{"id":42999,"date":"2022-04-15T11:31:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-15T11:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shippingeasy.com\/?p=42999"},"modified":"2022-11-16T14:14:09","modified_gmt":"2022-11-16T20:14:09","slug":"sustainability-for-small-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shippingeasy.com\/blog\/sustainability-for-small-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainability for Small Businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Why does sustainability matter?<\/a><\/li>
  2. Benefits of sustainable shipping<\/a> <\/li>
  3. Sustainable shipping supplies <\/a><\/li>
  4. Sustainability with USPS, UPS, and FedEx <\/a><\/li>
  5. Tips for sustainable shipping with noissue<\/a>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Sustainable shipping<\/a> is possible for businesses both big and small. We understand running your small business is time-consuming enough without adding additional responsibilities, but you can practice sustainable shipping with a few adjustments to your shipping process that can even save you money. We have some ideas on how to implement sustainable shipping practices, including tips from our partner, noissue, so let\u2019s get started! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Learn more about the Greenest Way to Ship Program with South Pole in our blog<\/a>!<\/h6>\n\n\n

    Why does sustainability matter?<\/h2>\n\n\n

    According to Sifted<\/a>, 66% of customers will consider buying from your business if you can demonstrate your sustainable practices<\/strong>. Sustainable shipping can lead to an increase in your sales and customer engagement, but it also has an environmental impact. As of 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency reported less than 9%<\/strong><\/a> of over 3,000,000 tons of plastic materials, including plastic shipping materials, are being recycled<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It might not seem like recycling your shipping materials has an impact, but switching to more sustainable shipping materials and\/or recycling your shipping materials contributes to raising that 9%. Being visible with your efforts may encourage other businesses and customers to start recycling as well.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Take
    Image source: EARTHDAY.ORG<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

    Benefits of sustainable shipping <\/h2>\n\n\n

    Sustainable shipping is a step in the right direction for your business because it can make an impact on your customers, helps the environment, and is easy to incorporate into your daily shipping routine. Creating recycling-themed incentives for your customers not only increases your customer engagement<\/a>, but it helps to increase the number of boxes being properly recycled. Also, reusing shipping supplies<\/a> can cut down on your shipping supply costs. <\/p>\n\n\n

    Get organized for sustainable shipping <\/h3>\n\n\n

    One of the first steps in sustainable shipping is organization. Find a small recycling bin or storage container to utilize in your shipping space for all your recyclable materials. You can reuse materials in your orders where you can, and materials that can\u2019t be used are all gathered in one location, making the trip to the recycling bin easier. Having all of your materials in one space also helps you to see exactly which shipping supplies you have available, so you don\u2019t accidentally purchase supplies you don\u2019t need. <\/p>\n\n\n

    Customer engagement benefits <\/h3>\n\n\n

    Sustainable shipping also gives you the opportunity to engage with your customers<\/a> in creative ways. For example, offer promo codes and\/or special deals<\/a> to your customers who reuse your packaging from their orders if they need to return items to your store or if they need to send packages to others. If you have them tag your business on social media<\/a> to redeem their offers, it\u2019ll increase your social media customer engagement<\/a> and hopefully encourage other customers to do the same. You can also offer giveaways\/contests to your followers and have them showcase sustainability efforts throughout their day or community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    EARTHDAY.ORG, the organization created as a result of Earth Day in 1970, has excellent resources for social media campaigns<\/a> to help you get started. Their Instagram account is also an excellent example of how sustainability-focused campaigns are run. Check out the example below: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    \"EARTHDAY.ORG's
    Image source: Instagram – @earthdaynetwork<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    When you switch to sustainable shipping supplies, don\u2019t be afraid to let your customers know. Be transparent in how you\u2019re contributing to environmental causes. Incorporating your sustainable efforts directly into your social media accounts shows your customers you care about them, and you care about the environment. Like EARTHDAY.ORG says, make every day Earth Day! Your customers and our planet will thank you. <\/p>\n\n\n

    Sustainable shipping supplies <\/h2>\n\n\n

    Recycling boxes and other eligible shipping supplies is a great way to get started in sustainable shipping. There are also shipping supplies created out of recycled materials you can use including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n