In the summer of 2020, I faced a difficult decision: return to my job after a brief furlough, or leave permanently to try to start my own organization, investing in online education and blogging full-time. I chose the latter, and haven’t looked back since!
Since then, I’ve cultivated a community of over 600,000 people across the two platforms I’ve created (which you can find on Instagram at Green Girl Leah and Intersectional Environmentalist); I wrote a book, “The Intersectional Environmentalist”; and I can proudly say that I work full-time for myself, which I didn’t even think was a possibility a few years ago. But it wasn’t an overnight success story. It took years to cultivate, and I'm still learning to navigate the world of social entrepreneurship.
Creating my digital platforms started because of something I'm naturally really passionate about—sustainability—and throughout the journey, I’ve learned a few tips to help other small business owners create a more sustainable business and reduce overall carbon emissions and environmental impact.
As entrepreneurs, we have a responsibility to protect the planet through how we run our businesses. In celebration of Earth Day, I’ve partnered with QuickBooks to share my tips on how to cultivate a more sustainable work environment and reduce your carbon footprint.
Tip #1: Reduce single use items and reuse office supplies
Single-use items (items that are used once and then thrown away) account for 150 million tons of plastic waste each year. To cut down your impact on the planet from waste at your office or in your home, you can opt to stop using single-use plastic coffee pods or tea bags. This can be an easy adjustment by stocking up on loose leaf tea and bulk coffee with reusable containers, and washing cups and mugs instead of using single-use plastic cups.
For things like sticky notes, you can opt for reusable magnets and dry erase boards to cut down on paper waste from note-taking. If needed, you can also use biodegradable or compostable single-use items that will break down in landfills as a better alternative to plastic.
Did you know that in the U.S., over 4 million pens are thrown away each year?! When it comes to office supplies that you do reuse, you can also opt for things like refillable pens to cut down that waste.
Tip #2: Recycle and compost
A great habit to divert waste from the workplace filling our landfills is recycling any paper you do use, but opting for paperless when you can. In terms of office food waste, do your best to compost when possible. Diverting waste from landfills is important because U.S. landfills released an estimated 114.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. In 2019, landfill emissions accounted for 15.1% of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change. Composting or recycling might seem like a small action, but when a large amount of people do it, it can have a huge positive effect!
Tip #3: Cut down energy use
Little things do add up—even unplugging your appliances, such as your laptop or office printers, each day cuts down on your energy usage, which is good for both your wallet and the planet. You can also use timers on lighting and other appliances to automatically turn off when they are not in use.
Tip #4: Offer remote work
This is especially easy during the current circumstances with the ongoing pandemic, but having a flexible work policy where you aren’t commuting into the office naturally reduces carbon emissions. You can connect virtually with your team and save in-person moments for strategy meetings, retreats, and events to cut down on emissions from transportation.
Tip #5: Donate things you no longer need
Instead of throwing office supplies, unused materials, food, and products in the trash where they end up clogging our landfills, you can donate items to nonprofits or donate to local thrift stores so they can continue to be used.
Tip #6: Participate in 1% for the Planet or donate to grassroots environmental groups
Your small business can make a commitment to the planet by becoming a 1% for the Planet partner, where you donate 1% of your earnings to environmental organizations making a difference. You can also do this on your own by using your personal resources to donate to or amplify the work of environmental organizations.
Tip #7: Assess materials across your company
If you’re selling products, opt for compostable and biodegradable packaging instead of plastic to reduce your environmental footprint. You can also reassess the types of materials at your office and choose eco-friendly and recycled paper, toilet paper, and more.
Tip #8: Intersectional environmentalism
An intersectional approach to the environment is important because our choices are connected to the impact we have on people and the planet. As business owners, having diverse perspectives when making environmental decisions can lead to more diverse solutions. For a more in-depth observation and understanding, my book “The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet” examines the links between environmentalism, racism, and privilege. The goal of this book is to inspire the next generation of activists to create sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful change.
I hope you can integrate these tips into your daily life so we can create a greener and more sustainable world! Happy Earth Day, everyone!
