I recently started working as a practice manager at GK Accounting Services and would love to share my interest and passion for sustainability with you. I graduated from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David with a Business and Management degree, which focused on sustainability, where we questioned traditional business models and embraced businesses as part of a solution, not the problem. I have developed extensive knowledge and a deeper understanding of how businesses can be more environmentally friendly but also ethically and socially responsible. Therefore, I would like to share my knowledge about how your business can embrace the journey to a more sustainable future.

If you are running a small business, you might think that your business' environmental and social impacts are relatively low and that nothing needs changing. However, your customers can see things differently. Studies have shown that consumers' buying habits are changing as they become more educated and informed regarding sustainability and environmental issues.

Surveys suggest that 32% of consumers are looking for more sustainable lifestyles and a third of the UK consumers are willing to pay up to 25% more for greener products.

So, I hear you asking, but what can I do? Well, here are 5 ways you could contribute to becoming a more sustainable and socially responsible business.

1.    Reduce paperwork

Go paperless as much as you can. Try switching to online invoices, payslips, online forms, cloud storage, e-signatures, note-taking apps and digital receipts. Moreover, going paperless is more secure regarding your and your client's sensitive data security.

However, if going entirely paperless is impossible, look for recycled and responsibly sourced paper and source your suppliers locally.

2.    Invest in eco-friendly packaging

Try limiting your plastic packaging and sourcing more eco-options that can be recycled or reused. Some alternatives may include recycled cardboard and tape, biodegradable foam chips/peanuts, paper bubble wrap, corrugated packaging, bioplastics (e.g. materials created from natural resources such as corn starch), mushroom root packaging and wool.

3.    Recycling

I know very obvious, but it deserves mention as statistics show that the UK is not at the top of its game when it comes to recycling. Figures indicate that only 63% of UK packaging waste was recycled respectively in 2021. Therefore, the first step to responsible recycling could be conducting a waste audit to understand what types of waste your business generates. Once you figure that out, you can decide which recycling bins would be most suitable for your business. To enforce recycling in your company, create a recycling policy and procedures to ensure everyone knows what is expected from them in regard to recycling.

4.    Be a socially responsible business

There is more to sustainability than just being eco-friendly. Social responsibility is also a part of being a sustainable business. You can be more socially responsible by donating money, products or services to social causes or non-profit organisations. Another aspect of sustainability is business ethics. Some ethical considerations include fair wages, good working conditions, flexible working, diversity, equality and inclusion.

5.    Become environmentally certified

Last but not least, if you are serious about becoming a sustainable and socially responsible business, you can seek sustainable certifications. Such certification enables business transparency which can help companies to enhance their triple bottom line, ethical decision-making, and competitive advantage. Some certifications include The Higgs Index, Blue Sign, Fashion Revolution Transparency Index, Eco-Score Labelling System and B-Corp.

Implementing small changes into your business' everyday activities can help you grow towards a sustainable and prosperous future and attract the right customers, employees and investors that share your business' values.

If becoming a more sustainable business is something you would like to be part of, you can contact me at info@gkaccountingservices.com or call us on 07861136704, where I will be more than happy to answer any of your questions and offer advice.