What should you consider when buying more sustainably?

Value for money and service quality aren't the only factors influencing where customers choose to spend their money.

Increasing public awareness of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss has meant that businesses must also consider sustainability in their decision-making. But what does this look like in practice?

How can you make more environmentally conscious choices?

Know what you're trying to improve

There are many areas a business can focus on when trying to operate more sustainably. 

• Responsible sourcing
• Carbon reduction
• Waste and packaging
• Chemical usage
• Water conservation
• Energy use

Whether you're focusing on one, two or ten areas, defining what you want to achieve can help guide your purchasing decisions and, importantly, give you something to measure against — so you know whether those changes are actually having an impact.

Look beyond the product 

Sustainability isn’t just picking products that are labelled ‘green.’ There’s little benefit in choosing a greener alternative if, for instance, getting it to you generates significantly more carbon emissions.

Instead, look at the impact of a product across its entire life cycle. 

• How was this item manufactured? 
• Where did the raw materials to make it come from? 
• How far have they travelled? 
• What happens to the product — and its packaging — once it’s no longer needed?

Looking beyond the ‘eco-friendly’ claims will help you find the option that aligns most with your goals.

Ask suppliers for evidence

Just as you'd want evidence that a product meets certain quality standards, you should expect suppliers to substantiate their sustainability claims. But with so many accreditations out there, it can be difficult to see the wood from the trees.

To simplify the process, Brakes has created One Planet. One Table, which brings together products backed by third-party sustainability certifications that have been assessed for rigour and relevance. It focuses on seven accreditations covering areas including animal welfare, human rights, biodiversity conservation and climate impact:

• Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certification (ASC)
• Fairtrade Certification
• Forest Stewardship Council Certification (FSC)
• LEAF Marque Certification
• Marine Stewardship Council Certification (MSC)
• Rainforest Alliance Certification
• RSPCA Assured Certification

Consider value, not simply price

A more sustainable option may come with a higher upfront cost, but offer greater value — for example, choosing a more expensive eco-detergent that lowers your cost per wash by 14p, or opting for an advanced energy management system that pinpoints areas of unnecessary usage.

Equally, demonstrating greater environmental stewardship can help build your reputation among eco-conscious customers, giving them another reason to choose you over competitors.

However, while there can be advantages beyond the initial purchase, sustainability shouldn't come at the expense of commercial or operational viability. When weighing up a purchase, ask yourself: 

• Does the alternative perform equally well? 
• Could it create more waste? 
• Will changing pack size affect usage? 
• Does it require more frequent deliveries?

If the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, it may not be the right choice for your business. The aim is to balance environmental responsibility with overall business performance.

If you're looking to make more sustainable purchasing choices but aren't sure where to start, we can help you weigh up the options. Get in touch with our team to arrange a call.