Water, gas, oil, and other indispensable natural resources looked limitless until a few decades ago. People are just now realizing how false those hopes were and are coming to terms with the fact that climate change is an important subject worth being concerned about. Every major newspaper, magazine or publication out there has had a front-page story on global warming and the risks of carbon emissions at least once.
This is why both individuals and businesses must make efforts to decrease the amount of garbage they generate. Companies must adapt their ways of conducting business, just as consumers must do their bit by reducing waste, recycling, and conserving resources.
Because protecting the environment has become such a huge matter, consumers are now thinking twice before they associate themselves with a brand that does not follow green policies. This is why eco-conscious companies are rapidly gaining popularity compared to their less-concerned competitors.
Throughout the years, big brands and niched companies alike have made efforts to reduce their environmental footprint and give back to the environment. Below, we will explore a few of these companies along with what aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from their business models.
Lush Cosmetics
For those unfamiliar with the cosmetic market, Lush Cosmetics may not be a recognizable brand, but you’ll surely not forget about them after reading this article. The brand produces and sells all-natural beauty items such as bath bombs, body creams, and perfumes, and it has quickly become one of the most popular brands among beauty bloggers across the world.
However, Lush’s role in increasing awareness extends beyond the chemicals in its products. The firm has taken many steps to reduce waste, including developing solid shampoo bars to reduce packaging needs.
Furthermore, Lush gives away free items to consumers that recycle their empty product packaging. Their recycling model can easily be followed by any brand that wants to reduce its carbon footprint, regardless of the products or services you provide. You can then use waste compactors and balers that compress recyclable products and make storing and disposing of them a simpler task. This 2101 model from Mil-tek, for example, is designed to compact metal cans and help companies manage waste better and can be used for a business model similar to Lush’s recycling policy. Consumers bring in their packaging, you collect it, and provide them with discounts, then all waste is compacted and sent to recycling centers. You may even be able to make money out of it by selling waste to recycling companies.
Seventh Generation
Cleaning products are full of harmful chemicals and are one of the most significant sources of water pollution. Seventh Generation, however, took things to the next level by producing environmentally friendly cleaning products that are free of chemicals and polluting agents. This not only helps minimize water and soil contamination, but it is also very good for our health since we all know how dangerous cleaning chemicals can be.
What’s more, Seventh Generation has ranked number one on Forbes’ list of “best for the environment” businesses not too long ago, which means their efforts are recognized by important people in the industry.
Through packaging and the methods they use to advertise themselves, the brand manages to stay loyal to its ideals, making its practices appear even more natural and honest. However, because of the numerous additional benefits their goods provide, the firm was able to win over customers who were not previously in their target audience, putting an emphasis on health rather than sustainability alone.
Beyond Meat
Climate change is one of the biggest issues of the world around us, and one of the industries that contribute most to this problem is the meat industry. While most of us love a good burger or steak on occasions, we can’t deny the fact that meat production is significantly endangering the environment.
Beyond Meat understood this perfectly and came out with a product that may be able to convince even the most avid of meat lovers that there may be another option that’s better for the environment and just as tasty. The company makes plant-based products that look and taste just like meat, but are better for both the environment and our health.
Thinking outside the box is sometimes necessary if you want to save the environment. If your industry isn’t known for being environmentally conscious, put your own twist on things to help save the earth. Let’s say you operate a small printing business. You can give a discount to clients who print on recycled paper to promote eco-friendliness. Every firm has the potential to be more environmentally friendly. All you have to do now is be a bit more inventive!
Patagonia
Patagonia is one of the most well-known activewear brands in the world, and all outdoor lovers are familiar with their products. They provide a wide range of items, from clothing to sleeping bags and camping gear, to meet the demands of all types of explorers. It’s only logical that Patagonia’s corporate philosophy is “100% for the earth,” given that individuals who like going out in nature are typically very environmentally conscious.
What distinguishes Patagonia is that their devotion and dedication can be seen in all of their goods and company operations. For over 35 years, Patagonia has been donating 1% of their sales to the conservation of natural environments. What’s more, the founder of Patagonia is now co-funding the 1% for the Planet movement, to inspire other brands to make contributions to the environment.
If you are currently working towards a greener business model, it does not mean you need to change your operations entirely. You need to start small and start implementing changes that feel natural for your brand. Something as small as switching to LED lights can really make an impact in the long term.
Your Efforts Matter
Whether you’re a seasoned environmental expert or just getting started with eco-friendly branding, the sustainable businesses we mentioned above can surely teach you a thing or two. They’re smashing their competitors while also helping the environment and keeping loyal to their brand’s core. That’s what it means to truly make an impact!
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