10 Shocking Sustainability Mistakes Your Business Can’t Afford To Make!

Julie Starr • November 16, 2023

If you want to be successful in the modern market, your business needs more than just a great service or product. It also needs to demonstrate that you care about the environment and the people involved in making your product and running your business. Such things come under the umbrella of sustainability and you can discover some of the most shocking mistakes that businesses make around this issue, and how to avoid them by reading the post below.

Mistake 1: Thinking sustainability doesn't matter to your business. 


Probably the biggest and most serious mistake that businesses make around sustainability right now, is thinking that it doesn't matter to them. However, nothing could be further than the truth! Indeed, whatever field your business operates in sustainability matters because there are significant risks in not following sustainable practices. These risks include damage to your brand and public reputation, as social media can quickly spread negative as well as positive information which can have a significant impact on your business and drive customers to more sustainable competitors. 


Another risk of not being sustainable as a business is rising costs. This is because unsustainable practices such as wasting resources like fuel, and not being mindful of the waste your company generates are likely to cost your business unnecessarily. 


Additionally, by not choosing sustainability, your business risks the financial and social implications of non-compliance which at best can result in a hefty fine, and at worst can include legal resources and a PR nightmare. Remember if you are a business operating today, then sustainability is relevant! 

Mistake 2: Greenwashing


How many businesses recognise the importance of sustainability, an unfortunate phenomenon has sprung up around this topic. This phenomenon is known as greenwashing and it is when companies and organizations make misleading or downright false claims about the environmentally friendliness of a product or service.

The perceived benefits of greenwashing to a business are that they get all the glory and positive PR of being green, without any of the investment or hard work. However, there is also a huge risk to greenwashing that must be taken into account. The risk is that your customers and the wider public will find out that they have been misled over this very charged issue, and this will result in their loss of trust and business. Moreover, some businesses even pretend that every single practice they approach has a sustainable lens to it. Sometimes, it does, but not to the point where you’ll market it. For example, you may use MMC Roll Forming for the practical outfitting of your production line and invest in the best materials that last the longest to avoid waste, but does that really need to be a marker in your sustainability report?


Not necessarily. To that end, it's vitally important that businesses choosing to promote the green aspect of their product or service do so honestly, and without falsehood or manipulation. Otherwise, they risk being found out and punished accordingly by their customers. 

Mistake 3: Not making use of your most valuable resource - your employees


Next, another serious mistake that businesses can make around the issue of sustainability is not making use of their most valuable resource - their employees. Indeed, any sustainability initiatives are likely to fall flat on their face unless you recruit the help of those working for you. 


Finding people who are passionate about the issues covered by sustainability and ensuring that they are leading the charge is a great way to encourage company-wide changes for your business. Just be sure to give them the resources they need to implement these changes.

Mistake 4: Not explain why sustainability matters to your employers 


Now you know just how important it is to get your employees involved in your sustainability practices, it's important to remember that self-motivation is always better than when these things are imposed from the outside or the internal power structure within your business. 


With that in mind, it makes sense to educate your employees about what sustainability is and why it's important. You should do this in a way that covers not only your business but also helps your employees see why it's important to them as individuals as well. For example, for employees with children, leaving the Planet in a healthy condition, so they can have healthy and comfortable lives might be a top priority.

Mistake 5: Not rooting sustainable practices in your company values 


Often businesses try to graft sustainability practices onto the current way that they operate. However, they tend to be much more effective and perceived as much more genuine by the public if they are instead ingrained into the values of your company. 


By making a public statement that sustainability practices matter to the way in which you run your business you can set up a firm foundation ensuring that such practices are considered at every decision made, and by every individual that is part of your business. Indeed, by making sustainability part of the way in which your company operates you make it impossible to ignore as you go about your daily business operations. 

Mistake 6: Ignoring regulations and compliance issues 


Ignoring environmental and social regulations and being shown to be non-compliant is a very bad idea for any business. This is because it not only shows a lack of care for the wider world in which your company operates, but such behavior can result in heavy fines as well. 


The good news is that it's not as difficult as you may expect to ensure compliance with such regulations. For example, you can work with specialists such as clean air consultants who can provide you with access to a range of experts such as engineers, chemists, scientists, and technicians experienced in understanding regulatory requirements, solving environmental problems, and providing innovative solutions. In this way, you can ensure compliance with a range of regulations such as the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Mistake 7: Worrying about failures 


Many businesses put off instituting sustainable chances because they are scared of failure. Something that they do not want to have to explain to their superior or the Board. Unfortunately, this is a poor way to look at the issue of sustainability because few companies get 100% right the first time. Instead, it's a much better idea to see sustainability as a journey, one where there are always things that can be done or tweaked to work even better. 


Failures should be seen as stepping stones on this journey, and as a way to better focus your sustainability practices on what truly works for your business. Remember that just as with any change in your business, when making moves to be more sustainable, calculated risks are necessary. 

Mistake 8: Poor sustainability management 


Another issue that businesses and organizations need to be aware of when it comes to sustainability is poor management. For instance, making sure you have a team dedicated to sustainability rather than just adding it to the workload of current employees is best. Then they will be able to spend the time and energy needed getting up to date with the regulations that apply to your business, as well as the latest trends that you can use to improve your sustainability. 


Of course, even though you’ll want a separate sustainability team it is very important that they integrate and work closely with the other managers and areas of your business. Indeed, you will want to make sure that they understand the challenges and issues of each area and team in your business and can come up with solutions that take these into account, thereby ensuring that they work with rather than against the rest of your company.

Mistake 9: Having your entire sustainability initiative reliant on one person


Anyone familiar with running a successful business will know that having a vital part of their organization fully dependent on a single person is a very bad idea indeed. This is because if anything were to happen to that person such as illness, leaving the company, or even death, their business would suffer significantly. 


With that in mind, make sure you have a strong sustainability team, where responsibilities are divided accordingly, and each member is able to cover the role of another is crucial for long-term sustainability.

Mistake 10: Focusing only on the environmental part of sustainability and ignoring the social justice aspect 


Last of all, the term ‘sustainability’ gets thrown around a lot these days, especially when it comes to environmental and green initiatives. However, there are other things that come under the sustainability umbrella that are equally as important as preserving our natural environment. One such issue that is also integral to sustainability is social justice and the ethical treatment of people within capitalism. Indeed, there is much that businesses can do to ensure better treatment of all people involved at every stage of the manufacture and distribution of their products.

For example, one thing that every business can do is to perform due diligence regarding their suppliers. In particular, check that all suppliers and manufacturers that you work with have a robust employment policy that adheres to the modern slavery guidelines and prevents the exploitation of children and adults, that they offer a fair wage, and that compliance is checked by an outside objective organization. Remember, the more businesses that require ethical treatment and work practices from their suppliers the greater the reduction in poor working conditions and exploitation.

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.