Do you want to embed sustainability practices in your business but don’t know where to start? Elisabeth Hass, Innovation Consultant and Founder of Chariot, recently shared her key strategies with the Outsite Community.

Foundational Concepts

1: Life Centred Design

2: No Company is 100% Sustainable

3: Focus

4: Self Sufficiency

Concept 1: Life-Centered Design

Life-centered design asks us to consider the social and environmental impact of the products/services we create, not just how they serve a human need.

Concept 2: No Company is 100% Sustainable

In today’s world, it's impossible to be 100% sustainable. Hopefully, this will change in the future! For now, we must accept that we cannot be perfect.

Concept 3: Focus

There are many areas within sustainability and they can be overwhelming. At the start, focus your efforts on one or two areas that are aligned with your values and product/service.

Concept 4: Self Sufficiency

Don’t put the onus on the customer to make your company sustainable. Aim to do everything you can to clean up your own mess (before, during, and after the customer uses your product).

Which Sustainability Initiatives can you Support with your Business?

Some areas to consider:

Wildlife + Biodiversity
Social Justice + Future Generations
Indigenous Lifeways + National Landmarks
Public Health, Water + Air
Food Supply + World Hunger
Oceans, Forests + Other Landscapes

Consider which Approaches align best with your Passion and Product/Service

Low-Waste

Use sustainable raw materials, recyclable packaging and on-demand manufacturing.

Low Water

Think about recycling water, or not using it in production at all.

Low Energy/Clean Energy

Use a green hosting provider for websites and apps, and try to utilize local manufacturing with a small travel footprint.

Other Actions

Offer staff volunteering opportunities and/or use profits to donate to environmental organisations. Think about your brand messaging and how it can encourage conscious consumption.

Key Action Points for your Sustainability Journey

Ask Questions

When considering who to partner with, make sure you are asking the right questions to determine if they are aligned with your sustainability values. For example, find out what regulations they comply with, how they source their materials, and how they recycle.

Create a Code of Ethics Agreement

Create a Code of Ethics Agreement that outlines the sustainability principles or actions you expect of partners. Get clarity on whether or not potential partners (manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, influencers) align with your values and approaches.

Beware of Greenwashing

Do your research to get a good understanding of a partner’s commitment to sustainability. Look to see if the organization is taking action across the life cycle of their product or service rather than just focusing on one step in the process.

Resources

Intersectional Environmentalist

CPGD.XYZ

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Corporate Citizenship

Want the full scoop on building a more sustainable business? Become an Outsite Member to gain access to the full event with Elisabeth, and all other online events.

Elisabeth is an innovation strategist who builds and launches new ventures with early-stage startups and global brands. She specializes in working with companies that challenge our current reality (whether they’re creating flying cars or democratizing mental healthcare) through product development, brand strategy, and experiential design. She is also the founder of Chariot, a sustainable wellness brand that helps travelers stay connected to their rituals. Get in touch with her here.