How to incorporate sustainable design into your business practices

The importance of sustainable practices in business

My journey toward sustainable business practices began with early influences from Indigenous culture. I was inspired by the concept of Mother Earth during pow-wows with my grandparents in the Tk’emlúps/Kamloops area. As a 90s kid, I proudly wore recycling symbols on my sweatshirt and took the lead in organizing our household recycling. However, as I progressed in my education, I grew frustrated with the complexities of sustainability in the design industry. I didn’t want my work to be yet another contribution to the growing waste stream.

My career took a significant turn when I joined Nature’s Path Foods and I witnessed firsthand a values-aligned business in action. This experience opened my eyes to the possibilities and solidified my belief that sustainability could be ingrained into business practices at every level.

Now, at iilo, our team understands that our biggest impacts won’t come from internal processes alone. We focus on applying our skills to help clients reduce waste and amplify their impacts. We believe that communication design can raise awareness, educate, and shift attitudes and behaviours, making us a part of the solution to our climate crisis.

Practical tips for small business owners who want to embrace sustainability

Beyond personal values, there are significant economic and environmental benefits to embracing sustainability in business. We’ve witnessed a shift from virtue-driven sustainability in the 1990s to an integrated system of values today. Sustainability is now seen as a constant improvement process rather than a one-time action, and it has entered the mainstream consciousness.

The first step any business can take (yes, you can start today) is to measure your current impact. Define your values and outline how you will measure your impact. Then, take a thorough look at your business, from top to bottom, and see how your current results compare. Start small or start big, but just start.

Don’t be afraid to share your journey to improve your business’s sustainability practices. Transparency and authenticity in your development can inspire others, build a deeper connection with your clients, and help you avoid falling into the dreaded greenwashing trap (greenwashing is the practice of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about your company’s environmental practices).

Steps iilo has taken to promote sustainable design

iilo has served as a home for creative collaborators who share our values for social and environmental sustainability for many years. We know we do good work, but we also saw the need to put systems and supports in place to make the best use of everyone’s limited time. After many years of watching the B Corp certification evolve, we decided to use the B Corp Impact Assessment as a tool to help us build iilo as we solidified business practices that align with our values.

Threading our values into our policies is another crucial step for us. Before taking on new work, we ask whether the client’s mission aligns with social and environmental sustainability. When interviewing potential collaborators, we inquire about their passion for social and environmental impact.

Furthermore, iilo donates 1% of our sales to Canadian non-profit organizations annually. We’ve also adopted sustainable practices in our everyday operations, from using ethical suppliers to reducing waste and promoting responsible disposal.

Lessons learned and the path forward

Reflecting on our sustainability journey, we’ve found a balance between structure and flexibility. Being an entrepreneur is an active, creative job that allows us to create the change we want to see in the world. I advise others to start with their core values and share what they learn, as inspiration can come from unexpected places.

Incorporating sustainable design into your business practices is not just a trend; it’s a necessity in today’s world. As you’ve learned from my journey and experiences at iilo, it’s a journey that begins with aligning your values with your actions. Whether you’re a small business owner or in a large corporation, there are things you can do to improve your business’s impact on the environment and society.

Want a communication design team that aligns with your values for a better world? Explore how iilo Creative Alliance can help you incorporate more sustainable design practices into your processes. Visit our services page to learn more or contact us for a consultation. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future.