As global issues such as climate change and the need to protect our planet from mass industrialization are becoming increasingly poignant in people’s minds, both consumers and businesses alike are placing more emphasis on making ethical and sustainable choices. As a business owner, you have a responsibility to drive change and make your products and services as eco-friendly as possible.
Mining is a huge industry that has a significant impact on our environment. Harvesting multiple essential metals and minerals from the earth, mining drives progression and supports human development worldwide, with the resources used in everything from jewelry to technology. In fact, a recent report estimated that the average American uses around 40,000 tonnes of newly minded materials every year. But how much of these resources are responsibly produced?
Here, we explore why the ethical production of raw materials should matter to you and your business.
Building trust
More and more people are becoming concerned about the effects of irresponsible mining practices, and many are boycotting services which rely on unethical and unsustainable methods of production. Consumers want to be informed about where the materials for their products come from, so transparency is key.
Being able to proudly reassure your customers that your products are created from sustainable sources and promote ethical, fair labor practices is essential in this day and age. For small businesses especially, this builds trust and integrity, which translates into repeat business and positive customer relationships.
If your services or products happen to sit in a saturated market, focusing on using ethical and sustainable raw materials can help set you apart from your competitors. This differentiation can also lead to a stronger brand image and sets you in good stead for being on the right side of the global movement toward sustainable business practices.
Ensuring quality
Raw materials that are produced ethically are often associated as being higher quality by consumers – giving you an edge over others which use materials from unfair and unsustainable sources. Sustainable production and fair-trade labor mining practices involve strict regulations and standards to ensure consistency and quality, so you can be certain that your products will continue to be dependable and high quality also – further building the integrity of your brand.
Supporting responsible mining practices also allows you to contribute to safer working conditions for those working in developing countries, encourage fair wages and stop child labour. Committing to such global causes and environmental objectives not only enhances your reputation as a respectable business, but also ensures the longevity of your supply chains.
Employee retention
As we have touched on, the push for a more sustainable way of life is being felt in people from all walks of life. Employees today are increasingly conscious about who they work for, seeking companies which align with their personal values. As many as 46% of people would rather work for an ethical company than receive a higher salary, new research shows.
Small businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices can attract workers who are also passionate about creating a better world – setting the foundation for a strong company culture. This helps to create a more motivated and engaged workforce, which is critical for the success and growth of any business.
Building for the future
As governments around the world continue to implement regulations and restrictions on unethical and unsustainable practices, being proactive in your approach can help save you stress in the near future. Being ready to comply, with trusted, ethical production lines already in place, will reduce any disruption to your services and eliminate the associated costs of having to suddenly adhere to new regulations.
Stephannie Williams – Media Consultant and Digital Content