Now, more than ever, society is concerned with environmental degradation and promoting the sustainable development of the planet. It is apparent that damage to the environment is hugely related to human activity. It therefore becomes clear that it is our moral obligation to understand the impact our actions have on the environment in order to take measures to protect our precious planet for future generations.

You have probably heard businesses using the terms, “zero waste,” “green marketing” and “sustainable” in their marketing strategies. Many companies of all types and sizes are developing new practices and missions that prioritize social responsibility and have the least impact on the environment as possible.

What does zero waste mean?

According to Zero Waste International Alliance, Zero waste is “The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”

Benefits of being a Zero Waste Business

1. Zero Waste benefits our environment
   1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that the production of products, including food and packaging, account for 42% of all greenhouse gas emissions. If your business is practicing reducing, reusing and recycling, it minimizes your carbon footprint on the environment, while also saving you costs on waste management.
2. Improving brand image
   1. A survey revealed that more that 2/3 of respondents consider sustainability when purchasing a product, and they are even willing to pay more for it. Promoting your company as a “Zero Waste” or “Green” business will give you a competitive advantage by creating a trustworthy reputation for your brand and building customer loyalty in the process.
3. Zero waste benefits our economy
   1. Reducing, reusing and recycling creates an average of 10 times more jobs than traditional trash disposal alone. Zero Waste also supports the economy by keeping materials out of the landfill that have potential revenue if sold for recycling.

Ways to integrate Zero Waste into your marketing strategy

1. Incorporate green into your brands identity by communicating your sustainable practices regularly. This can be done through advertising, social media, blogs, word-of-mouth, ect.
2. Support other eco-friendly businesses or programs in your community. This is a great way to gain support and credibility within your community while generating positive buzz about your company’s dedication to sustainability.
3. Educate, educate, educate! Educating the importance of conscious consumption will help consumers better understand your vision and build an emotional connection with them. Consumers won’t know your sustainable practices unless make an effort to share your brand’s story.

Get ahead of the curve by starting your business’s journey to zero-waste today.  If you are looking to be a pioneer in sustainable practices, please schedule a free consultation with our team at Oster and Associates for tips on how to incorporate zero waste into your marketing strategy.