12 ways to help the environment as a business or individual

The urgency of environmental issues like deforestation and climate change threatens not only the planet’s health but also the long-term viability of businesses across industries. While individual consumers have a role to play, businesses also hold immense power to drive positive change.

By adopting sustainable practices, companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. This, in turn, resonates with today's environmentally conscious consumers, who are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company's commitment to sustainability. 

Below, we’ll explore the various ways forest managers and businesses can help the environment, along with the impact individuals can make to create a healthier planet.

Table of contents: 

• Ways individuals can help the environment
• Ways businesses can help the environment
• Ways forest managers can help the environment

Ways individuals can help the environment

Individual actions are equally important in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. Everyday choices, like avoiding new or used products from exotic origins and limiting the utilization of resources like electric power, water, public transport can collectively contribute to reducing overall environmental footprints.

1. Use your purchasing power to help the planet

By making conscious choices at the store, individuals can support businesses committed to sustainability. Look for certifications such as the ones below when shopping for food and other products: 

• FSC: Products with FSC labels ensure responsible forest management practices and sourcing methods are followed throughout the supply chain, protecting forests and biodiversity.
• Fair Trade Certified: Fair Trade Certified ensures fair wages and working conditions for farmers and workers in developing countries.
• Rainforest Alliance Certified: Rainforest Alliance Certified products promote sustainable agriculture, forest management, and responsible business practices.

These certifications signify that the products were produced with ethical and environmentally responsible practices throughout the supply chain. Choosing products with these labels sends a clear message: You support sustainable practices and are willing to put your money behind them.

2. Reduce your carbon footprint

Individuals can make a positive impact on the environment by reducing their carbon footprint. Here are some actions you can take:

• Minimize car trips by choosing other methods like carpooling, public transportation, or biking. 
• Consider aeroplane travel less often and explore alternative transportation options for shorter distances.
• Conserve energy at home with energy-efficient appliances and by turning off lights or devices that are not in use.

While governments and corporations hold a large responsibility for addressing climate change, collective individual actions can still make a substantial difference. By making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can support a more sustainable future.

3. Shop local whenever possible

Shopping locally offers a win-win for both the environment and the community. Locally sourced food travels shorter distances, which can translate to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation and in the materials needed for packaging. It also directly supports local farmers and businesses, strengthening the local economy.

Consider shopping at places like: 

• Thrift stores
• Consignment shops
• Local markets
• Local crafter’s pop-up shops 
• Organic shops 

By doing so, individuals can help foster a more resilient local food system and promote a more sustainable and self-sufficient environment.

4. Try composting

Composting is a crucial component of sustainable waste management systems, often alongside recycling and other waste separation programs. Instead of being sent to landfills, some kitchen scraps and yard trimmings can be composted. 

Landfills decompose organic materials in an anaerobic environment, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting, on the other hand, creates an aerobic environment that efficiently breaks down materials while significantly reducing methane emissions.

The resulting compost is a nutrient-rich soil that nourishes plants and promotes healthy gardens. For those who don't plan to use their compost personally, donating it to community gardens or local greening initiatives is a great alternative.

5. Consider a more plant-based diet

Meat production has a significant environmental impact. Livestock farming requires vast amounts of land, water, and energy resources. Additionally, it contributes to deforestation and the release of greenhouse gases. 

While going completely vegetarian or vegan may not be for everyone, even small changes can make a difference. Consider incorporating "Meatless Monday" or a few plant-based meals each week. Every reduction in meat consumption can help positively impact the environment.

Beyond dietary choices, there are also simple energy-saving practices you can adopt in your kitchen. For example, boil water efficiently by only boiling the amount you need to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. You can also use pot lids to cover pots while heating liquids or food, helping retain heat and reduce cooking time.

6. Choose to reuse and recycle properly

Simple changes in daily habits can significantly avoid producing waste. Opting for reusable bags, water bottles, and coffee mugs instead of single-use disposables is a great way to minimize plastic waste and avoid the environmental costs of producing disposable items. 

Additionally, checking local waste management guidelines and properly sorting your waste is crucial. This ensures that recyclables are effectively processed into new materials, reducing reliance on virgin resources and reducing the environmental impact of waste management. When in doubt, follow these best practices: 

• Know your local guidelines: Recycling rules vary by location. Check with your local waste management provider to ensure you're recycling the right materials in the right way. 
• Clean and dry recyclables: Food and liquid residue can contaminate entire batches of recyclables. Give your recyclables a quick rinse and dry them before placing them in the recycling bin.
• Check for labels and instructions: Some packaging may have specific instructions for recycling. Pay attention to labels and follow any sorting instructions provided.
• Recycle glass properly: When recycling glass, separate it by colour to help ensure efficient processing. Avoid mixing glass with porcelain or other ceramics.
• Choose reusable containers for meal prep: Opt for glass containers instead of single-use plastic containers to reduce waste and avoid potential health concerns associated with plastic exposure.
• Incorporate local ingredients: Support local farmers and producers by using fresh, seasonal ingredients in your meal prep. This can help reduce food miles, support the local economy, and enjoy delicious, nutritious meals.

Also, don't put items in the recycling bin if you're unsure whether they're accepted in your area. Contamination can lead to entire loads being rejected.

7. Conserve water and electricity

Conserving water and electricity at home is a simple yet effective way for individuals to reduce their environmental impact. Taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, and turning off lights and electronics when not in use can significantly reduce water and energy consumption. Using less energy also translates to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

Also, look for Energy Star-certified appliances that use less energy and water. These appliances can save you money on utility bills while reducing your overall environmental footprint. For an even greater impact, consider driving an electric vehicle and sourcing your energy from solar or wind power if possible. 

Beyond these general practices, it's also important to be mindful of how you use heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. 

• Open windows and doors during cooler periods to take advantage of natural airflow and utilize natural ventilation. 
• Install window shutters to block sunlight and reduce heat gain in warmer weather.
• Ensure your home is well-insulated to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
• Avoid extreme hot or cold thermostat settings. Consider using fans for additional circulation instead of relying solely on air conditioning.
• Regularly maintain your HVAC system to help improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Incorporating these practices into daily life can help enhance comfort, potentially save money on energy bills, and support a more sustainable future for all.

Ways businesses can help the environment

Businesses are intrinsically connected to the natural environment. The biodiversity of ecosystems provides the vital infrastructure that underpins the economy, from the pollination of crops to the purification of water. All businesses, directly or indirectly, depend on biodiversity for their operations and survival.

Unfortunately, the many businesses that benefit from the natural world have also been contributors to its decline. Practices like resource extraction, transportation, and waste generation contribute a substantial portion of greenhouse gas emissions that drive global warming. This makes them a crucial player in the fight against climate change.

The good news is businesses also hold immense potential to be a force for good. This would look like reducing their carbon footprint, minimizing waste production, and using natural resources more responsibly. These efforts not only benefit the planet but can also lead to long-term cost savings and a stronger brand reputation.

1. Use sustainably sourced materials

The materials a company uses have a significant environmental impact. Unsustainable practices can lead to additional demand, excessive consumption, and the overexploitation of resources. This can result in deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and more. 

By prioritizing sustainably sourced materials, businesses can help reduce their environmental footprint. This includes using resources like FSC®-certified wood products, which promote responsible forest management and the preservation of biodiversity.

2. Reduce packaging and everyday waste

Packaging waste is a growing environmental concern, with a significant portion ending up in landfills. Businesses can make a big difference by minimizing packaging or opting for eco-friendly alternatives. This includes using recycled materials and compostable options, as well as optimizing packaging size to reduce unnecessary waste. These practices benefit the environment and can also lead to cost savings or increased revenue opportunities. 

In fact, a study by GlobalWebIndex found that consumer willingness to pay more for eco-friendly packaging increased significantly, rising from 47 per cent to 59 per cent in just seven years. This trend aligns with the growth of the global paper wrap industry, which experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6 per cent between 2019 and 2023.

The paper wrap industry's expansion, from USD 7.1 billion to USD 8.1 billion during this period, coupled with the increasing demand for sustainable products, suggests that companies can benefit from becoming FSC promotional licence holders. By offering FSC-labelled packaging, businesses can tap into the growing market of consumers seeking more sustainable products.

Beyond product packaging, businesses also have the opportunity to limit waste in their daily internal operations. This includes using real dishes, coffee cups, and glasses instead of disposable paper dishes, cups, and silverware.

3. Partner with environmental organizations

Environmental organizations possess a wealth of knowledge and resources dedicated to protecting the planet. By partnering with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses can gain valuable expertise in sustainable practices and access resources to implement them effectively. Here are some examples of organizations businesses can partner with:

• The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters. They offer various partnership opportunities for businesses, including conservation easements, land acquisitions, and sustainable forestry programs.
• Environmental Defense Fund: The Environmental Defense Fund is a science-based organization that works to create innovative solutions to environmental problems. They offer businesses a variety of partnership opportunities, including helping them develop and implement sustainable business practices, advocate for sound environmental policies, and reduce their environmental footprint.
• World Wildlife Fund: The World Wildlife Fund is an international organization that works to conserve the world's biodiversity. They offer businesses a variety of partnership opportunities, including helping them develop and implement sustainable sourcing practices, support conservation projects, and raise awareness about environmental issues.
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): FSC is a non-profit promoting responsible forest management globally. Businesses can acquire an FSC certification, a globally recognized symbol of responsible forestry. By using FSC-certified materials, businesses can show their customers that they are committed to protecting forests and the environment.

Collaboration with these types of organizations benefits the environment by combining efforts for greater impact and strengthens a company's credibility as a champion for sustainability.

4. Support community-led conservation

Sustainable land management requires collaboration. Businesses can play a vital role by supporting community-led conservation efforts. This involves partnering with locals and Indigenous Peoples who have a deep understanding of the land and its resources. 

Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities to have a say in decisions that affect their lands, territories, and resources.

By voluntarily upholding the principles of FPIC, businesses can help empower Indigenous communities by ensuring they have a say in the forest management projects that could affect their land, livelihood, and culture. 

Indigenous Peoples are well known to be the stewards of their forested land. FSC offers comprehensive FPIC implementation guidelines to help protect the rights of the Indigenous Peoples and local communities who depend on forests in or near FSC operations.

5. Support a circular economy

Supporting a circular economy is crucial for protecting the overall health of the planet and its forests. Transitioning from a linear "take, make, waste" model to a circular one can significantly reduce the reliance on virgin resources found in forests, minimising waste and helping support long-term sustainable forestry practices. 

For example, instead of discarding forest-based materials after a single use, construction companies can find alternative uses for their forest fibres like using them to build fences or doors for another project. Offices and hotels are also benefiting from innovative, circular business models by leasing their furniture instead of owning. This makes repairs easier while also sustainably managing forest-based resources.

Utilizing forest products efficiently is crucial for sustainable forest management. Designing long-lasting products and implementing cascading use (where forest-based materials move from high-value applications like lumber to lower-grade applications like biomass energy) can further extend the resource's lifespan and support a more sustainable economy.

6. Encourage sustainable consumerism 

Empowering consumers to make informed choices is crucial for a sustainable future. Businesses can play a vital role by openly communicating their sustainability goals and their progress toward them. Transparency is key to avoiding greenwashing – making misleading claims about environmental practices.

Here are some ways businesses can provide relevant information and resources to help consumers understand the impact of their purchasing decisions:

• Life cycle assessments (LCAs): Businesses can conduct and share LCAs that assess the environmental footprint of their products throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. 
• Sustainability labels and certifications: Highlighting credible sustainability labels and certifications on products, like those found in the FSC system or Energy Star for appliances, empowers consumers to identify environmentally responsible choices.
• Partnerships with environmental organizations: Businesses can collaborate with environmental organizations to develop educational campaigns that raise awareness about sustainable consumption habits. 

By providing clear information and resources, businesses can educate consumers about the impact of their purchasing decisions and empower them to choose sustainable options.

Ways forest managers can help the environment

Forest managers play a key role in supporting sustainable forestry and, by extension, the environment as a whole. By meticulously overseeing forest health, they can implement practices that optimize carbon sequestration while enhancing the health of the forest ecosystem and biodiversity.

Beyond protecting valuable carbon sinks, forest managers are also crucial in protecting a forest’s biodiversity and supporting local communities. Forest managers who gain the proper training and resources are capable of becoming caretakers of the land and architects for a more sustainable future.

1. Obtain FSC® forest management certification

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certification scheme offers powerful tools for forest managers who are committed to environmental sustainability. By adhering to FSC's standards, managers can ensure their practices actively protect forests, gain new market opportunities, and establish themselves as a reputable organization committed to responsible forestry practices. 

Getting certified can help forest managers implement a holistic approach to forest management that balances the needs of people, plants, and animals within a forest ecosystem. This means practising responsible harvesting, safeguarding biodiversity, and protecting the rights of local communities.

Small-scale farmers or land owners can also benefit from gaining FSC certification. These small, low-intensity, or family-owned forests are critical in uplifting local and Indigenous communities while also protecting the health of their forests. For example, FSC Africa's work empowering Eswatini's small-scale farmers demonstrates the potential benefits. 

Forest managers (including managers of small community forests) can contact their local FSC team to learn more or to help them get certified.

2. Commit to forest stewardship and forest management

While often used interchangeably, forest management and forest stewardship have distinct differences.

Forest management and forest stewardship are related but distinct concepts. While forest management focuses on achieving specific goals, such as timber production, wildlife habitat, or water quality, forest stewardship takes a broader approach to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the forest ecosystem.

A forest steward considers the interconnectedness of all elements within the forest, including plants, animals, and the surrounding environment. They strive to balance human needs with the needs of the forest, ensuring that it can continue to thrive and provide benefits for future generations.

Forest managers who focus on both the management and stewardship of forests can help protect the long-term health of vital ecosystems while meeting their specific forest management goals – whether economic, conservation-focused, or social.

3. Follow general forest management best practices

Forest management best practices are designed to protect water quality, soil health, and biodiversity while ensuring the sustainable utilization of forest resources.

To help support these goals, forest managers can implement practices, such as:

• Creating wildlife corridors
• Protecting old-growth forests
• Managing various tree species and age classes. 
• Minimizing soil disturbances whenever possible 
• Helping to control invasive species 

These actions can help provide essential habitat for wildlife and contribute to the overall resilience of the forest ecosystem.

Additional resources

Gain insights into the World Resources Institute’s research and analysis on global forest trends, including deforestation and sustainable forest management solutions. Learn about the Arbor Day Foundation's tree-planting initiatives and educational resources that promote sustainable forestry practices. Delve into FAO's Strategy on Biodiversity Mainstreaming across Agricultural Sectors to learn about the sustainable use of biodiversity through landscapes and ecosystem approaches. 

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) also offers resources on forest conservation and climate change. Additionally, the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) promotes the practice of ecological restoration and provides information and guidance on restoring degraded ecosystems, including forests. Finally, while Greenpeace is known for its bold activism, it also offers resources on sustainable forestry practices and solutions to deforestation.

Sourcing

1. Science Direct (2022) Depletion of natural resources and environmental quality: Prospects of energy use, energy imports, and economic growth hindrances. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301420723007602 (accessed 22 May 2024)
2. GlobalWebIndex (2024) Sustainable Packaging Unwrapped. https://1ec4c04de36c11011b7b-b0e482557560956b9f71038ee7452dfa.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/Sustainable-Packaging-Unwrapped.pdf  (accessed 22 May 2024)