Sustainable Business Trends to Watch in 2021

Julie Starr • January 27, 2021



In the past, sustainable business practices have often amounted to little more than encouraging employees to use less paper. In 2021, more companies are taking their environmental responsibilities a whole lot more seriously, and I think we can all agree that’s a good thing.

As well as being great for the planet, sustainable business practices are also a great way to build a positive brand and save money for your company too. If that sounds good to you, and you’re wondering what the current sustainable business trends are, read on for the best of business sustainability in 2021 and beyond…

Employee training

It’s all well and goods having the intention to increase your sustainability as a business but if your employees aren’t on board, or if they don’t know where to begin when it comes to sustainable practices, it’s going to be pretty hard to make any improvements. That’s why, by far, the biggest sustainable business trend in 2021 is a set to be employee training.

Making employees aware of the issues, teaching them how to work in a way that produces less waste, and fostering a more eco-conscious mindset amongst your staff is actually one of the easiest things you can do; it also has the potential to be one f the ost effective too. So, whether you run classes, create a sustainable business manifesto or bring in a sustainability Tsar, make sure you’re doing all you can to make your employees more sustainable right now. 

The cloud

Over the past five years or so, there has been a surge in businesses switching to the cloud for their computing needs, but it has still been something of a niche pursuit, Right now, in 2021, that is set to change; the balance is about to tip, and more and more companies are set to join the technological revolution that is cloud technology.

Why is this a good thing? Because storing documents on the cloud means that companies do not need to use nearly as much paper or as many filing systems. Any document can be digitally filed and accessed from anywhere on the planet at the touch os a button. This is obviously much more sustainable, and when implemented correctly, will cut your company’s carbon footprint significantly, especially if you use a sustainable cloud hosting company that will have taken every step possible to cut the environmental costs of running their servers.

Another key benefit of cloud computing is that it makes the process of working from home easier for all involved, which as you will see below, is another big sustainable business trend for 2021.

Remote working

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, more of us have been working from home since December 2019 due to pure necessity, and we’re pleased to see that this has been largely facilitated by businesses of all sizes across a wide spectrum of sectors. Why? Because if more of those people who can work from home do work from home, it will save a whole lot of carbon. When employees work from home, they no longer need to commute to work, which means fewer cars on the road, less carbon released, and lower levels of air pollution, which is amazing for the environment. Not only that, but home working can cut the amount of waste generated in office spaces too – for example, when employees work from home, they have access to their own water supply, cutlery, and so on, which means fewer disposable plastic items are used, and that’s just one example.

Obviously, in order to make remote working possible for your company, you may need to make a few changes such as switching to cloud computing, as mentioned above, learning how to run meetings by phone or internet more efficiently, and maybe even finding out how to fix poor cell signal in the office as well as broadband signal boosting, so that those employees who do need to be in the workplace can reliably connect with those who are able to work from home. This could be a little expensive, but it is an investment worth making because it will make your business more sustainable, more future-proof, and more productive (home workers are typically around 30 percent more productive than office workers). So, what are you waiting for?

Energy Efficiency

If you’re serious about running a sustainable business , you won’t get far without taking a good look at the energy you use and how you use it, and that will be easier than ever in 2021 because there have never been more energy-efficient office appliances on the market. From energy-efficient toilets (yes, really) to low-power lighting systems , there are so many ways you can lower your energy use in the office, and save money in the process. In order to make the best use of them, carry out your very own energy audit, so you know exactly what you’re using and start implementing changes as and when you are able. Again, some of these changes may be expensive, but if you can afford to invest in energy-efficient tech, it won’t be long before it pays for itself in terms of lower energy bills and your ability to brand yourself as a sustainable business – something that is really hot with consumers right now.

Sustainable supply chain

Sustainable businesses may be in favor with customers right now, but if you want to woo them, it isn’t enough to simply ensure that your own working practices are as eco-friendly as possible. Eco-conscious consumers are very savvy and they will not only look at what your company is doing in terms of sustainability but also what your suppliers and any third-party companies you deal with are doing too. So, if, for example, you’re a clothing manufacturer, as well as ensuring you use energy-efficient manufacturing methods in your factories, you will also need to buy sustainable cloth from fairly paid suppliers, if you want to be taken seriously, So, before you partner up with anyone or buy any goods for your business, investigate them as thoroughly as possible and make the right choices for your business.

Recycling programs

If you’ve implemented some of the above ideas, chances are you won’t have as much waste to deal with in 2021 and beyond as you have in the past. However, it’s still worth looking into your waste management practices to see if you can do more recycling as a business . This is set to be a big trend in the coming years, and it is probably one of the simplest things you can do to lower your business’s impact on the earth. 

In order to set up a recycling program, all you need to do is talk to your waste management company or local council, depending on how you dispose of your waste to see what they offer. Then, install recycling bins on-site and encourage your employees to use them, perhaps by setting up rewards for the department that recycles the most by volume. If the bins are there, you will find that most people will use them and it will be a really nice way of encouraging a more sustainable mindset in your staff.

Giving back

Giving back as a business is one of the best things you can do, not only because it feels good to help out, but also because it can help to foster positive relations with your local community and build positive brand awareness amongst your target audience. So, it’s not surprising that giving back is set to be one of the top sustainable business trends in 2021.

By partnering with other sustainable groups and charities in your neighborhood, you can do a lot of good. Whether you donate money to a local upcycling group that takes old office equipment and gives it a new lease of life for struggling school children, you encourage your employees to litter pick once a month or you donate cash to sustainable causes, anything you can do will be greatly appreciated while raising your profile as a serious sustainable business.

Transparency

Finally, we are sure to see a trend in more companies being more transparent about their environmental impact and what they are doing to help the environment. This will be a great thing for companies who are already doing a lot, and for the planet as a whole because it will push companies who aren’t doing enough to up their game and start taking the environment seriously.

Although these are set to be the biggest sustainable business trends in 2021, they are just scratching the surface of what is possible if you’re serious about running an eco-conscious business which is why you should explore the topic as fully as possible, Start by implementing these ideas, then think about other areas where you could potentially make changes. Take small step after small step until you have completely transformed your business into the beast, most sustainable version of itself that is possible. Be part of the solution and see your company thrive as a result.

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.