2020 is the tipping point. It is the year of change. It is the perfect year to either see your sustainable business idea come to life or to work hard and redefine your existing company’s core values.

 

Invest in Quality Insurance

Whenever we venture off into the unknown, mistakes are guaranteed to happen. Though the entire purpose of a sustainable business is to reduce the harm and impact your company has, it is not infallible. That is why you need to invest in quality insurance to protect yourself. In many states, having at least one of these insurances is also a legal requirement.

 

Liability Insurance

Liability business insurance is a basic yet best way to safeguard your business. While certifications can help protect you from public backlash or even legal backlash against greenwashing, liability insurance is there to protect you in your day-to-day operations.

It covers any damage to a customer, client, or member of the public. It doesn’t cover an accident that harms your employee (that is what worker’s compensation is for), but it will protect you if any member of the public is injured due to yourself or anyone in your employment.

It will cover medical costs, loss of income, pain, and suffering, and even non-bodily harm like copyright infringement or defamation of character lawsuits.

 

Professional Liability Insurance

When wading into new waters, professional liability insurance is going to be key. Professional liability insurance, also known as Errors & Omissions, will help to protect you against a civil lawsuit or any negligence claims that come your way.

 

Forget Greenwashing: Go for the Certification

The best way to avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing is to find the green certifications that would apply for your business and working to improve your practices until you qualify. The first will be difficult to achieve, yes, but many of the others share similar requirements meaning you can easily obtain others in as little as six months (sometimes even less).

 

Some of the top certifications to work towards include:

Green C Certification

This certification is costly – a site visit to your facilities along will cost $2,500 – but it will tell your customers that you promote and use responsible practices. It is also one of the few that has options for a variety of different industries.

 

Fair Trade USA Certified
Now we are getting into the big boys. The Fair Trade Certified showcases your commitment to fair labor practices throughout your supply chain. It is one of the most difficult, but worthwhile certifications you can achieve.

 

Green America

This nationally recognized stamp of approval will tell customers that you aren’t just lessening your impact but are making a positive change for people and the planet.

 

Hire a Sustainability Advisor

Finally, to stay up to date with legal changes and strategies in the sustainable business sphere, you are going to want to hire a sustainability advisor. This can either be someone in-house or a consultant you bring in every year or quarter to analyze your efforts and make suggestions for the future.

 

 

You may also like

The Effects of Buy Local Movement

How Does Reusing Wastewater Help the Environment?

5 Sustainable Habits Your Business Needs to Adopt

4 Reasons Why All Businesses Should Embrace Sustainability