Five tips for a greener business

There has been a huge drive towards sustainable businesses practices recently with people choosing to spend their money to support greener businesses.

A 2021 global sustainability study found that:

63% of consumers have shifted their spending toward being more sustainable in the past five years, particularly younger consumers.
Half of consumers rank sustainability as a top 5 value driver.
34% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainability, with a higher share of Millennials and Gen Z prepared to pay more.

“Consumers send a clear signal: sustainability will continue to become the expectation, rather than the exception,” notes the study. “Companies must transform their businesses now in order to stay relevant for the future.”

Transforming your business might ultimately require investing in new systems, packaging or products. But in the meantime, here are 5 quick ways to help set you on the right path.

1. Reduce plastic waste

Is your business still buying single-use plastics? Whether it’s pallet wrap, disposable cups or those coffee pods, there’s a quick and easy sustainable swap that you can make right now.

2. Recycle your old electronics

Old printers, phones and laptops can often be found lying around the office – along with a huge tangle of cables. Tidy up your space and help the environment by finding your local e-cycling centre and making the best of your outdated electronics.

3. Offset your carbon footprint

You can use an online calculator to estimate your business’s carbon emissions, then buy carbon credits to the same value to offset your emissions.

4. Use less paper

Embrace digital technology to cut your use of paper; switch to an electronic signing service so you no longer need to print and scan contracts or financial documents. If you must print something out, use both sides of the paper for internal documents. Buy recycled paper and recycle the paper waste your business creates.

5. Choose sustainable client gifts

Instead of sending hampers, consider a charitable donation – you could let the client choose from a list to get them engaged. Or send a potted plant, adopt an endangered animal, or pick an eco-friendly gift basket.

If you’re looking for more significant ways to invest in a greener business, we can help. Get in touch, we’d love to talk to you about sustainability in your industry and how to get the most out of every dollar you invest.

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How to prepare for the end of financial year

20 February 2025

The end of the financial year is fast approaching, so if you’re balance date/end of financial year is 31 March, there are a few things you need to do to help us prepare your financials. Take a stocktake If your business sells products or has stock, you’ll need to do a stocktake on 31 March. If you’re a business that sells products, then you need to take a stocktake of your physical inventory. If you’re a farmer, then you need to take a physical livestock tally. Send in your EOY papers Compile a folder (digital or hard copy) with a copy of the following documents: Bank statement that shows the balance on 31 March 2025 for all your bank accounts and loans. Insurance invoices. ACC invoices. Loan statements for the year (if applicable). Any new loans or refinancing documents. Invoices for assets purchased and sold. GST workings and reports. Submit the online questionnaire You’ll also need to fill out and submit the online questionnaire. You should receive an email from us in April/May, with a link to fill out and submit the questionnaire. If you haven’t received an email with the link by the end of May, let us know.

Supporting the Heart of Dargaville and Whangārei Communities

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