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How businesses can use tech innovations to cut their carbon footprint.

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In the past few years, the conversation around climate change and <a href="https://www.afterpay.com/en-AU/business/access/exploring-sustainability/small-business-sustainability" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sustainability</a> has grown too loud to ignore.As natural disasters grip the planet and politicians and protestors grapple with climate change, sustainability has transformed from a niche issue to a critical concern for businesses – as well as consumers.For small business owners, the hardest part of implementing sustainability practices can be managing costs and simply getting started. But Kimberly Nicholas, author and senior professor of sustainability science at Lund University, recommends starting small and staying accountable.&nbsp;&nbsp;And although there are many small steps that businesses can take to improve their environmental sustainability footprint – from switching to energy-efficient office equipment to ditching single-use plastic bags – new technological innovations have the potential to make a more dramatic impact on your business' sustainability credentials (not to mention offering increased cost savings).Below, we’ve rounded up some of the newest and most exciting tech innovations in the sustainability space for retailers, suppliers and producers, fashion and beauty brands, and salons.<h2>For retailers</h2><h2>Reduce returns with AR and 3D&nbsp;</h2>In the wake of the pandemic, e-commerce sales have exploded, but a new issue is emerging just as fast – online returns. For retailers, dealing with unwanted merchandise is costly and time-consuming, not to mention environmentally unsustainable.&nbsp;Augmented reality (AR) is one sustainability innovation that can reduce returns as it offers shoppers the chance to ‘test’ how products fit or look virtually - and that way they’re less likely to return their purchase. Platforms and apps like<a href="https://www.plattar.com/augmented-reality-platform-solutions/?gclid=CjwKCAiAg6yRBhBNEiwAeVyL0CN037RaPKUHv2H_wSsgM11wSf9oaQ6DqsT06BtrhvImSpqPDtz7XxoCQ_kQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Plattar</a> or<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/holome/id1454364021" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> HoloMe</a> (which is used by<a href="https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2019/07/hands-asos-virtual-catwalk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> ASOS for their virtual catwalk</a>) make it easy for businesses offering everything from fashion to housewares to integrate AR or 3D into their sales strategy.<h2>Reward customers who don’t return</h2>Another sustainability innovation that can help reduce returns is to reward customers who choose not to return items.<a href="https://www.onfleekrewards.com/about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> On Fleek</a> rewards consumers with points every time they shop without returning. These points can then be redeemed as gift cards or used to plant a tree. The platform currently partners with the likes of Net‑a‑Porter and Farfetch.&nbsp;<h2>Encourage resale and monetise the re-commerce</h2>Retailers that are serious about sustainability are increasingly looking to join the ‘circular economy’ using innovations.As sustainability consultant and Cool Planet director Daniel Harper explains, this is “essentially a ‘no waste’ business model. We want to move away from buying a product, using it once and then getting rid of it – even if it is recycled, as recycling still has environmental impacts and, the truth is, only a percentage of what’s thrown into ‘recycling’ gets recycled.”One sustainability innovation that allows retailers to participate in the circular economy is to encourage resale by partnering with resale-as-a-service organisations such as<a href="https://www.thredup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> thredUP</a>, <a href="https://www.therealreal.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The RealReal</a> or<a href="https://www.depop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Depop</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Switch to e-receipts</h2>Still printing receipts? More and more businesses are doing away with paper receipts and moving to e-receipts to save on paper and costs (emailing receipts also makes it easier for customers to keep track of purchases and offers an opportunity to build your email list). Point-of-sale platforms, such as<a href="https://squareup.com/au/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://squareup.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Square</a> and<a href="https://www.lightspeedhq.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.lightspeed.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lightspeed</a>, provide e-receipts as well as a multitude of other tools.<h2>Make the change to high-tech packaging</h2>Packaging is a major driver of waste within the retail industry, and businesses that are serious about sustainability should look at alternatives to single-use plastics.&nbsp;Global sustainable packaging company<a href="https://groundedpackaging.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Grounded</a>, for example, offers innovative home-compostable, 100-percent recycled PE and plant-based recyclable packaging, while other suppliers, such as<a href="https://heropackaging.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.heropackaging.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hero Packaging</a> and<a href="http://noissue.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://noissue.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">noissue</a>, offer everything from eco-friendly tags, tissue and tape.<h2>For brands that create their own products</h2>

<h2>Aim for accurate demand forecasting&nbsp;</h2>Reduce overproduction (and curb carbon emissions and waste) by using sustainability innovations such as demand-forecasting technology to accurately predict how much stock is needed.<a href="https://www.board.com/en/retail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Board</a>, for example, provides business intelligence and predictive analytics;<a href="http://demandworks.com/lp-forecasting-software/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="http://demandworks.com/lp-forecasting-software/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">DemandWorks</a> also offers multiple forecasting plans to suit varying budgets.<h2>Switch to virtual samples&nbsp;</h2>The traditional pattern-making and design process, involving fabric samples and prototypes, can lead to unnecessary waste. However, a new generation of digital sustainability innovation tools takes the whole design process online.&nbsp;End-to-end software program<a href="https://optitex.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://optitex.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Optitex</a> allows brands to create true-to-life 3D prototypes, while 3D-modeling tool<a href="https://www.foundry.com/products/modo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.foundry.com/products/modo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Modo</a> is used by brands such as<a href="https://www.newbalance.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.newbalance.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">New Balance</a><a href="https://www.newbalance.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;">.</a><h2>Trace your supply chain with tech</h2>You can’t manage what you don’t measure, which is why digital innovation tools like<a href="https://sourcemap.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://sourcemap.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Sourcemap</a> are so important, as they help businesses map their end-to-end supply chain – from raw material to finished product – and identify and improve the environmental footprint of each stage.“Entire lifecycle analysis of a product is important,” explains Harper, “from how the materials are grown to how it’s shipped, to what the consumer does with the product once they’re finished.”<h2>Communicate your eco-credentials&nbsp;</h2>It’s one thing to make your products or service more sustainable, and another thing to communicate this clearly to your customers. Sustainability innovation technology such as<a href="https://www.provenance.org/solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.provenance.org/solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Provenance</a>&nbsp;allows you to easily turn complex supply-chain data into credible shopper-facing communications. It easily highlights products that are carbon neutral or feature recyclable packaging, for example.&nbsp;<h2>Manufacture with next-gen materials</h2>Organic natural fibers have long been preferred by conscious brands. However, scientists are increasingly experimenting with high-tech sustainable fabrications that require even less energy and water to produce – and forward-thinking fashion and beauty brands are keeping a close eye on this technology.&nbsp;For example,<a href="https://boltthreads.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://boltthreads.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Bolt Threads</a> uses natural sources to create sustainable materials such as<a href="https://boltthreads.com/technology/mylo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://boltthreads.com/technology/mylo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Mylo</a>™, which is derived from mycelium (the underground root structure of mushrooms) and is a leather-like material, as well as<a href="https://boltthreads.com/technology/microsilk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://boltthreads.com/technology/microsilk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Microsilk</a>™, a vegan silk that is used by designer Stella McCartney. Similarly,<a href="https://www.renewcell.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.renewcell.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Renewcell</a> has developed a material called<a href="https://circulo.se/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://circulo.se/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Circulose</a>®, which is made from 100-percent textile waste and scraps.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>For salon owners</h2>

<h2>Consider waterless products</h2>Currently, one of the biggest trends in beauty is waterless products, and brands like<a href="https://susteau.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://susteau.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Susteau</a> are ‘reimagining haircare’ by creating powder-to-liquid formulas that reduce the water in the bottle, as well as energy and materials across the entire supply chain.&nbsp;<h2>Switch to sustainable hair foils</h2>Salons create industry-specific waste, including foils from hair treatments. One way to cut carbon emissions is to opt for recycled foils, such as<a href="https://www.papernotfoil.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.papernotfoil.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Paper Not Foil</a>, paper hair foils made from 100-percent recycled industrial scraps and degrades. They’re reusable and compostable.<h2>Reduce all salon waste – especially chemical&nbsp;</h2>Salons generate plenty of chemical waste, and it’s important to be mindful of the chemicals going down the drain, such as ammonia, formaldehyde, and polyethylene glycols (PEGs).&nbsp;Consider switching to natural formulas or reaching out to businesses or platforms that can help manage chemical waste. Green waste company<a href="https://greencirclesalons.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://greencirclesalons.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Green Circle Salons</a> is one such organization, while<a href="https://www.salonsustainability.club/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.salonsustainability.club/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Salon Sustainability</a> helps salons, barbers, skin-care clinics and pet groomers.<h2>For food and beverage</h2>

<h2>Consider compostable plates and cutlery&nbsp;</h2>Using compostable and biodegradable plates, cutlery and containers is one of the key ways food and beverage businesses can become more sustainable.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the better-known global brands is<a href="https://www.biopak.com/au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.biopak.com/au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Bio-Pak</a>, which offers a wide range of biodegradable and compostable packaging, as well as custom-printed options. Wooden cutlery has the added benefit of being home compostable.&nbsp;When choosing suppliers, “It’s important to understand that there is a difference between degradable and biodegradable – degradable just makes plastics into microplastics. You want products that completely break down,” explains Harper.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With restrictions on single-use cutlery being more common in communities across the U.S., switching to compostable options is an important step for food and beverage businesses.<h2>Find a solution to food scraps</h2>“For the food and beverage industry, reducing food waste and composting is one of the key things to focus on,” continues Harper. Composting, in particular, is one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills. "Different cities and states have different search services," says Harper, adding that there are great digital resources for finding local composting services in your area.<a href="https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/find-a-composting-service/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/find-a-composting-service/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Good Start Packaging</a> has the most comprehensive map search by state.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Sell your surplus food…&nbsp;</h2>It’s estimated that between<a href="https://www.usda.gov/foodwaste/faqs#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20food,percent%20of%20the%20food%20supply." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> 30 to 40 percent of the entire food supply in the US is wasted per year</a>. That’s why apps such as<a href="https://toogoodtogo.org/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://toogoodtogo.org/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Too Good To Go</a> allow businesses to list their surplus food for clients to find at a reduced price. Not only do you monetize your surplus food and sell more, but you are likely to find new and recurring customers.<h2>Or give it away&nbsp;</h2><a href="https://foodrescue.us/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Food Rescue US</a> uses a web-based app to connect volunteers to local businesses with fresh food surpluses. The volunteers then transfer the food to social service agencies that feed community members. The app gives time, date and availability information to make it easy for all parties.&nbsp;Rather than letting anything go to waste, by donating you help the environment and people who might otherwise go without.&nbsp;

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How emerging tech can reduce your eco footprint

Read our guide to 17 new tech innovations to help your business with sustainability

Sustainability innovations: 17 new tech innovations for business sustainability

Top tech innovations to supercharge your sustainability goals US

Taking care of business increasingly means taking care of the planet.

Today, <a href="https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/EXK4XKX8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">6 in 10 </a>consumers factor environmental sustainability into their purchasing decisions, and more than <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/retail/our%20insights/the%20state%20of%20fashion%202020%20navigating%20uncertainty/the-state-of-fashion-2020-final.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">two-thirds of Millennials</a> have purchased a product with an environmental benefit in the past year.As a result, more and more small businesses are looking at ways to improve their environmental footprint.&nbsp;If that’s you, there’s one important thing to remember, warns Alison Taylor, the executive director of<a href="https://www.ethicalsystems.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> </a><a href="https://www.ethicalsystems.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Ethical Systems</a>, and an adjunct professor at the New York University Stern School of Business.

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"Don't claim to be saving the world when all you do is make it a tiny bit less bad.”

“Customers can tell when you’re greenwashing," she says. "Companies need to be careful that they are not claiming that these things will save the world when all they do is make it a tiny bit less bad.”Luckily, introducing authentic, impactful environmental and sustainable practices doesn’t need to be difficult. “Small businesses can start small,” says Rebecca Lake, a sustainability and communications consultant who has advised the United Nations. “There’s no point getting overwhelmed by everything that you could or should be doing - that can be paralyzing!”We’ve compiled 22 easy-to-implement environmental ideas – for your office, store or salon, for warehousing and for production facilities.&nbsp;<h3>In store</h3>

<h2>1. Reusable bags</h2>Offering customers reusable environmental bags is a great environmental way to reduce waste while promoting your small business. Companies such as<a href="https://bringitbags.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> BRINGiT</a> manufacture 100-percent compostable, environmental, eco-friendly bags, and<a href="https://www.usimprints.com/category/tote-bags/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> USImprints</a> makes canvas tote bags with your company’s name on them. <h2>2. Green transport</h2>“Consider providing incentives for staff who ride bikes or take public transport to work,” says Lake. You might begin by moving their start times to later in the day to avoid peak hour.<h2>3. Give customers a chance to give back</h2>This is a simple and empowering way to connect to customers, whether it’s contributing to the business’ favorite eco charity or scoring a discount for bringing in their own bag. There are even platforms such as<a href="https://www.iequalchange.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.iequalchange.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">i=change</a>, which will facilitate the donation and allow customers to select the charity of their choice.<h2>4. Offer product refills</h2>If you sell food, cleaning supplies or other refillable products, consider creating an in-store refilling station. This is an environmental idea that can work for salons too. “I love this one and don’t know why more salons aren’t doing it,” says Lake. “It’s a great way to increase traffic in the salon. If I’m getting a refill, I may as well also treat myself to a blow dry, too!”&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>In the salon</h2>

<h2>5. Recycling</h2>Hairdressing salons generate very specific types of waste, from hair to metal (from foils) and chemical waste. Speak to your local public works and learn exactly how and where you can recycle these products. If in doubt, reach out to an industry body such as<a href="http://www.saloncycle.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> SalonCycle</a> , which recycles a range of salon-specific waste, such as excess dye and hair clippings.<h2>6. Towel washing/biodegradable linens</h2>“Many people aren’t aware of the impact textile fibers can have on waterways,” says Lake. However, there are numerous businesses that specialize in compostable linen or washing towels in an eco-friendly manner.&nbsp;<h2>In production/ manufacturing</h2> <h2>7. Blockchain</h2>Blockchain is loosely defined as a database that can store transaction records and other encrypted information, making it difficult to hack or corrupt. This setup allows for greater transparency. For example,<a href="http://foodtrax.pk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="http://foodtrax.pk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Foodtrax</a> is a blockchain app that allows users to track food from "farm to fork". <a href="https://www.provenance.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Provenance</a> is another blockchain app that makes supply chains more transparent.

“Blockchain will change the game of supply‑chain transparency and traceability.”

“The technology isn’t quite ready yet, but this is definitely a space to watch,” says Lake. “Blockchain will change the game in terms of supply‑chain transparency and traceability.” But she cautions entrepreneurs to be mindful about relying on sustainability standards and various certifications. “Do your homework on this; it’s easy to tick a box with a certified seal, but the reality with global supply chains is they are complex, so be sure to ask your suppliers lots of questions.&nbsp;<h2>8. Source low-impact material</h2>From the materials used to create your product to the packaging that encases it, it’s important to choose low-impact options, opting for cotton over polyester and recycled packaging over single-use bags, for example. For a guide on which textiles are low impact, go to the<a href="https://global-standard.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </a><a href="https://global-standard.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Global Organic Textile Standard</a><a href="https://global-standard.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a>(GOTS), which has a clearly defined set of criteria.<h2>9. Repurposing off cuts</h2>Repurposing unused or scrap material instead of dumping it is an important way to minimize textile waste. It doesn’t have to be complex, either. Eco-friendly clothing brand<a href="https://milonicki.com/products/zero-waste-tassel-earrings?variant=15378928336970" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </a><a href="https://milonicki.com/products/zero-waste-tassel-earrings?variant=15378928336970" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Milo + Nicki</a> have a "zero waste" section on their site, selling earrings, bags and hair accessories that have been made out of their off cuts. It’s also possible to buy off cuts – or "dead stock" – from other brands.<h2>10. Shipping not flying</h2>Switching from airfreight to shipping is a major way to reduce emissions. <a href="https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/dc1d/e27351077bd5769585a8ab431490c651f67e.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">One study</a> found that two tonnes of freight carried for 5,000km by a small container ship creates 150kg of carbon dioxide (CO2e) – compared to 6,605kg of CO2e if the freight is carried by plane for the same distance.&nbsp;Lake believes it will take some serious strategizing because not all ships use the same oil. It also requires greater organization and wait time, due to the lengthier shipping times. If you are in the fashion industry, switching to shipping may mean offering two seasons per year instead of four. Visit<a href="https://www.sustainableshipping.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.sustainableshipping.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">The Sustainable Shipping Initiative</a> for more information.

"Educate your customers and they will support you."

On the plus side, if you market your small business in this way, the customers you want will follow. “Educate your consumers on why you are doing this, and they will support you," says Lake. "Keeping up with ‘trends’ is a fast-fashion game, which isn’t sustainable. It encourages overconsumption and waste.”&nbsp;<h2>11. Offset delivery</h2>Carbon offsetting is an emerging opportunity for businesses to compensate for their emissions. Consider using a delivery partner like <a href="https://www.sendle.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sendle</a>, which sends every parcel 100 per cent carbon neutral at no extra cost. Sendle offsets the carbon emissions caused by parcel delivery by investing in positive environmental initiatives, like forest protection around the world. <h2>12. Produce locally</h2>There are numerous environmental benefits to producing locally – not only does it reduce carbon emissions but having direct oversight over production facilities can ensure that workers are treated fairly.Lake believes that sustainable fashion is a new and exciting pathway forward for designers, small businesses and consumers alike, with the potential to take us back to the way things used to be made – from globalized, mass-produced fast fashion businesses, to local, artisanal pieces that can be treasured for a lifetime.<h2>13. Made to order</h2>One way to reduce waste is to switch to a made-to-order model for all products or even just selected items. Once seen as the preserve of haute couture, the made-to-order model has been adopted by a new generation of fashion designers. Today, environmental designers like Prabal Gurung attribute 20 to 25 percent of their business model to made-to-order garments.<h2>14. Natural dyes and textiles</h2>“Worldwide, river systems are being polluted, running fluorescent pink and yellow with chemical run-off from nearby garment manufacturers. The same is true for processes like leather tanning, which is<a href="https://theecologist.org/2012/oct/26/toxic-chemicals-used-leather-production-poisoning-indias-tannery-workers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> poisoning workers in India</a>,” says Lake. “This cannot continue. More investment in R&amp;D for ‘nature’ dyes and plant-based materials is needed, although these products are increasingly becoming available and more affordable for B2B consumers.” U.S.-based alternatives include<a href="https://www.greenmattersnaturaldyecompany.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> the Green Matters Natural Dye Company</a>,<a href="https://www.organicdye.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Organic Dyes and Pigments</a> and<a href="https://botanicalcolors.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Botanical Colors</a>.<h2>In your office&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>15. Go paperless</h2>It’s easier than it sounds, says Lake. “There are tons of awesome apps like<a href="https://www.box.com/en-au/resources/downloads" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.box.com/en-au/resources/downloads" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Box</a>,<a href="https://evernote.com/download" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://evernote.com/download" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Evernote</a>,<a href="https://www.expensify.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.expensify.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Expensify</a> and<a href="https://www.docusign.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.docusign.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Docusign</a> that can help get small businesses organized. While this won’t require a massive financial investment, it can be time consuming, so set aside some regular periods in your calendar to set up a digital paperless system.” The good news? Sustainable solutions often end up offering cost-savings, too.<h2>16. Remote working</h2>While remote working might not be feasible for every job or industry, it can significantly curb emissions. Research from the<a href="https://www.iea.org/about/mission" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </a><a href="https://www.iea.org/about/mission" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">International Energy Agency (IEA)</a> found that if everybody able to work from home worldwide did so for just one day a week, it would save approximately 1 percent of global oil consumption for road passenger transport per year.<h2>17. Reusable kitchenware – and gift your staff reusables&nbsp;</h2>Reduce plastic waste by stocking your small business' kitchen with reusable plates, cups and cutlery. You could even go one step further and gift your business' employees with reusable kitchenware. “This not only encourages behavior change among your employees, [but] creates ripple effects beyond your small business, among [employees] families and local communities, too,” says Lake.<h2>18. Review your energy use</h2>“A first step is to simply start monitoring your energy use – you might be surprised which appliances are absorbing the most amount of power,” says Lake. Start by typing in the brand, model type and number of hours you use it into an energy rating website like <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maps/appliance-energy-calculator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">Energy Saver</a>.

"Switch to energy-efficient appliances."

“This way you can work to become more efficient with your energy consumption, like switching off fridges and computers when they aren’t in use; switch to energy-efficient appliances, and open windows and doors instead of using air conditioning. All of this adds up and makes an impact. It also reduces your energy bill – so it’s a win-win!”You can also use cut-out switches to cut standby power usage, change to LED lights (which use 75 percent less energy) and sign up to a green energy provider.<h2>19. Leave the air conditioner alone</h2>“Lowering the temperature of the air conditioner by just one degree on a hot day can increase energy costs by 10 percent,” says O’ Mara. Instead, make T-shirts and casual, lightweight clothes acceptable on Casual Fridays or during heatwaves.<h2>20. Recycling and composting</h2>Create clear signs about what can and cannot go in different trash cans, and provide training to staff to encourage their compliance.Ensure that recycling stations are set up in places where staff will use them, and consider looking beyond everyday waste and encouraging staff to recycle clothes and books. “Ask staff to bring in books, clothes and so on at a ‘swap day’ held in an office library or lunchroom,” says O’Mara.<h2>21. Cloud computing</h2>The other half of going paperless is that it reduces server needs and cuts power costs, too. Put simply, cloud computing means “renting” data space online or through apps, so it is in the shareable “cloud” as opposed to buying software, hardware, storage and servers. Google Docs is an example of this, where multiple team members can work on one document.<h2>22. Refill where possible</h2>Get printer cartridges refilled, not replaced, and opt for refillable products, such as hand soap in bathrooms and dishwashing detergent in kitchens, wherever possible.

Wondering how to improve your small business sustainability? 

Wondering how to improve your small business sustainability? Read our guide for 22 sustainability tips

Small business sustainability: 22 sustainability tips

 22 ways to make your small business more sustainable US

Be honest and adaptable, advises this organic fashion label.

When organic clothing label <a href="https://wearpact.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pact</a> launched in 2011, <a href="https://www.afterpay.com/en-US/for-retailers/access/exploring-sustainability/sustainability-innovations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sustainability</a> wasn’t the buzzword that it is today. Back then, it was barely part of the fashion lexicon at all.That meant that when the Boulder, USA-based company launched with a 100-percent organic range of cotton boxers and briefs, it was way ahead of the curve.&nbsp;The only problem? “We were probably a bit too early from a consumer standpoint,” says chief financial officer Drew Cook. “And that can be a challenging thing for a business.”

“Being too early from a consumer standpoint can be challenging for a business.”

Fast forward 11 years and awareness of <a href="https://www.afterpay.com/en-AU/business/access/exploring-sustainability/small-business-sustainability" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sustainability</a> has exploded. With consumer interest catching up to Pact, so, too, has success.Today the clothing brand is lauded for its stylish and sustainable basics range, which has expanded to include everything from T-shirts to sweaters and underwear for men and women, and it has become a leader in the sustainability space.&nbsp;Along the way the brand has also learned a swathe of lessons about how to build a sustainable brand – while making maximum impact in the process. Here, Cook shares some of these learnings.<h2>1. Get certified</h2>Click on Pact website and the first thing you’ll notice is the brand’s commitment to the environment. It’s there, in the slogan “Earth’s favorite clothing”, at the top of the home page. It’s explicit in the multiple references to ‘organic cotton’ and it’s even reinforced by the brand’s own name, Pact (short for impact).Because this is so core to their business, Pact certifies the ethical claims behind its entire product line by partnering with the world’s leading third-party organizations, including<a href="https://www.fairtradecertified.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Fair Trade USA</a> and the<a href="https://www.global-standard.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)</a> — the gold standard in sustainable textile processing. Cook explains: “Claims that aren't backed by certifications don’t really mean much.”

“Claims that aren't backed by certifications don’t mean much.”

According to Cook, not only are certifications a good way to back up everything you’re telling your customers (and build trust with them) but they can also act as good guardrails for your business, especially when scaling. “Having strict adherence to being organic and fair-trade means that we know exactly what we have to do, but it also means we have a smaller universe of people we can work with.”&nbsp;<h2>2. You’ll never stop sourcing suppliers</h2>Finding suppliers to meet the strict standards required for certification is a time-consuming process, and unfortunately, says Cook, it never stops. “Our business is about 10 times the size it was when I started, and so that means we make a lot more clothes. A lot of the factories that we were working with back [at the beginning] were smaller and not necessarily able to scale with us. So, we’ve had to continuously work to find the right partners to make our clothes in a way that aligns with our values.”&nbsp;

"We’re continuously working to find the right partners to make our clothes.”

When evaluating suppliers, Cook recommends meeting the factory management and employees “to get a first-hand feel for how they operate and what’s important to them”. “Getting to talk to employees is critical as well as you get to hear a non-management perspective on the factory and how things operate.”<h2>3. Acknowledge your shortcomings</h2>“We acknowledge that we're not perfect,” notes Cook, who says that the team at Pact are always looking for ways they can make every aspect of the business more sustainable. This year the company is working towards achieving carbon neutrality, as well as finalizing their transition away from plastic polybags to a paper alternative. “We’re always working towards better,” notes Cook.

"We’re always working towards better."

The brand’s commitment to transparency also extends to a <a href="https://wearpact.com/faq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">frequently asked questions </a>section on its home page, which aims to anticipate and address any question that customers might have about the brand’s commitment to sustainability. For example, ‘Why aren’t Pact clothes made in the United States?’(Answer: because it’s not economically viable. However, all clothing is sweatshop and child-labor-free.)<h2>4.	Be ready to pivot</h2>When Pact was founded in 2011 it was primarily a men's underwear business; since Cook’s arrival in 2014, it has migrated from a men’s-focused business to one that is primarily aimed at women. And its sustainability credentials are now the brand’s biggest selling point. This is a lesson in adaptability, explains Cook.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The strategy that got you to where you are today might not be the same one that gets you where you need to go tomorrow."

“Don’t assume that the strategy that got you to where you are today is going be the same one that gets you where you need to go tomorrow,” advises Cook, who notes that with constant innovation happening in the sustainability space, brands who choose this path must be adaptable as well as early-adopters of new technologies. For example, the company recently made the switch from shipping products in plastic polybags to paper bags after it became commercially feasible to do so without damaging the products.<h2>4.&nbsp;Make it accessible&nbsp;</h2>Maximum change begins with the basics, says Cook, who adds that it’s much easier to do good (and do well) when the product you're trying to sell is something people actually need and already use.“For the most part, everybody wears underwear. It’s a core staple that everybody has a use for, and we’re just doing it in a way that’s better for the environment.”&nbsp;Regardless of what type of products you sell, Cook says it’s important to make them as accessible as possible – and that means not pricing out vast swathes of your customer base. “To make the biggest impact, we don't want our product just to be for a very small niche of consumers,” adds Cook. “We want our products to be available to as many people as possible and so we make them as affordably as we can.”

"Accessibility is key when you’re trying to affect an industry."

“Accessibility is key when you’re trying to affect an industry,” he explains. “To make the biggest impact on what's a really nasty industry, you have to try to reach as many people as possible and the only way to do that is by making a product that everybody can afford."

One way that Pact improves its accessibility is through partnering with Afterpay. Cook notes, “Afterpay makes Pact more available to customers who might not otherwise buy from us,” adding, “there are also customers I think who love Afterpay, love that model and find brands by shopping on Afterpay’s website and so I think that helps us to reach new customers who might not otherwise have heard of us.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>5. Be honest&nbsp;</h2>Don’t cut corners, and don’t overinflate your credentials, warns Cook. “Consumers are really smart these days and they have access to more information than they ever had, and so they're really quick to sniff out brands that are not authentic or are trying to get a little benefit from something that's not really important to them.”

Be honest and agile, says Drew Cook of pact.

 Pact's five tips for building a sustainable clothing brand

 PACT’s five tips for building a sustainable clothing brand

Starting this month, a more <a href="https://www.afterpay.com/en-AU/business/access/exploring-sustainability/small-business-sustainability" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sustainable</a> shopping experience is just one click away on Afterpay, thanks to a new partnership with API-carbon removal marketplace <a href="https://www.patch.io/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Patch</a>.

As the leading ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ platform, Afterpay has long been committed to transforming the way consumers shop and pay, with a focus on financial wellness and consumer empowerment. Now, those shoppers can take even greater ownership of their purchasing habits by tracking and offsetting the carbon footprint of their Afterpay purchases.Not only is this good for the environment, but it’s good for the merchants that offer Afterpay. Increasingly, consumers are seeking out and rewarding brands that work to reduce their environmental impact, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forrester/2021/01/21/empowered-consumers-call-for-sustainability-transformation/?sh=519f719a2042" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">according to recent research from Forrester.</a>&nbsp;

“As e-commerce demand steadily climbs, retailers are faced with mounting pressures to adopt sustainable practices -- and to help their customers do the same,” said Brennan Spellacy, Patch’s CEO and Co-Founder.&nbsp;

“As e-commerce demand steadily climbs, retailers are faced with mounting pressures to adopt <a href="https://www.afterpay.com/en-US/for-retailers/access/exploring-sustainability/sustainability-innovations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sustainable</a> practices -- and to help their customers do the same,” said Brennan Spellacy, Patch’s CEO and Co-Founder.&nbsp;By embedding Patch’s API directly into Afterpay’s consumer application, more than 10 million consumers will soon have the opportunity to take climate action and neutralize the impact of their shopping. As the prominence of e-commerce continues to grow, its carbon impact will only intensify. For example, the rising demand for faster shipping results in <a href="https://ctl.mit.edu/sites/ctl.mit.edu/files/library/public/Dimitri-Weideli-Environmental-Analysis-of-US-Online-Shopping_0.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nearly triple the environmental footprint</a> of traditional online deliveries. Last mile delivery alone may account for a <a href="https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_the_last_mile_ecosystem.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30% increase in urban emissions</a> in the top 10 cities globally, producing 25 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030 if not addressed.&nbsp;For shoppers who want to engage more deeply in climate action, the Afterpay app will feature a section where users can view the estimated carbon impact of their spend history and the cost to offset the related emissions. They can then select from Patch’s portfolio of nature-based and frontier human-engineered projects to purchase carbon removal and/or offsets from, such as forestry initiatives, carbon sequestration technologies, and more.&nbsp;

“We are thrilled to launch with Patch as we know our customers have an invested interest in taking sustainable actions towards their purchases,” said Zahir Khoja, General Manager of North America for Afterpay. “Through this partnership, we’re able to deliver on our brand promise of providing more ways for customers to contribute to sustainability initiatives or goals.”

“We are thrilled to launch with Patch as we know our customers have an invested interest in taking sustainable actions towards their purchases,” said Zahir Khoja, General Manager of North America for Afterpay. “Through this partnership, we’re able to deliver on our brand promise of providing more ways for customers to contribute to sustainability initiatives or goals.”Give your customers the gift of fair, easy, and greener payments this holiday season by <a href="https://retailers.afterpay.com/merchant-enquiry/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reaching out to our team.&nbsp;</a>