Chapter 29 – Environmental Sustainability in the Private Sector
29.2 Sustainable Business Practices
Many companies take intentional steps to operate more sustainably. Some focus on reducing the resources they use, while others redesign products or adopt cleaner technologies to cut waste and pollution. Together, these actions help protect natural systems and support a greener economy.
Reducing Energy Use
Companies lower their energy consumption through better building design, efficient lighting and equipment, and smart sensors that adjust heating and cooling. Using less energy reduces demand on natural resources and cuts pollution.
Switching to Renewable Energy
Many businesses now power their operations with solar, wind, or geothermal energy instead of fossil fuels. Some install solar panels on site; others purchase renewable energy through utility programs or renewable energy credits.
Careers in this area are growing. Solar photovoltaic technicians install and maintain solar panels on homes and commercial buildings. Wind turbine technicians and engineers keep wind farms operating and help design new projects. These jobs support the transition away from fossil fuels and help lower greenhouse gas emissions. Companies such as Tesla, First Solar, and GE Renewable Energy employ workers in these fields.
Net Zero
A growing number of companies have set net zero goals. Net zero means that the emissions a company produces are balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere. Reaching this goal typically involves improving efficiency, using renewable energy, and offsetting what cannot be eliminated. For example, Unilever plans to reach net zero across its operations and supply chain by 2039.
This video from The Economist magazine explains how difficult it is to get to net zero.
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM31RyxSSCw
Duration: 7:20
Conserving Water
Industries use water-saving fixtures, recycle wastewater, and redesign production processes to use less water. Companies in agriculture and manufacturing often monitor water use carefully to prevent waste and protect local water supplies.
Sustainable Sourcing
Firms choose raw materials that are harvested or produced responsibly. Examples include using certified sustainable wood, ethically sourced minerals, or recycled materials instead of new ones.
Waste Reduction & Recycling
Companies reduce packaging, reuse materials, and recycle metal, paper, and plastics. Some move toward a circular economy model, where products are designed so parts can be repaired, reused, or remanufactured instead of thrown away. This approach reduces waste and conserves resources. In manufacturing, this means designing products that can be easily taken apart and repurposed, or using materials that can be continuously recycled without losing quality.
Watch this CNBC video in which they describe the circular economy as a make, use, and return model.
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__0Spwj8DkM
Duration: 3:42
Careers in this area might include product designers and materials scientists who help companies implement circular economy principles. IKEA has committed to becoming a fully circular business by 2030, focusing on sustainable product design and resource efficiency.
Reducing Single-Use Plastics
Some companies have phased out disposable plastic items such as straws, bags, cups, packaging, and shipping materials. Some have switched to reusable or compostable alternatives, while others redesign products to eliminate the need for plastic packaging altogether. This helps keep plastics out of landfills, waterways, and the Great Lakes.
Plastic Pollution & the Great Lakes
Plastic pollution is one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges. Single-use plastics and microplastics often end up in rivers and lakes, where they break down slowly and harm wildlife. The Great Lakes, which provide drinking water for millions of people, are especially affected. Studies have found high concentrations of microplastics in these waters, showing how everyday waste can ripple through ecosystems and into human communities.
The documentary Ripples of Plastic highlights this issue by focusing on the Great Lakes region. The film shows how plastic waste moves through waterways, how it impacts fish and other wildlife, and how microplastics enter the food chain. It calls attention to the urgent need for better prevention, waste management, and public awareness.
Watch the trailer for the film.
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnY1dgl4qmU
Duration: 1:34
Careers in sustainability, waste management, and environmental education all play a role in tackling this problem and protecting the health of both people and ecosystems.
Additional Pollution Prevention
Beyond reducing energy use and plastics, companies also work to limit other forms of pollution. This may include switching to safer chemicals, upgrading equipment to prevent leaks or spills, and redesigning industrial processes to produce fewer hazardous byproducts. Some firms install filtration or scrubber systems to keep pollutants out of the air and water. Environmental compliance specialists monitor these efforts and ensure the company meets state and federal regulations.
Tracking & Reporting Environmental Impact
Many businesses measure their carbon footprint, water use, and waste generation. They publish sustainability reports so the public, investors, and regulators can see their progress.
