How to Work Solo and Sustainably at the Same Time

Every time I open the newspaper lately there is another big corporate company making commitments to sustainability and carbon neutrality.  These commitments are both good policy and good marketing.  But do we soloists and small business owners need to leave the sustainability statements to the big guys?  I think not.

So here I am to put out the Working Solo sustainability policy statement and at the same time challenge each of you to commit to and announce your own policy.

Sustainability Statement
Working Solo is committed to running a business that is both socially and environmentally sustainable.  We will seek to minimise and, if possible, avoid adverse effects on the natural and social environment.  Our services will reflect the needs of our clients, our community and be delivered in a way that means our staff, our services and our business are around for the long term.

Environmental & Sustainability Objectives and Commitments
We will:

• actively manage water, energy, paper and resource consumption throughout our office;
• commit to recycling and waste management and to the purchase of recycled products where possible and within reasonable cost boundaries;
• use environmental criteria when choosing prospective suppliers and the selection of products for all operations;
• utilise 100% green energy for our office;
• offset all emissions from business activities and operations and use suppliers who also do the same;
• ensure that we meet or exceed any relevant environmental regulations where we operate;
• volunteer our services and expertise to environmental and social situations and organisations that will represent the same sustainability principals and ethics or Working Solo.

Now it’s your turn … what are the commitments that you and your business make to a more sustainable business environment?

If you are interested in one of the sustainability projects we have recently supported you can visit the FMCG Sustainability Institute.  We were happy to create their website and are providing ongoing web and technology support.