Practical sustainability wins you can do this month

Sustainability can feel intimidating, especially if you’re running a small or midsized business without a dedicated team. The good news: you don’t need years of planning to make progress.

In the next 30 days, you can take a few simple, low-cost steps that cut emissions, save money, and show employees and clients that you’re serious about doing business responsibly.

1. Switch to LEDs and smarter lighting

Lighting makes up about 35% of energy use in commercial buildings. Replacing old bulbs with LEDs and using task lighting instead of overheads can trim utility bills immediately.
Business benefit: LEDs last up to 25 times longer (U.S. DOE), lowering both energy and maintenance costs.

2. Make printing the exception

The average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of paper each year (EPA). Set printers to double-sided, move contracts and invoices online, and treat printing as a last resort.
Business benefit: Saves on ink, paper, and storage while cutting Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and waste.

3. Set up recycling that works

Many recycling efforts fail because employees aren’t sure what goes where. Place clearly labeled bins in high-traffic areas so sorting is simple.
Business benefit: Lower disposal fees and a visible signal of your commitment to sustainability.

4. Pilot one remote-work day

Even one work-from-home day per week can cut commuting emissions by up to 20% per employee. It also reduces office energy use and boosts retention—flexibility is a top priority for Millennial and Gen Z workers.
Business benefit: Lower operating costs, happier employees, and a stronger talent brand.

5. Ditch single-use supplies

From coffee cups to plastic cutlery, disposables add up. Swap them for reusable or recyclable alternatives.
Business benefit: Ongoing savings on supplies and less waste heading to landfill.

6. Appoint a sustainability lead

You don’t need an ESG department to get started. Assign one employee as a “Sustainability Champion” to track small wins, share progress, and surface new ideas.
Business benefit: Builds accountability without requiring a new hire, and shows clients sustainability is part of daily business.

7. Do a 30-minute energy check

Take a quick walkthrough of your office or facility. Look for lights left on, equipment running overnight, or water leaks. Fix the easy issues this month.
Business benefit: Immediate cost savings and a clearer sense of where bigger investments could pay off later.

Why small steps go a long way

• Momentum: Once employees see changes working, larger initiatives feel achievable.

• Cost savings: Energy efficiency alone can cut operating expenses by up to 15% (IEA).

• Competitive edge: Sustainability actions are now part of RFP scoring, often weighted at 10–20%.

• Talent and trust: Younger workers want to join and stay with companies that act responsibly.
  

What this means for your business

Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple changes this month, you can:

• Cut energy and supply costs

• Reduce your footprint

• Show employees and clients you take sustainability seriously

• Build momentum for larger projects
  

These small steps are a great start. When you’re ready to go deeper, download the SMB Sustainability Guide for practical ways to keep the momentum going.