What are the Common Challenges Business Face When Going Zero-Waste?

As you might already know, there are a lot of challenges when it comes to running a business. There’s a challenge when it comes to getting green products (especially tech-related), and there seem to be more requirements and regulations almost daily for businesses to cut down on waste and use energy. Needless to say, it’s needed for the planet, it’s needed to get more customers, and so on. In fact, one major thing that a lot of businesses are trying to do is go zero-waste.

Now, hands-down, zero waste is fantastic if it’s actually manageable, but at the same time, this is something that’s fairly challenging, too. It’s not exactly as simple as tossing items in the recycling bin; there’s so much more that goes into this. So, with all of that said, here’s what you need to know when it comes to the challenges of going zero-waste.

There’s a Price of Going Green

So at first glance, there’s the idea that going green, especially zero waste is affordable, right? Well, not eaxtly as there are initial costs. Spoiler alert: becoming zero-waste isn't always a walk in the park for your budget. It’s far from ideal, but it’s true.

So, investing in sustainable materials, setting up comprehensive recycling programs, and training staff can be a significant upfront expense. For many businesses, especially small ones, these costs can be too much to where it’s not even affordable at all. But here’s the kicker – these investments often pay off in the long run through savings on waste disposal and improved efficiency. Plus, let’s not forget the added bonus of being a hit with environmentally-conscious customers (just like what was mentioned earlier)

It’s Hard to Change Mindsets

Alright so next, we’ve got the challenge of changing mindsets. When you’re making your company go zero waste, that does mean the operations, but even smaller things such as how food waste is handled after lunch. Honestly, shifting an entire team’s way of thinking about waste isn’t as simple as flicking a switch.

So, you really have to keep in mind that employees need to buy into the zero-waste philosophy, which often requires a cultural shift within the company. This means consistent communication, education, and sometimes even a bit of hand-holding to get everyone on board. It's like trying to get a cat to love water – possible, but it takes time and patience.

Finding the Right Partners and Suppliers Often Feels Impossible

This one might be the toughest of all because you have no clue when a company is greenwashing or not; if they’re lying, well, it’s still going to reflect poorly on you! Generally speaking, just finding suppliers who are committed to zero-waste principles can be a headache.

Many businesses discover that their current suppliers are not quite there yet, and switching suppliers isn’t always feasible or cost-effective. It’s a delicate dance of negotiating with suppliers to reduce packaging or use more sustainable materials and, sometimes, hunting for the best energy supplier or even water supplier for your business. Overall, trying to work with other businesses can be excruciatingly tough.

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