7 Avenues To Business Sustainability Beyond Covid-19

Julie Starr • August 20, 2020



From nuclear wars to pandemics, and pollution, humanity’s existence has been threatened several times. Today we are faced with a test; the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over twenty million people globally and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives since reportedly breaking out last year. One of the areas that have been affected by this crisis is the business world, and many businesses are evaluating their business models to determine how well it will hold during an emergency. However, most organizations don’t have a more profound comprehension of sustainability . 

What is a sustainable business?

From an extensive point of view, sustainable business has its activities based on environmental, financial, and societal concerns.  Yet, this way towards sustainability isn’t that simple for most companies. Hence, the need to put together these seven avenues to business sustainability post-pandemic era to empower the future of companies and the community. 

How to develop a sustainable business?

  • Make a smart, incorporated open approach

Building a sound open approach to conservation issues is certainly mind-boggling. The uncertainty regarding how governments failed to act on issues that challenge the business community adds to the already existing planning burden on companies. Businesses can only overcome this with a solid and consistent cohesive policy to adopt modern standards and technologies, and so train their employees for sustainability. But this most importantly cannot be done without having a clear understanding of government directions on related issues. Therefore, it is important to build a national dialogue on responsible consumption and construct a national discourse on accountable utilization.

  • Build influential structures that promote sustainability

Building an organizational structure that supports sustainability is no simple task. Setting up objectives for the business will assist you with advancing toward the future. However, this could be challenged should there be issues like bad or under-staffing, bad organizational structure, poor communication channels, or something different altogether. You will need to have an organized command center throughout the various business units and departments. It has been noted that one key challenge in maintaining a business is the inability to communicate the vision of business sustainability effectively. An example is re-appropriating, which gives organizations access to assist in finishing assignments on schedule and arrive at their anticipated objectives. On the off chance that you have more work than laborers, re-appropriating is probably the ideal approach to ensure the job is finished effectively and productively.

  • Establish sustainability as a core principle

A study in 2007 suggested that business heads or chief executive officers are rotating rapidly through jobs with an average of six years in the US. This poses a challenge to a business requirement for a sound sustainable policy, which involves long-term investment. Practical organizations truly accept that environmental change, exploitative resource utilization, and contamination are high among concerns for which they can assist in finding lasting solutions. Should the leadership of businesses realize the importance of sustainability and its relevance, there will be a concerted effort to appreciate it. Researching on the subject, attending workshops and conferences focused on the sustainable and joining industry alliances towards global goals attainment will be a decent start. 

  • Adopt the culture of outsourcing 

It is an obvious fact that organizations are continually searching for new, improved approaches to decrease expenses and better meet progressively high client needs. Pressures from the competition diminished processing durations, and an increase in customer demands have implied that several companies are switching to outsourcing to keep up. Outsourcing accrues numerous benefits to businesses. Notable among them include improved productivity and efficiency, vast flexibility and cost-saving. The latter supports the fact that every organization seeks to reduce its overhead cost to improve its financial standings. Outsourcing does not just take away the cost of investing in machinery and tools but reduces the cost of hiring and training of staff as already existing field experts will complete the work. It also reduces the number of staff on a company’s payroll. Accounting, for example, is an aspect of the business you can outsource and companies requiring accounting services can visit https://xmigrowth.com/accounting/ for all their accounting needs. 

  • Build an innovative environment to support business sustainability 

The application of a sustainability lens to every aspect of the business requires a certain level of change in strategies. The need for sustainable business growth will call for several adjustments in certain areas which includes;

  • Planning and developing products or services that yield sustainable outcomes
  • Investing in business managers and CEOs to focus on sustainability-driven executions, to ensure leadership strategies conform with global goals and standards
  • Promoting products and services that induce sustainable choices from customers
  • Incorporate a strategy to repair social trust

There has been disintegrated trust in business following the global financial crisis. Therefore, there must be a conscious effort by business heads to regain the trust of its employees, customers, and society at large. Companies must put in place measures to repair the social license to operate in their communities. The social license basically refers to the unspoken readiness of members in a business community or region to allow a company to operate. Besides openly communicating their sustainable interaction with the society, there must be an effort to partner with the civil society, governments, communities, customers, and its own workers towards reestablishing their trust in the business. 

  • Approach competitors as collaborators

A strong collaborative effort is a way to quicken sustainability within a business and the wider industry as a whole. Organizations can do everything imaginable to improve their natural and social effects inside their own activities. However, the large advances are made when organizations adjust the activities of providers, merchants, and every other individual from their worth chains. At the point where one key participant in a division turns out to be sustainability-centered, it drives others inside that segment to go with the same pattern.

This type of rivalry is energized by organizations, not just in light of the positive effect on the environment but also drives them to maintain their sustainability-based advancements.

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.