Growing an independent business can prove quite challenging — even more so when striving for zero waste. But such ambition is not impossible. Many companies are setting examples of how to successfully operate in an eco-friendly manner. These zero waste companies offer models on how to achieve green business practices.
Are you passionate about upholding the highest environmental standards with your business? We have a list of five zero-waste companies leading the way to a greener world.
1. Unwrapped Life
Inspired by the birth of her first child, Hayley McKenzie partnered with her best friend Arden Teasdale to start Unwrapped Life. This company is dedicated to making the planet a cleaner and safer place for our children and beyond. Focusing on the reduction of single-use plastics in hair care products, they created a line of shampoo and soap bars that cut the need for plastic packaging.
Their environmental mindfulness doesn’t stop there. To ship green, they use eco-friendly shipping materials and enforce a no-returns policy to cut down on transportation pollution.
2. Earthlove
Committed to healing our planet for future generations, Earthlove founder Dr. Serina Patterson created a subscription box packed with eco-friendly goods. Her goal is to connect consumers to nature with her assorted products. Boxes include anything from snacks to jewelry, to gardening supplies and much more.
Earthlove uses strict eco-conscious packaging methods, supports small businesses/craftspeople and contributes to many non-profits like NatureBridge and Coral Reef Alliance.
3. Weighstead
Weighstead is a brick and mortar store located in Colorado. They provide shoppers with a variety of zero waste goods in the categories of bath, beauty, kitchen and more. Weighstead offers a space for shoppers to easily find eco-conscious products while helping reforestation efforts in the US. They do so by partnering with One Tree Planted to plant a tree with every sale.
Even if you don’t live in Colorado, their products can be shipped to you. Weighstead’s deliveries are plastic-free, only using recyclable packaging and packing materials.
4. Package Free
Package Free’s founder Lauren Singer is dedicated to reducing the amount of waste created by everyday items. Her company is leading the way in zero waste endeavors by providing a venue for purveyors of package-free, zero-waste products. According to their website, they have “kept over 4 million plastic straws, over 3 million plastic bags and over 1.5 million non-recyclable bottles and cups out of landfills.” No small feat!
Other notable efforts include assisting vendors with their reduction of waste, providing an easy in-store recycling program and offering plastic-free shipping.
5. Zwoice
Started by an eco-conscious family, Zwoice is an online portal that connects shoppers to environmentally beneficial vendors, making it easier to live a more earth-conscious lifestyle.
As an ecommerce platform, shipping is an inevitability, which is why they use low emission transportation companies, educate buyers and sellers, encourage local/bulk purchases, discourage returns and focus on careful packaging and accurate orders.
As you can see, it’s very possible for zero waste companies to be successful. Each of these companies achieve zero waste goals with one thing in common—green shipping.
Are you wanting to shift to a more eco-friendly business model but uncertain where to start? Start with your shipping materials. It’s the easiest first step you can take for your business.
Have you already started the shift? We want to see! Post a photo to your Instagram (business or personal) and show us how you're going zero waste. Tag us @brandablebox and use the hashtag #myzerowaste.
If you're an ecommerce company, your shipping box is also the first physical touchpoint you make on your customer. Make it memorable by opting for green shipping boxes. Brandable Box offers custom shipping boxes made from 100% recycled materials, making it easy to ship green! The best part? You can print your logo on your recycled shipping box for free. Try 100% recycled, custom shipping boxes today.
This article was written by our content freelancer, Sam Zell-Breier.