Why I should be taking sustainable actions is often a question we ask ourselves as time-poor business owners. However, the more important one is, can I afford not to practice sustainability in my business?
Sustainability and environmental consciousness have become increasingly important factors for employees when considering job opportunities in a market that currently offers them lots of choices in many industries. Many individuals, particularly our younger Australians prioritise working for companies that align with their values and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
This is supported by a 2022 Gallup poll that reveals 69 per cent of employees said they would look at a company’s record on the environment before deciding whether or not to take a job – and they would often go to social media to find out.
What’s in it for you as an employer?
Besides the lower recruitment and lost time if staff aren’t retained, a quarter of employees surveyed by Total Jobs in 2022* would even take a pay cut to work for an environmentally sustainable company.
With labour and skills shortages rising it is now more important than ever to show how your business manages its waste and contributes to bettering the environment, so you attract and retain staff in this highly competitive market.
So how do you do it whilst managing everything else?
Outlined here is how any small business can take several easy steps to convert their organics into valuable resources within our bioeconomy.
Here are some key actions to consider implementing:
Implement Organic Waste Management Systems: Set up proper organic waste management systems within your business premises. This can include separate collection and storage of organic waste, such as food scraps or agricultural by-products, to prevent mixing with other waste streams. Councils can often help here and supply what you need to get started – including compostable bags like ours.
Composting: Where possible, establish on-site composting facilities or partner with local composting facilities to process organic waste. Composting converts organic materials into nutrient-rich compost, which can be used as a soil amendment in agriculture, landscaping, or gardening. Developing a roster can help the team own this and keep it on track.
Collaborate with like-minded Companies: Partner with companies that share your passion to try and implement circular solutions i.e., converting organic waste into valuable products. For example, some companies may use organic waste to produce biofuels, biochemicals, or bioplastics. By collaborating, businesses can contribute their organic waste as a feedstock for such processes.
Ensure your suppliers are committed to sustainability: Take time to check out your suppliers’ policies and credentials as part of your engagement or review process.
Education and Employee Engagement: Educate employees about the importance of organic waste conversion and encourage their participation in waste reduction and recycling efforts in your business and their homes. Engage employees in sustainability initiatives, such as composting programs or awareness campaigns, to foster a culture of environmental responsibility within your business and add to the agenda to report on regularly to keep all informed and engaged.
By implementing some or all of these strategies, your small business can contribute to the Australian bioeconomy by effectively converting your organic waste into valuable resources, reducing environmental impact, and promoting a more sustainable approach to resource management.
