: Products with environmental or ethical certifications (like Fair Trade, Organic, Rainforest Alliance) have been independently verified to meet certain standards, making them a safer choice for conscious consumers.

Demand transparency: Work with suppliers who are transparent about their production processes and are willing to share information about their environmental and social impacts.

Encourage innovation: Embrace new, eco-friendly innovations in products and packaging. This could include biodegradable materials, zero-waste products, or innovative products that reduce environmental impact.

Educate consumers: Use your platform to educate consumers about the sustainability efforts behind the products you stock, helping them make informed choices.

Monitor trends: Stay informed about sustainability trends and consumer demand for eco-friendly products. This ensures you’re not only ahead of the curve but also aligning with your customers’ values.

Reflect on your values: Ensure the products you choose align with your brand’s values and commitment to sustainability. This coherence between your offerings and your brand’s mission strengthens your identity and customer loyalty.

Materials to opt for

When stocking shelves, retailers looking to be more sustainable should prioritize materials that are ethical and have minimal environmental impact. Here’s a list of materials to consider:

Organic cotton: Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, making it better for the environment and farmers.

Bamboo: Bamboo grows quickly, requires little water, and doesn’t need pesticides, making products made from bamboo sustainable choices.

Recycled materials: Opt for products made from recycled materials, such as recycled plastic, metal, or paper, to reduce waste and demand for virgin resources.

Biodegradable materials: Materials like bioplastic (made from plants) or other compostable materials break down naturally, reducing landfill waste.

FSC-certified wood: The Forest Stewardship Council certification ensures wood products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Hemp: Hemp is a highly sustainable crop that grows quickly, doesn’t deplete soil nutrients, and doesn’t require pesticides or much water.

Ethically sourced wool: Look for wool from sources that practice humane treatment of animals and sustainable farming practices.

Tencel (lyocell): This fabric is produced from sustainably sourced wood pulp using eco-friendly methods, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fabrics.

Upcycled materials: Upcycling involves transforming by-products, waste materials, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality.

Soy ink: For printed materials, soy or other vegetable-based inks are more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based inks, making them a better choice for the planet.

Natural rubber: Choose natural rubber over synthetic alternatives, as it’s renewable and biodegradable. Opt for ethically sourced.

Plant-based plastics: These are derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane and are often biodegradable or compostable.

Industry specific low hanging fruit

Fashion: Implement a take-back or recycling program for used clothing, encouraging customers to return their old garments in exchange for a discount on their next purchase. This not only promotes recycling and reduces waste but also engages customers in the sustainability journey. Consider partnering with organizations that repurpose or recycle textiles, turning old clothes into new products or raw materials.

Beauty: Focus on refillable beauty products. Offer customers the option to refill their product containers instead of buying new ones each time. This can apply to a wide range of products, from shampoos and conditioners to creams and makeup. By reducing the need for single-use packaging, you’re helping to cut down on plastic waste and encouraging a more sustainable consumption model.

Home and Décor: Promote products made from sustainable or recycled materials. For home and décor items, seek goods made with eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled glass, or upcycled fabrics. Highlighting these choices can influence consumer behavior towards more sustainable options and reduce the environmental impact associated with producing new materials. Additionally, offering products that are durable and of high quality ensures a longer lifespan, decreasing the frequency of replacements and thereby reducing waste.

Candice Batista, author of Sustained and founder of The Eco Hub is an award-winning environmental journalist and the leading sustainability expert for Citytv’s Breakfast Television and Cityline. She knows a thing or three about how our daily choices impact wildlife, the climate, and the environment.