REVER (YC S22)’s Post

Sustainability is a term that is popularly thrown around, but what exactly does it mean? And why is it important? . . Simply put, sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. It seeks to prevent the depletion of natural or physical resources, so that they remain available for the long run. Fashion industry is incredibly harmful to the planet. Thousands of harmful chemicals used in the textile mills around the world leads to severe hazards for both the environment and the people working with them and the time has come for a global change in the industry. It has become vital for all the creator and the consumer to think wisely before making and investing. We strongly need to believe that a greener and more environmentally friendly business practice is not only important for the planet, but also for a business future success.

[ Act now or miss out: 7 Benefits of choosing sustainable packaging ] In today's eco-aware environment, companies cannot afford only to rely on the quality of their products, sustainability is a must. ♻️ With that in mind, Moulded Pulp Packaging material, prepared from recycled paper and plant fibers, is an easy and effective way to increase your company's green credential. It's sustainable, biodegradable, and recyclable. These are all attributes matching current needs of our ecology and consumer expectations.   Here's why all businesses should make use of it: ➡️ Improve your brand reputation Switch to sustainable packaging that will add to your brand's image. You show your concern for the future of the planet, and customers will build trust in your brand and stay loyal. ➡️ Be compliant with regulations Governments impose more regulations on plastics. With sustainable packaging, you will be one step ahead in compliance matters, avoiding penalties. ➡️ Reduce Operational Costs It can yield long-term cost savings. First, the 'green' materials tend to reduce shipping costs due to their lightweight and space-saving design, while using recycled materials reduces raw material costs. ➡️ Drive Innovation and Competitive Advantage Investment in sustainable packaging may ignite innovation. Revisiting the supply chain and the very design of the actual product could lead to improvements in efficiency, thereby offering a competitive edge for a business and even appeal to more environmentally conscious clients. ➡️ Improve Product Protection It can have excellent cushioning for great protection, which reduces returns and improves customer satisfaction while at the same time reducing your carbon footprint. ➡️ Attract and Retain Top Talent Apart from appealing to green-minded consumers, a sustainability-focused business also resonates well with purpose-driven employees who want to be part of responsible companies. ➡️ Future-Proof Your Business Sustainability trends are here to stay. Switch to eco-friendly packaging now to future-proof your business as continuous market shifts take place and change in consumer preference occurs. 📦 Strategically, the move to sustainable packaging will result in increased brand reputation, maintained regulatory compliance, and decreased costs, all of which fuel innovation. This helps your business support the well-being of the planet while setting you up for long-term success.

 “Sustainability is more than a goal, it’s what we do.” Sustainable business is crucial for a better world. At Powered By People, it's our mission to help sustainable businesses sell globally. To date, we have brought the products of 3,200 independent producers from more than 70 countries to customers who want more sustainable choices. So how do we define sustainability? For Powered by People, we look for makers and retailers who: Respect human rights Honor the environment: Using eco-friendly materials free from chemicals and synthetic dyes Provide their employees fair wages: Paying above minimum wage so they can support themselves and their families Have a traceable, clean supply chain    Lower their carbon footprint: Reducing energy consumption in workshops and warehouses We believe social and environmental sustainability are key to a sustainable future and business. What sustainable practices do you look for when you buy products? Our first-ever Sustainability Report goes deeper into what sustainability looks like for us, our partners, and our makers. Read more about makers like Luisa Villavicencio in Guatemala in our report here: https://lnkd.in/eKt7ykyd

Sustainability is more than the Carbon footprint! SustainSymphony introduces an Organization Rating Module. Designed to manage your company's sustainability strategy. This section features an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) questionnaire that helps make your activities and strategies transparent to your partners. For example, you will find here questions such as:   PURPOSE ·       Does your organization's environmental approach match frameworks like the Paris Agreement or the Sustainable Development Goals? ·       Is there an ethical policy guiding your sponsorships and partnerships? ·       Does your company have an Environmental Management System implemented? ·       Is there a Code of Conduct focusing on social responsibility and sustainability in your company? PURCHASING & SUPPLY CHAIN ·       Are sustainability objectives included in contracts for products and services? ·       Do you partner with an entity investing in social and sustainability impact projects? ROLES & RESPONSIBILITY ·       Do you offer employees sustainability training and development, either in-house or externally? ·       Is there a Management or Board member responsible for sustainability, ESG reporting, investments, and advocacy? PRODUCTION & PROGRAM ·       Have you trialled sustainable methods in shows or exhibitions, like using repurposed materials, design for remanufacturing, material circularity or energy-efficient Audio/Video/Light products? ·       Do you employ a Green Rider or guidelines for environmentally sustainable productions and rentals? ·       Do you partner with cultural, non-profit organizations, or industry associations to exchange sustainability solutions? BENEFITS GAINED ·       Has your team experienced improved morale or well-being, motivated by your organization's sustainability strategy? ·       Have you uncovered new creative or artistic opportunities through your sustainability initiatives? Link to d&b SustainSymphony: https://lnkd.in/dyJ_yYiH

Great stuff as usual from HBR, highlighting the fact that sustainable products and consumer demand for them are here to stay. Three key points: 1. Trust drives behavior and, ultimately, business outcomes. 2. Sustainability promotes trust, particularly among younger generations. 3. Younger generations will soon have most of the purchasing power in the U.S. If your company has sustainability goals, Target Office Products Inc can help you meet them. We offer a wide range of eco-friendly office products, from recycled paper to fair trade coffee, and can help you find the best ones for your business needs. Contact me for more info. Dennis Dzubinski David O'Malley

In 1987, the United Nations defined sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Even with a complete turnaround of the fashion industry, it is evident that the production, distribution, consumption, and disposal of textile items will continue to impact the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We have already experienced the early consequences of climate change with increasing incidents of wildfires and floods, and we cannot revert these natural disasters to protect future generations. However, the fact that the industry may not be sustainable is not an excuse for it not acting more sustainably. In other words: Just because you can’t fully succeed, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.  😉

How to Implement Circular Economy Principles in Your Business The circular economy is a model that focuses on sustainability by minimizing waste and making the most of resources. Implementing circular economy principles in your business can not only help the environment but also reduce costs and improve your brand image. Here’s how to get started: 1. Assess Your Current Practices Begin by evaluating your current business processes and identifying areas where waste is generated. This could include production, packaging, or even office supplies. 2. Design for Durability and Reusability Consider how products can be designed to last longer and be reused. This might involve using higher quality materials or designing products that can be easily repaired or upgraded. 3. Implement Recycling Programs Set up systems to recycle materials both within your business and for your customers. This could involve working with recycling companies or creating take-back programs. 4. Source Sustainable Materials Switch to materials that are renewable or have a lower environmental impact. This could mean using recycled materials or sourcing from suppliers who use sustainable practices. 5. Innovate with Business Models Explore business models that support the circular economy, such as product-as-a-service or leasing models, which keep products in use for longer. 6. Engage Stakeholders Educate and involve your employees, suppliers, and customers in your circular economy initiatives. Transparency and collaboration are key to success. Case Study: Philips Lighting Philips Lighting has implemented a circular economy model by offering light as a service. Instead of selling light bulbs, they provide lighting solutions where they maintain ownership and responsibility for the products, ensuring they are reused and recycled effectively. Implementing circular economy principles can be a transformative step for any business, fostering sustainability and driving long-term success.

Not that hot yet - https://lnkd.in/eH5WzqjY It's April, and in Europe, it usually means that brighter and warmer days are ahead of us. A French saying that goes like this " En Avril ne te découvre pas d'un fil ", literally means that " in April don't uncover yourself by a thread ", meaning that although days are brighter, they are not warmer yet, so don't go out wearing lighter clothing as you might catch a cold... as I ironically did this week! In other words, don't be fooled by appearances. When it comes to beauty a lot of brands have used the 3R method (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to upgrade their products portfolio to a more sustainable offering. However, the economic downturn and the increase cost of energy and materials are shrinking margins, and some brands may be backpedalling on their sustainability commitments. Remember, sustainability is a long term goal, and the short-term impact might be costly, while the long-term competitive advantage might be well underestimated. With re-sources.co, we bring you reports and consulting support on the future of sustainability in beauty, so instead of imaging it, you can build it, and market it properly! Join the movement…or book a demo. Eva Lagarde 🧚🏼♂️ CEO & Founder re-sources.co

Sustainability as a Best Practice for Businesses Sustainability is the use of resources without compromising future needs. In business context, sustainability seeks to improve people's lives while mitigating the negative man-made impact of climate change. Additionally, the approach appreciates that resources are finite and must be used without being depleted. Therefore, it is important for companies to implement sustainable business practices in their operations. In the pursuit for sustainability, businesses should focus on the following. 1. Resources efficiency - The use of resources with minimal wastages. 2. Carbon footprint - Zero CO2 emmisions and reduction of energy consumptions. 3. Waste reduction - Waste elimination through reduction from the source, reusing, recycling and re-manufacturing practices. While sustainability is costly, it is the best practice to prevent irreparable damage to our beautiful planet. Sustainability should be anchored in every operation of a company. The struggle to ensure a regenerative earth should not be a one day's event but rather a continual improvement process. Here are some of the best practices for businesses to protect our planet. 1. Go green - Switch to the use of zero CO2 emissions energy. Organizations should aim to ensure the use of renewable energy in their operations. The approach can include use of climate-neutral sources of energy like windmills and solar panels. 2. Make production sustainable through technology - Technology offers another avenue to implement sustainable practices. Through digitalization, companies can run processes in real-time with optimal processes and parameters. Any deviation from the set consumption rates such as water or energy, the process owners are immediately notified. 3. Implement a green circular economy. The business should strive to minimise waste at the source and use recyclable or re-usable packaging materials. 4. Switch from the use of fossil raw materials to renewable raw materials. Over the cause of time, businesses should ensure they replace fossil fuels with renewable materials. It can be the use of new composite materials, textile fabrics or biodegradable raw materials for the manufacturing of detergents and paints. Generally, transitioning to a business that conducts it operations sustainably is the way to go. Despite being costly, it behoves businesses to protect our planet from irreparable damage. Sustainability will increase a business competitiveness and mould its reputation.

Sustainability in Business: How Companies Are Shaping a Greener Future In today’s world, sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s a business necessity. Here's how companies are stepping up for a greener future: 1. Eco-Friendly Products – Businesses are designing products that use less energy, are biodegradable, or made from recycled materials, helping reduce waste. 2. Green Supply Chains – Companies are cutting down carbon emissions by optimizing logistics, using renewable energy, and partnering with sustainable suppliers. 3. Waste Reduction – Through better resource management and innovative recycling programs, businesses are minimizing waste in production and packaging. 4. Sustainable Investments – More businesses are investing in renewable energy sources like solar or wind, reducing their carbon footprints. 5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Companies are aligning their brand values with environmental goals, engaging in initiatives that support biodiversity and climate action. Conclusion By integrating sustainability into their strategies, businesses are not just protecting the environment—they’re also creating value for their customers and future-proofing their brands. The greener the business, the brighter the future. Taxila Business School