How Small Changes Can Help You Hit Your Sustainability Targets

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Sustainability can feel like a big, overwhelming task—especially when you're running a busy business and just trying to keep the bins emptied and the coffee flowing. But here's the good news: making real, measurable progress toward your sustainability goals doesn’t require a total overhaul. It’s often the small, consistent changes—like swapping your bin liners or choosing better paper towels—that add up to big wins over time. Whether you're a café, office, or warehouse, the steps you take today can have a lasting impact tomorrow (and your customers will love you for it).

Why Small Changes Matter in Business Sustainability

You don’t need to be Greta Thunberg with a clipboard to make a difference. Most businesses have areas of low-hanging fruit—simple tweaks that can slash waste, reduce costs, and boost your environmental credentials.

The Stats Speak for Themselves

65% of New Zealanders consider a company’s environmental reputation when making purchasing decisions (Colmar Brunton Better Futures Report).
40% of business waste can be diverted from landfill with basic recycling and composting practices (WasteMINZ).
Swapping to compostable packaging can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 75% depending on the product (BioPak LCA, 2021).

So yes—your choice of hand towels or takeaway containers does matter.

Actionable Strategies for Greener Operations

1. Audit Your Waste (Without the Snooze-Fest)

A quick weekly bin check is all it takes to spot unnecessary landfill offenders. Are compostables ending up in general waste? Could you reduce plastic packaging? Grab a cuppa and get curious.

2. Choose Smart Swaps

Start with these easy wins:

Paper Towels → Compostable Interfold Paper Towels
Gloves → Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves
Cleaning Products → Enzyme-based cleaners (less chemical nasties, still sparkle)

3. Buy in Bulk, Refill Often

Switching to bulk-fill soap dispensers or concentrated cleaners reduces packaging waste and delivery emissions. Bonus: it's often cheaper per use.

4. Support Local and Certified Suppliers

Look for suppliers (like us!) that stock NZ-made products, carry certifications, or transparently list their eco-credentials. Avoid greenwashing traps.

5. Educate Your Team—Without Boring Them Rigid

Use signage, bin labels, and cheeky reminders (we love a good pun) to make sustainability part of the daily routine.

Want a Quick Win? ✅

Download our Free Sustainability Checklist for businesses.
Get 12 simple steps you can action this month—no spreadsheets, just common sense.

�� Download the Checklist

✅ Sustainability Checklist: Small Changes, Big Impact

Waste Reduction

Switch to Compostable Bin Liners
Replace traditional plastic liners with compostable options like the Ecopack 27L Compostable Bin Liner Roll. These liners are made from natural corn starch and break down in approximately 90 days, leaving no harmful residues.
Use Compostable Food Packaging
Opt for compostable packaging solutions such as Biopak's range, which includes items like cups, lids, and containers made from renewable materials.
Implement a Recycling Station
Set up clearly labeled bins for recycling, compost, and general waste to encourage proper disposal and reduce landfill contributions.

Sustainable Cleaning Practices

Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Utilize natural cleaning products like those from Green Earth, which are biodegradable and safe for both users and the environment.
Use Concentrated Cleaners
Concentrated products reduce packaging waste and transportation emissions. Consider options like Bio-Zyme Enzyme Based Cleaners for effective and eco-friendly cleaning.
Adopt Reusable Cleaning Tools
Replace disposable cleaning tools with reusable alternatives to minimise waste and reduce costs over time.

Sustainable Food Service

Offer Compostable Cutlery and Plates
Provide customers with compostable dining ware such as Ecoware's biodegradable options, made from bamboo and sugarcane.
Use Recyclable or Compostable Takeaway Containers
Choose containers that are either recyclable or compostable to reduce environmental impact.
Encourage BYO Cups and Containers
Offer incentives for customers who bring their own reusable cups or containers, promoting a culture of sustainability.

Office and Staff Initiatives

Implement a Green Purchasing Policy
Prioritise purchasing products that are eco-friendly, recyclable, or made from recycled materials.
Educate Staff on Sustainability Practices
Conduct regular training sessions to keep staff informed and engaged in sustainability efforts.
Monitor and Report Progress
Track your sustainability initiatives and share progress with staff and customers to maintain transparency and motivation.

�� Download the Checklist

Feel free to download this checklist and share it with your team to kickstart your sustainability journey. Small changes can lead to significant impacts!

Eco-Rated Products
We have developed an eco-rating logo to help you make informed decisions around the sustainability of the products you are looking at. Check out how we rate our products here and keep a look out for the logo on the product pages.

Final Thoughts

Sustainability doesn’t have to be all or nothing. With the right supplier (hint: it’s us), and a few thoughtful swaps, you can make a big impact—without flipping your operations upside down. It’s about progress, not perfection.