The Sustainable Business Process

I love the expanding options of sustainable and environmentally friendly items as companies large and small realize their customers care about the environmental impact. Creating something with sustainable materials is only part of the process, and it is a process. I am constantly making adjustments and I hope some of my practices in increasing my business sustainability inspire some thought, whether you are a small business owner like me or you are a consumer wanting to be more conscious of the businesses you buy from.

Here are some of the areas I have been addressing in 2022:

Plastic tape, labels, bags, bubble wrap, synthetic polyester fibers, and virgin wood pulp are packaging materials used across most industries. I am working to reduce my use as a small business and as a consumer.

Packaging

I use post-consumer waste, recycled boxes and cards, and vintage kimono scraps to wrap my jewelry.

I cushion my jewelry and art in my mailer boxes with reused bubble wrap and paper. I use brown combustible tape, but I will switch to a more biodegradable option when I use this up.

Some sustainable, green, and eco options come with hefty price tags. Thus, purchasing sustainable products can be intimidating or unattainable for those without a high disposable income. As I scale my business, it is important to me to keep my items attainable.

Affordability

There are long-term savings if items do not need to be constantly replaced. I educate my customers about the sustainable materials I use, how my work is designed to last, and how to care for the items they purchase. I have an entire line of sustainable hand-fabricated metal jewelry at an average $65.

The fuel waste and emissions caused by transportation over a long distance is a downside to the global economy. This is something I keep in mind before and after I create something.

Transportation

I am consistently trading up materials and supplies to buy locally and source closer to home. Expanding to wholesale is something I am working on. This will allow me to move several items at one time and reduce the footprint of one-off direct sales.