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The Business-Boosting Benefits of Sustainable Business Practices

Writer's picture: Arielle RoblesArielle Robles

For EcoStiks, being green helps our bottom line and our planet


In today's current climate emergency, even small business' actions count toward making a collective, global shift towards a greener future. If that's not enough to convince you, there is also a business case for why more small businesses should be opting for sustainable practices. Not only do EcoStiks' business practices help our environment, but it turns out that choosing to be more sustainable environmentally also has its benefits to our business resiliency and long term success.


Why Sustainable Business Practices Matter at EcoStiks


EcoStik's founder Julie Schneiderman was recently profiled by Women's Economic Ventures (WEV) to discuss how aligning her business with the most sustainable practices for the environment has actually boosted her business' success! Outlined here are some of the discussion points of the conversation. You can also read the full article by Katya Baty here.


Julie Schneiderman smiling headshot

Excerpt below by Katya Baty


Local green business spotlight: EcoStiks


Julie Schneiderman, a WEV client and Crafting a Value Proposition course presenter, became a California Certified Green Business in 2023 and is a 1% for the Planet member. Julie is the founder of EcoStiks, a local business that creates custom fabric stickers made from recycled water bottles for promoting, branding, and retail.

 

Julie’s entrepreneurial journey and journey into green business evolved together. Her business idea stemmed from her love of the ocean and a desire to create a business that prioritizes protecting ocean ecosystems. As her product launched and evolved, she highlighted the environmentally friendly business aspects of EcoStiks, which became a key component of her value proposition statement.


Ecostiks’ goal is to bring community awareness to single-use plastics and environmental issues. Schneiderman shared that the product and business model transformed to become a platform for change.




EcoStiks "Spread Goodness" patch on a jar of clothespins

Ecostiks is a platform for expression that creates an entry point for organizations to invest in a business that is returning a percentage of the profits to support environmental initiatives. Today, they are continually looking for ways to make their production process more circular, launching an ambassador program to highlight stories of community leaders doing impactful environmental work, and expanding to pitch to larger companies.


When asked what her advice would be for business owners looking to become more climate friendly, Schneiderman said, “Start slowly by just implementing one thing at a time and then scale over time. Reach out to other business owners and ask what changes they have made. In the long run, going green builds legitimacy and branding for your own business.” Schneiderman recommends setting one small, achievable goal at a time to gradually integrate sustainability into business. Any effort, big or small, makes a difference.


The business case for going green


The benefits of going green extend far beyond environmental impact. Embracing sustainability can lead to cost savings through energy efficiency and waste reduction, improve brand reputation and customer loyalty, and enhance employee morale and productivity. According to a report by U.S. Small Business Administration, green businesses can save up to 30% on energy costs and reduce waste disposal expenses by up to 90%. These savings can significantly improve the bottom line for small businesses, allowing them to invest in growth and innovation.


EcoStiks patch with a wave and text

Going green can also open new market opportunities, as consumers are increasingly seeking out eco-conscious brands. A global report from The Economist Intelligence Unit commissioned by WWF found that there was a 71% rise in online searches for sustainable goods globally over the past five years.


Implementing green business practices can help future-proof operations, keeping businesses ahead of regulatory requirements and potentially attracting investors looking for socially responsible ventures. Overall, the decision to become a green business is not only a responsible choice for the planet but also a strategic one for long-term business success.



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Make sure to follow us on Instagram to see all the ways we're keeping things green! As always, thanks for stiking around!


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