Earth Day isn’t just a global reminder to care of the planet, it’s also a great opportunity for small business owners to take meaningful, manageable steps toward sustainability. Whether you run a retail store in Toronto, a café in Kelowna, or a marketing agency in Halifax, you don’t need a big budget to make a positive impact.
In fact, going green can help you save money, attract conscious customers, and build a more resilient business over time.
Here are six low-lift ways to make your business more sustainable, just in time for Earth Day.
Before making changes, start with a simple review of where your business generates the most waste. Is it packaging? Paper? Food waste? Energy use?
Take one day to document what’s being tossed or left on. You might be surprised at what you find. For example, a restaurant might notice food prep waste that could be composted. A service-based business might realize their printer runs non-stop for documents that could easily be shared digitally.
Quick win: Assign one team member to log areas of waste or inefficiency. Even an informal audit can uncover ways to cut costs and reduce your environmental footprint.
Reducing paper is one of the fastest ways to green your operations. Consider shifting to:
Not only does this reduce physical waste, it also increases efficiency and organization.
Canadian tools to try: Wave Accounting, FreshBooks, e-SignLive (OneSpan)
Look at your supply chain. Are there products or services you could source locally to cut down on shipping emissions? Could you switch to recycled or compostable packaging?
Working with sustainable or Canadian-based suppliers isn’t just good for the planet—it also supports other small businesses and can strengthen your community ties.
Example suppliers:
Transportation emissions are a big piece of the puzzle, especially in urban areas. Offer incentives for employees who:
Even offering a simple transit reimbursement or allowing flexible work hours can reduce environmental impact and boost team morale.
Energy efficiency upgrades often pay for themselves in reduced utility bills. Some ideas to get started:
Tip: Look into rebates or incentives in your province. Many Canadian utilities offer support for small businesses making energy upgrades.
Example programs:
Show your customers what you’re doing. Whether it’s composting your food scraps or swapping out packaging, people love supporting businesses that share their values.
Use Earth Day as a way to:
It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. And every small step matters.
There are government and nonprofit programs across Canada that offer funding, rebates, and support for small businesses embracing sustainability.
A few to explore:
Check your local Chamber of Commerce or provincial government website for programs specific to your area.
Sustainability isn’t just for Earth Day, it’s a long-term mindset that makes good business sense. Start small, stay consistent, and involve your team in the process. Not only will you reduce your environmental impact, you’ll also future-proof your business for a world that increasingly values responsibility, transparency, and innovation.
Advice and research for Canadian small businesses from our expert team
