🌍 Sustainability Practices for Small Businesses

How Small Businesses Can Go Green (er) - and Actually Save Money

Red Bird Produce in Birmingham, AL raised $39,650 on the Honeycomb Credit platform.

Running a small business means juggling a million things—keeping customers happy, paying vendors, and making sure your equipment is working. So when you hear “sustainability,” it's natural to think: Sounds nice, but I don’t have the time or budget for that.

We get it. Seriously. We know how unappealing it is to add one more thing to your To Do list. But there is some good news: going green doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. In fact, many sustainability practices for small businesses can help cut costs, increase customer loyalty, and make a real difference for the planet—all at the same time.

And there’s no better moment to get started than Earth Month.

Why Sustainability Practices for Small Business Is Exactly What the Planet Needs

You’re not a massive company. And your “corporate sustainability team” is just you and maybe your high-school part-time associate. But, you don’t have to be a massive company with a corporate sustainability team to make an impact. In fact, small businesses can actually lead the change toward sustainability—because you can be nimble, creative, and community-focused in a way big businesses just… can’t.

And the thing is, customers are paying attention. Lots of people want to spend their money with businesses that share their values—and sustainability is getting higher on that list. So here are sustainability practices for small businesses that you can start today.

1. Start Small: Run an Energy Check

You don’t need solar panels to make a difference. Just doing a quick walk-through of your space to spot energy hogs (old bulbs, always-on machines, overactive heating) is a powerful first step.

Quick wins:

🌱 Switch to LEDs (they last longer and cost less in the long run)

🌱 Install a smart thermostat to manage heating and cooling

🌱 Power down electronics when they’re not in use (or use smart plugs to do it for you)

You’ll likely see the difference on your next utility bill—and feel good knowing you're not burning extra energy.

2. Go (Mostly) Paperless

Paper clutter is the enemy of peace—and the planet. Going digital can streamline your operations, reduce waste, and save you money on supplies.

Simple swaps:

🌱 Email receipts instead of printing

🌱 Use cloud-based tools like Google Drive or Dropbox to share files

🌱 Switch to digital contracts with tools like DocuSign

Less paper. Less mess. Less cost.

3. Rethink Your Packaging Game

If your business ships products or serves food, your packaging is a big sustainability opportunity. Customers notice when your materials are recyclable, compostable, or beautifully minimal.

What to look for:

🌱 Recycled or recyclable materials

🌱 Compostable mailers or containers

🌱 Thoughtful design that uses less (bonus: it often looks better, too)

It’s one of those changes that says, “We care about more than just profit.”

4. Make “Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose” Your New Motto

One way to think about sustainability is to rethink how you use what you already have.

Ideas to spark change:

🌱 Upcycle furniture or decor in your space

🌱 Offer a refill or reuse program for your products

🌱 Donate unused goods or materials instead of tossing them

This is definitely a place where you should focus on progress, not perfection. Every reused item is one less thing in a landfill.

5. Choose Suppliers Who Share Your Values

Where your products come from matters. Choosing local or ethical suppliers helps cut down on emissions and supports other small businesses. Win-win.

Ask your vendors:

🌱 Do you use sustainable or recycled materials?

🌱 Are your practices ethical and transparent?

🌱 Can we collaborate on a greener approach?

When your supply chain is aligned with your values, your entire business becomes more sustainable—without changing your core offering.

6. Make Sustainability a Team Thing

Your people are your secret weapon. If you bring them into the conversation, they’ll likely have ideas and energy to make changes happen faster—and more fun!

Ways to involve your team:

🌱 Launch an “eco challenge” for Earth Month (like bringing reusable lunches or biking to work)

🌱 Give shoutouts to team members who go the extra green mile

🌱 Ask for suggestions and actually listen—they’re on the frontlines, after all

Culture shift starts with conversation.

7. Tell Your Sustainability Story

Let your customers in on what you’re doing. People want to support businesses that care—and they love seeing the real humans behind those businesses.

How to share it:

🌱 Post about your green changes on social media (even the small stuff!)

🌱 Add a “Sustainability” or “Our Impact” section to your website

🌱 Use storytelling—not stats—to show what matters to you

You’re not trying to brag. You’re trying to be transparent, authentic, and community-minded. And that’s exactly what sets small businesses apart.

Every Step Counts

Quick reminder - you don’t need to do everything at once. Pick one or two sustainability practices for your small business and build from there. You might be surprised by how natural it starts to feel—and how many other parts of your business benefit, too.

Better for the planet. Better for your people. Better for your bottom line.

Now that’s something to celebrate this Earth Month.

And if you're ready to get your business growing greener, let’s get started! Our team is excited to help.