World Environment Day, the United Nations' day to promote environmental awareness and encourage action, took place recently and is a good reminder of how important it is for companies of all sizes to assess their environmental goals. , social and governance (ESG) and sustainability efforts. However, awareness and action are evergreen. Recent statistics show that sustainability matters more than ever to consumers and employees; nearly 70% of workers said they would be more likely to accept a job at an organization is considered to be environmentally sustainableeven if it meant a lower salary.

It's important for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to keep these statistics in mind because not only can a business's sustainability efforts attract top talent, but they can also have financial benefits for the company. For example, investing in quality technology products that can be easily repaired and upgraded helps extend product life and build a more sustainable technology industry, saving money that would otherwise be spent on new equipment.

I have always believed that sustainability is about finding solutions with a long-term and meaningful impact and how we can work together towards a better tomorrow. Fortunately, sustainability is at the core of what we're doing at Lenovo. Not only have we developed plastic-free packaging for many of our products, but we've also taken significant steps to help customers improve their carbon footprint. We started recently Lenovo Intelligent Sustainability Solutions Advisor (LISSA)an AI-powered sustainability engine that gives customers actionable insights to understand the estimated impact of emissions across their IT lifecycle and deploy customized solutions that align with their sustainability goals.

Lenovo is also committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 with science-based targets validated through the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard.

Here are three elemental ways your SMB can integrate sustainability across the business.

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1. Reduce, reuse, repair

Electronic waste is often overlooked, but it's a huge and growing problem. According to the United Nations, about 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste are produced every year worldwide.

This is why the expression “reduce, reuse, repair” should be top of mind for all SMBs who want to be more sustainable.

A way to reduce waste is implementing circular practices for electronic devices within your business. Part of this means embracing practices that prioritize product longevity and repairability.

Invest in quality tech products and laptops that are designed to be easily repaired and upgraded, thus extending their lifespan. Look for repair-friendly technology that has easily replaceable parts for your employees. Employees will be able to make their own repairs quickly, reducing the downtime they would normally spend waiting for support.

2. Power of packing

Business owners often overlook the role packing plays into their sustainability practices, but it is a serious matter. Worldwide e-commerce used approximately 2.1 billion pounds of plastic packaging in 2019, and this number is projected to more than doubled to £4.5 billion by 2025. This means that sustainable packaging is extremely important not only for the products companies sell, but also for the devices they choose to buy.

When possible, SMB owners should purchase products that use recycled, renewable and bio-based materials. For example, bamboo and sugar cane fibers are great alternatives to traditional packaging because they are made from 100% renewable materials. So looking for partners and vendors that focus on reducing packaging consumption and promote an ecosystem of more sustainable practices and solutions.

SMBs that sell physical products should take similar steps to ensure they don't produce excessive waste through their packaging and shipping processes, ensuring they are made sustainably and recyclable. Emphasizing sustainable packaging is not only good for the environment, but will also resonate with environmentally conscious consumers and can have a positive financial impact for your brand. Recent surveys, including those conducted by IBM with the NRF and the Baker Retailing Center at the University of Pennsylvania, found that half to two-thirds of consumers say they will pay more for durable products; for consumers aged 18 to 34, the number goes to 80%, according to a Sustainability Business Index Report.

Connected: How your business can unpack and prioritize sustainability through recycling

3. Invest in the future

Sustainability can be further integrated into your business by investing in the future, which can include activities such as exploring avenues for recycling, limiting energy consumption and supporting charities or sustainable initiatives. For example, investing in technology products that have long battery life reduces energy consumption and e-waste. Plus, working with organizations like the Global Electronics Counsel, which promotes the purchase of sustainable technology, can have long-term benefits.

Adopting efficient energy practices, participating in recycling programs and supporting sustainable causes not only contributes to a positive corporate image, but also fosters a sense of responsibility among employees and customers. By investing in the future, your SMB can take an active part in developing a more sustainable technology industry.

World Environment Day serves as a good reminder for SMBs to reflect on the ways they can play a key role in shaping a more sustainable future for all, but businesses should remember that environmental awareness is not just one day.

E-waste is an issue that won't go away anytime soon and is a significant environmental concern, so remembering to “reduce, reuse, repair” (and also recycle) can help the tech industry become more environmentally friendly. Prioritizing sustainability is not just a trend; it's a fundamental aspect of your business that can attract top talent, drive better financial decisions, and perhaps most importantly, have a positive impact on our planet.