Go green or go home

Right now brand owners are being faced with one important choice. Go green or go home. 

All recent surveys, studies and researches direct to this one important trend - that today's customers - specifically millenials - do not want to shop for products and services that are harming the planet. Whilst some will see this is as a challenge, it is actually a great opportunity. Brands moving towards sustainability now, will become pioneers of the new normal and have better chances of consolidating their millenial market.

What does it take to make a brand sustainable? This blog post promises to give you some guidance and insights into your action plan.

1. Rewrite your mission statement

Responsible sustainable brands know that the fundamentals on which their business is made of, matter. Therefore start from the mission statement. You don't have to change it completely, but rewrite it or reword it in such a way that it will reflect your commitment to making a positive impact.

2. Define your values

There are so many ways to become more sustainable, that sometimes people get discouraged. Our advice is to focus on one or two things and make them part of your business culture. There is always time for improvement later. 

3. Re-think your packaging

Zero-waste is something that is becoming more and more popular. If you really cannot get rid of your packaging, look into more ecologically friendly alternatives for instance recycled paper, corrugated cardboard or perhaps a return and refill scheme would work for you.

4. Sourcing materials

Being transparent is a focal point that customers will appreciate and learn to come to trust you. For this reason, you need to ensure that your raw material (or ingredients) are derived from a genuine source. Research your sourcing carefully and avoid items tainted with child labor and modern day slavery.

5. Re-design your offer to extend its life

What is the life cycle of your product? What happens to it after the client has done using it? Is it recyclable? Maybe parts of it are recyclable? Can you extend its life and minimize waste? If so, make sure you educate your customers accordingly.

6. Get verified

A recognized international green stamp will help new customers recognize your professionality and commitment in being a sustainable brand. Though the verification process can be expensive at first, the return in the long run could be extremely beneficial.

7. Marketing

So you are a sustainable brand? Do you have a series of actions that make your business more environmentally-friendly than your competitors? Then don't be shy! Advertise - Advertise - Advertise. Get the word out. Consider hiring a marketeer who specialises in communication for sustainable brands.

The benefits for a sustainable business are endless. These include lower production costs, brand image, more loyal customers, and invetable increased profits.

If you'd like to learn more about this subject, we have compiled a very interested quick e-book for you entitled 'Success through Sustainability'. Get a free copy in your inbox today by signing up to our newsletter.

This ebook was purposely written for the small business-owner. It contains further insights and suggestions for a brand to go green, with small and easy steps that you can start performing immediately, and you can read about the multiple benefits in more detail. 

What else can a sustainable brand do to succeed?

In order to increase sales and grow awareness around your brand, consider joining a sustainable online marketplace community such as Coral. Be part of a community of several sustainable brands selling across Europe!

Limited time offer to join as a vendor on Coral.

No joining fees

No recurring fees

Low commission rate

Contact us now to arrange a no-obligation online chat to explain and answer your questions. Or go here to submit your eligibility request. 

Moving towards healthier travel habits

 Guest post by Camille Bon


 
The EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK will celebrate its 20th edition this year. Celebrating on the week starting 16th September and ending on the 22nd of September, which is World Car Free Day, this EU wide campaign seeks to promote behavioural change in favour of active mobility, public transport and other clean, intelligent transport solutions.

There’s no doubt that the pandemic has fostered an interest in more sustainable modes of transport and brought a new perspective on our public space. Last year gave us a momentary relief from busy traffic, allowing people to enjoy streets and public spaces. Since then, not a week goes by without a new article or survey being published on this topic. First was the announcement of the pioneering Slow Streets initiative by the Local Councils Association, which aims to offer an opportunity to experience our neighbourhoods in a new way. Their goal is to make streets more people-friendly by limiting through-traffic in residential streets. Last April, Hamrun's mayor, Christian Sammut, floated the idea of making the town's main street pedestrianised. His proposal was positively welcomed by the public. Then, in June, Zejtun council announced it will be among the first local councils to introduce car-free zones in their locality.

When we know that the average car commuting journey is only 5.5km and 20 minutes long, there is great potential to encourage walking, cycling and other micro-mobility solutions as faster and cleaner alternative means of transport. According to Transport Malta, many destinations are only a 10-minute walk away from the town centre. The more we create safe and aesthetically pleasing streets, the more we will encourage people to use alternative modes of transport to move from A to B. Furthermore, it is being increasingly recognised that good quality public spaces are important for people’s wellbeing and health, both mental and physical. Pascal Smet, Secretary of State for the Brussels-Capital Region considers public space as the living room of a city: “Just like in your house, the living room is the most important room in the house”.

The question now is how to encourage walking, cycling, and other forms of physical activity in our urban areas? How can we reduce the impact of pollution and advocate for more greenery and open public spaces, promoting physical exercise, opportunity for social interaction and better mental health and well-being?

In line with this year’s theme for the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK 2021, Project Aegle Foundation (PAF), on behalf of the EIT Urban Mobility RIS hub Malta, is organising an online seminar themed “Safe and Healthy with Sustainable Mobility in Malta” in collaboration with Transport Malta on September 16th, from 15:30-18:00 (via Zoom and Facebook Live). Addressing policy makers, government representatives, educators and school staff, architects and urban planners, and students and professionals in the health and transport sectors, and the general public, the event includes 3 panel discussions with experts and practitioners in the field, on the following topics:
 
    •    How is transport impacting health in Malta?
    •    As a place of work or education, what can you do to promote healthier travel habits?
    •    What can cities do to promote active mobility to boost residents’ physical and mental health?
 
The momentum towards sustainable mobility is growing and the time to act is now! Learn how to encourage healthier travel habits during our online seminar here or visit PAF website or PAF on Facebook.

Camille Bon is Lead Project Manager at Project Aegle Foundation (PAF)