The climate change crisis is becoming a more pressing concern on a daily basis, with the deteriorating effects on the environment being plain for everyone to see. Hotter temperatures, increased droughts, extreme weather events and natural disasters, loss of species, the expansion of diseases, and food insecurity are some of the most serious effects of climate change that are affecting millions all over the world. In the end, everybody is affected as the environment suffers under the weight of human-made damage. This is a unique time in history, as the health and future of the planet have never been in jeopardy to such an extent as they are now. 

In order to ensure sustainability initiatives are successful and actually make a difference in the world, it’s essential for everyone to do their part. This refers not only to individuals but also companies and enterprises whose carbon footprints are naturally much more elevated. And while large corporations are naturally the ones responsible for the most significant quantities of emissions, most small and medium-sized companies also have things to learn and improve within their own processes. However, as sustainability becomes more prevalent, so does the tendency for greenwashing, a deceptive practice involving businesses making misleading statements about the environmental benefits of a product they’re distributing or their sourcing and manufacturing practices. 

B Corp 

Certified B Corporations are all companies that have received an official verification from B Lab. This non-profit organisation was founded in 2006 in Pennsylvania, with the “B” standing for “beneficial” and indicating that the businesses that manage to receive this certification meet standards of sustainability, accountability, and transparency that ensure their performance and procedures are not harmful to the environment. B Corps are, therefore, all companies that seek to create value for society and their community instead of just looking to amass revenue for shareholders. 

But in January, the company revealed that they had launched an investigation into the b Corp status of four enterprises after their ties to fossil fuel companies were uncovered. Other companies who have met renewable energy standards pressured B Lab to strip the companies of the green accreditation, and activists drew attention to the fact that it is often challenging to determine exactly what a company is doing, and not as many choose to keep some of their operations secret, and may only disclose data that portrays them in a good light. 

Recycling

Recycling is one of the fundamental aspects of a more sustainable society, as it creates the foundation for a more circular economy. Recycling means that used materials can be repurposed in order to create new items, reducing the demand for the sourcing of new materials, which is typically more resource-intensive and polluting. Polystyrene is a material made out of styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon, a lightweight but rigid material that can and should be recycled since the material can be reused to make both thin, light boxes and packaging material that can protect shock-sensitive goods, as well as rigid plastic products. 

Right now, chemical engineers are developing a technique that could make polystyrene recycling one of the most energy-friendly processes of its kind. The secret lies in the use of a method that involves pyrolysis, a process of thermal decomposition that takes place in an inert atmosphere where there’s no access to oxygen. Textiles are another category that requires more complete recycling solutions, as fashion has become faster and people are shopping more often than they used to only two decades ago. One of the biggest challenges in this regard is the prevalence of low-quality materials and blends dominating markets, meaning that the fabrics are sometimes impossible to repurpose and reuse. 

And, of course, plastics should be mentioned as well since they are the bane of sustainable processes. It is not rare for the same type of plastic to contain different additives that make the resulting recycled material unpredictable and unfit for use. However, this isn’t a call to stop recycling but to speed up the efforts and become more committed to keeping plastics out of the landfill since, according to recent data, only about 9% of annual plastic waste is recycled. 

Real change 

So, what can companies actually do in order to ensure they’re sustainable? The first step is adopting a different mindset as part of the business culture. It’s impossible for things to change for real if the same methods and practices continue to be used. In order to achieve progress and move toward a better, cleaner, and healthier future, things need to change. One of these changes relates to how the best business decisions will sometimes not be aligned with the soundest ecological choices. While there’s a lot to be said about the ways in which sustainable practices can contribute to business growth, including cost reduction, better brand reputation, and an increase in innovative developments, it is also crucial to remember that sometimes profit will clash with the interests of people and the environment. 

For instance, switching to a green electricity supplier or integrating the necessary infrastructure to support renewable power, such as solar or hydro, will be pretty costly in the beginning, even if your electricity needs are not excessive. In order to achieve sustainability goals, you need to move away from the changes and solutions that are primarily cosmetic in nature and which come with very tiny risks and small costs since they’re unlikely to change anything in the long run. Although minor changes are essential as well, and everything counts, taking definitive steps toward the creation of a sustainable world will require the implementation of serious solutions. 

In conclusion, sustainability and the implementation of eco-friendly solutions is something all businesses should be aware of. When businesses set out to reduce their carbon footprints, they must look for practical ways to improve things and start with the least sustainable areas. Depending on the case, these can include manufacturing processes or the energy used to heat offices. Each business has its own journey to make and must look for tailored solutions in order to meet demands. 

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