In our last post, we explained how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) came to life and how everyone—from individuals to companies—has a role in making the world better. Today, let’s zoom in: What does this mean for your business? Why should SDGs be at the heart of your service or product journey?
SDGs, Net Zero, and Carbon Footprints—What Do They Mean?
You’ve probably heard words like net zero, sustainable practices, and carbon footprint, but what do they mean in simple terms?
Every action—from brewing your morning coffee to shipping your products—puts carbon into the air. Some actions create a little, others a lot! Our goal is to balance out high-carbon actions with low-carbon or planet-friendly ones.
Did You Know?
- Making one cup of black coffee creates about 21 grams of CO₂.
- Driving a fossil-fuel car for 1 km gives off about 180 grams of CO₂.
Check the Table below to know more:
Carbon Footprint of Everyday Activities
| Activity | Average CO₂ Emitted |
|---|---|
| 1 cup of black coffee | 21 grams |
| 1 km by petrol/diesel car | 180 grams |
| 1 km by electric car (renewable) | ~50 grams |
| Sending one standard email | 4 grams |
| Flying 1 km (per passenger) | 285 grams |
| Washing and reusing a ceramic cup vs. single-use paper cup | Up to 70% less carbon over time! |
Sources: BBC, Carbon Footprint Calculator, World Bank
Why Every Business Action Counts
It’s simple math: if one person creates this much carbon, imagine a whole company with dozens or hundreds of people! Each action, by each employee, adds up fast.
You might wonder: How can I control all this?
As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility.
I once attended a workshop where a sustainability head from EY shared their story:
“We swapped all single-use coffee cups for ceramic ones. Yes, we now use a bit more water and power for washing, but overall, our carbon output and waste dropped massively.”
Why? Because every single-use item has a long, polluting journey:
- Made in factories
- Used once
- Thrown away
- Collected, transported, (maybe) recycled
- Each stage = more CO₂
Often, the greener choice is the simpler, reusable one!
Sustainability: It’s Simpler Than You Think
You don’t have to buy only organic or expensive eco-products.
Sustainability = caring for the planet while creating a great experience.
Sometimes the smallest swaps (like reusable mugs, compostable mailers, or green-energy couriers) make the biggest impact.
Where Should a Business Start?
Remember the SDGs?
Each goal is like a suggested area for improvement. Start by asking:
- Which SDG matters most to your business and customers?
- Where could you make a small change, even if not perfect yet?
Example:
You want plastic-free packaging but can’t get the right size in eco materials. Use recycled plastic, but switch to kraft paper tape or compostable mailer bags.
Or: Partner with a delivery company that runs on clean energy, or spend time giving back to your community.
Read our previous SDG explainer to see the goals and find your starting point!
Well, We Know It's A Lot—But It's Never Too Late!
We, at The Alternative Craic, want to help you take a deeper look at your business and make a simpler but effective Sustainability plan. We believe every problem has a solution. So, in our next blog, we will also tell you about some steps which can make it easier to track your Sustainability Goals.
Final Thoughts
Sustainability is not about perfection.
It’s about making thoughtful choices, step by step, that lower your business’s carbon footprint and bring us all closer to the SDGs.
Small changes—multiplied by many businesses—create a massive difference.
Sustainability Sparked Your Curiosity?
Wondering how to take your business’s next sustainable step—or just want to chat about your plastic footprint?
We’re here to help. Fill out our contact form and we’ll help you get started on your SDG journey!
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