The push is on to make sustainability more than a dream. Businesses and governments around the globe increasingly find interest in embracing greener practices, products, and policies. In fact, Gartner research shows that entrepreneurs and CEOs are serious about eco-consciousness. Of the 80% who said they were upgrading their products and technologies in 2023, sustainability was a top must-have.
This shows the importance that leaders are placing on the green movement. Rather than seeing it as nice-to-do, they’re giving it “essential” status. Still, moving in an environmentally beneficial direction has historically been difficult for many organizations. The main issue—and one that’s been a major roadblock—is upfront cost. Plenty of greener solutions require a heftier financial investment at first.
Fortunately, the landscape is changing as companies seek ways to provide sustainable technologies at competitive rates. If you’re eager to power up your sustainability across your business, remember these players.
1. Dell, Apple, and HP: Chipping away at the “throwaway tech” mindset
We live in a culture where technological products tend to have limited lifespans. Whether because of planned obsolescence or industry disruption, tech tools aren’t meant to last forever. Sooner or later, you’ll need to purchase new desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, and other devices for your team. When you do, don’t assume you have to go off-brand to get sustainable choices.
For instance, Apple’s MacBook Air is made from 40% recycled materials. Other Apple products average around 20% recycled items. Dell is following a similar journey and promising 100% economic circularity of its entire lineup by 2030. For its part, HP expects to reach 75% circularity in the same timeframe. Consequently, you don’t have to feel guilty or go brand-agnostic to get sustainability out of your corporate-owned devices.
2. PosiGen and Glanris: Addressing greenhouse gas reduction from two perspectives
Capturing energy from the sun remains one of the most proven ways to move away from reliance on fossil fuels. If you run your company mostly from your home and have a remote team, think about moving to solar power.
PosiGen is a solar energy company that’s been in business for more than a decade. Since part of its mission is to make solar affordable, the company offers long-term solar leases. As a result, you’ll be able to effectively and economically tap into solar tech for both your personal and professional use. This enables you to be a sustainability role model for your employees, customers, and vendors. Plus, it helps you validate any corporate guarantees you’ve made toward becoming more environmentally conscientious.
Speaking of environmental conscientiousness, startup Glanris is taking a unique look at how to turn rice husks into green-friendly biochar. As Glanris explains, individuals and businesses typically consider rice husks as nothing more than waste. Fortunately, Glanris has found a way to turn them into usable products and stop the need to burn them. Burning only releases carbon into the atmosphere. By making those husks work harder, Glanris can offer cheap water purification treatment methodologies. The opportunities are staggering, especially for underserved populations without access to affordable, clean drinking water.
3. Daimler and Olive: Bringing sustainable ideas to supply chains
The logistics of moving products in eco-friendlier ways can seem overwhelming. Instead of trying to change everything at once, take it one step at a time. You can begin by considering moving to electrified fleet vehicles.
More than a handful of manufacturers now offer electrified fleet vans, trucks, and other equipment. Daimler recently introduced its Freightliner Cascadia®. The Freightliner boasts tremendous fuel efficiency, which can offset the higher price tag quickly and dependably. As one Smart Trucking reviewer noted, the Cascadia hit all the high notes for a sustainable truck.
Not in the market for fleet vehicles? If you still ship products, consider Olive. This startup has taken the idea of responsible packaging to new heights. Olive offers its partners 100% reusable packages. After the package (with your product) reaches its destination, Olive arranges to pick up its “box”. It’s clever and, by the looks of it, getting plenty of press.
4. Pela and Fairphone: Smart sustainability for smartphones
Investing in corporate phones requires you to choose the perfect model for your people. And Fairphone and Pela have entered the sustainable smartphone market from different but compatible directions.
Fairphone products are constructed out of fairly sourced and recycled materials. Each phone is built for longevity and not meant to be discarded out of hand. Though only available in Europe, the Fairphone could be ideal if you have international employees who need devices.
Pela provides economical and environmental protection for any smartphone you invest in. Each Pela case is plant-based. According to user reviews, Pela cases are durable, too. You won’t have to give up performance to shield your smartphone assets with a sustainable cover. As a side note, Pela sells peripheral products that are better for the earth.
Greening your tech doesn’t have to mean going into the red. With a bit of investigation, you’ll uncover more and more budget-conscientious sustainable tech for your organization.
