Embracing Sustainability

The UK is slowly emerging from a third national lockdown. As Earth day approaches on the 22^nd, we all start to consider our environmental impact, both as individuals and as businesses.

As frustrating, difficult and tragic as the lockdowns have been, the impact of Covid 19 on the environment has been strangely positive. During the first near-global lockdown last year, you might remember deer coming into parks, dolphins in the Venice canal and an abundance of urban wildlife being seen on normally busy streets. With more people working from home or
furloughed, the commuter traffic dropped hugely, cars were left on the drive, and the air quality improved due to lack of pollution. As such, wildlife had a chance to flourish.

After this phenomenon, more and more businesses are looking to allow employees to work from home, to cut their collective and individual carbon footprints significantly. But what else can we do to help the environment? Sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s mind – sure a few month break has done wonders for planet earth, but is it really a viable change long-term? Here’s our top tips on why all businesses should embrace sustainability, and how to do it.

How can I make my business sustainable?

When faced with the large scale and somewhat daunting question of how to make your business sustainable, sadly there’s no one
concrete answer; it’s a case of trying to improve your eco-friendliness bit by bit. Sustainability is all about not draining the earth of resources, but creating a business model that won’t have any negative impact in the long term. For example, some companies achieve this by planting a tree per purchase – meaning that the paper they use will eventually grow back, creating a sustainable cycle. Here’s some guidelines you can follow to help your business become sustainable…

Recycle

Recycling is so important for sustainability, as it allows the items to be reused and repurposed, eliminating waste. There are lots of specialist companies out there that recycle just about anything – salons have even started recycling cut hair – so make sure you do your research. And if you can’t recycle- upcycle!

At RollerBanners UK we recycle all our toner and ink cartridges, as well as any paper waste.

Offset carbon footprint

Offsetting your carbon footprint is a great way to give back! Much like FOGA and the trees, consider trying to create a neutral cycle. At Roller Banners, we use couriers like DPD, who are committed to carbon neutral deliveries.

Alternatively, you could choose to go online, rather than have physical stores and showings. Create virtual tours of your company in lieu of physical viewings (great for wedding venues, properties etc) through companies like Roam360 – which will cut down on your carbon emission for staff, customers and the business as a whole.

Choose local

Choosing local suppliers and manufacturers will help keep your carbon emissions low. Roller Banner operates from under one roof, including office staff, designers and printers – so we are able to keep our carbon footprint minimal, by not needing to outsource to many middle men.

Pick your suppliers

If you need material suppliers, ensure they are taking similar steps to you, to keep sustainability at a high. Choose eco-friendly, carbon neutral companies who have a similar ethos to you. If you use paper, register with the FSC. Roller Banners are fully certified; this means that all our paper stocks come from reputable, sustainable sources.

Why bother with investing in sustainability?

But why bother investing in specialist recycling assistance, greener suppliers and carbon neutral delivery?

1. For The Planet – we’ve all got to live here so why not make it as sustainable as possible for future generations?

2. For Your Customers – give them the choice to make greener choices by using your business.

3. For Your Affability – going green is the fashionable choice and will increase your likeability factor tenfold!

If you have any questions about our sustainability, or if you have any suggestions, don’t hesitate to get in touch today!