Christmas Day 4: Four Calling Birds, Chirping for Change 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

“On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… four calling birds.”

Much like the sweet sound of these birds, there’s a growing harmony among businesses and individuals from all four corners of the world, all tuning in to a more sustainable future. From switching to solar power to adopting eco-friendly packaging, companies across industries are making small yet impactful changes that add up to something much bigger. Whether it’s using digital tools to reduce waste or embracing energy-efficient equipment, each action is a step toward protecting our planet.

This Christmas, let the stories of businesses driving environmental change inspire you. Every choice—whether big or small—can make a difference. Whether you’re in charge of a company or just making decisions in your own life, there are countless ways to incorporate sustainability into your daily routine. Let’s work together to build a future that’s as green as it is bright! 🌍✨

Join the AdGreen Initiative

We’re part of the production industry, producing commercial content for brands across the world. This work requires a huge amount of travel, use of electrical equipment, and disposable props and clothing. To help us understand our impact and how we can reduce it, our company has become part of the AdGreen initiative and undertaken training by the organization.

Specifically, AdGreen supports the advertising industry in reducing its carbon footprint by providing tools, resources, and training to help agencies and production companies, such as ours, to adopt sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of their work.

Ryan Stone, Founder & Creative Director, Lambda Video Production

Create a Solar Energy Platform

Our business shows its commitment to protecting the environment by creating a platform that connects homeowners with multiple solar installers across the country. This makes it easier for people to choose solar energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lowering carbon emissions. Helping homeowners adopt renewable-energy solutions contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

We also operate our business remotely, which reduces our own carbon footprint by minimizing commuting and energy use in a traditional office setting. Working remotely allows us to be efficient while supporting environmental sustainability. It’s rewarding to see how our efforts make a positive impact on the planet through both our services and our daily practices.

Robert Roth, CEO, Quote For Solar Group

Embrace Paperless Practices

We believe that conserving the environment becomes a responsibility rather than a trend. The most important aspect through which we prove this commitment is by embracing a paperless practice. Legal work traditionally was a paper-intensive activity. We have, however, invested in safe digital toolkits to reduce waste. From e-signatures to cloud-based document management, we have moved almost all our work online, drastically cutting back on paper consumption.

This has not only resulted in reduced waste but, more importantly, made us efficient in handling documents, which are not so hard to organize, access, and share on a digital platform. We also implemented sustainable operations in our office, utilizing energy-efficient lighting and reducing single-use plastics while expanding into remote work efforts to cut down the emissions of those commuting to our offices.

We encourage our clients to move digitally and file electronically, thereby contributing to a fully sustainable environment. And these are just some of the ways we continue to run our business with environmentally friendly values. Environmental protection does not happen overnight but rather is an ongoing commitment. We’re proud to be able to embed sustainability into the very structure of our business. It’s a win-win: we do less to harm the environment while streamlining how we serve our clients.

Mia Mancinelli Cloud, Founder, Cloud Law Firm

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Agents

I have made it a priority to implement sustainable practices that reduce our environmental footprint. Specifically, we use eco-friendly cleaning agents with natural, biodegradable ingredients that minimize pollution. We’ve also invested in energy-efficient technologies, like new washing machines, that reduce overall energy usage by 30% compared to standard models.

Water conservation is hugely important in San Diego, so we’ve implemented strategic cleaning techniques and a closed-loop recirculation system that reclaims and reuses 80% of the water needed for our operations. We disclose all our sustainable practices to clients to foster transparency and shared responsibility.

Continuous improvement is key. We stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in green cleaning and garment care so we can improve our sustainable practices. For example, we recently switched to reusable garment bags and recyclable plastic coat hangers, eliminating single-use plastics from our services. Our goal is to evolve with the demands of environmental responsibility.

Salvador Villarreal, CEO, VIP Cleaners and Laundry

Adopt High-Efficiency HVAC Equipment

Protecting the environment is a core value. We were early adopters of high-efficiency HVAC equipment that requires less energy to operate. Over 80% of our fleet now runs on eco-friendly refrigerants with near-zero global warming potential.

We also believe in investing in renewable energy. Our 5,000-square-foot facility is powered entirely by solar panels on the roof. The 200-kilowatt system generates enough electricity to run our whole operation and charge our fleet of electric service vans. Last year we cut carbon emissions by over 150 tons by transitioning to solar.

To further reduce waste, we have a rigorous recycling program in place. All paper, plastics, and metals used in our offices and warehouse are sorted and recycled. We even recycle old HVAC parts like copper tubing, aluminum coils, and steel ductwork. These small changes have allowed us to divert over 10 tons of waste from landfills annually.

Educating customers is key to driving change. Our technicians always provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality. We also give presentations at local schools to inspire the next generation to take action against climate change. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and we’re committed to doing our part.

Colin Matei, Owner & President, Clean Air Heating & Cooling (formerly Clean Air Comfort Systems)

Use Recycled and Recyclable Materials

One way my company has demonstrated commitment to the environment is through our use of 100% recycled and recyclable materials. We source paper that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, meaning responsible forestry methods were used. Rather than carbon-based energy, our paper mill uses biogas from landfill waste, reducing CO2 emissions by thousands of tons each year.

We are also dedicated to sustainable printing practices. While traditional printing uses toxic inks containing volatile organic compounds, our digital printers use water-based inks, keeping pollutants out of the air and water. This allows us to ensure an eco-friendly process from start to finish.

Beyond production, we ship all orders in recycled packaging to cut down on waste. Our kraft envelopes and mailers are made from 100% post-consumer waste, so they are fully recyclable and compostable. Customers can feel good knowing their purchase supports sustainability.

Environmental stewardship is central to our mission. We work to reduce impact and improve sustainability in all areas of our business. By supporting eco-conscious companies, individuals can collectively make a difference in preserving our planet.

Eric Koenig, Art Director, Twigs Paper

Use Recycled Paper and Soy Inks

I know the impact sustainable practices can have. We were the first printer to use 100% recycled paper and soy-based inks, reducing waste and pollution.

When I started my company 31 years ago, I saw how much paper and ink were wasted in traditional printing. So I began experimenting with recycled and renewable alternatives. After finding success with recycled paper and soy inks, I made them standard—years before others followed.

We’ve cut over 4 million pounds of paper waste and 50,000 gallons of oil-based ink since then. And by sourcing sustainable materials, we support environmental organizations protecting forests and agriculture. Our clients appreciate how these practices align with their values, too. Together we’re all making a difference.

Greg Barber, President, Eco Friendly Printer

Recycle Tree Debris into Mulch

We prioritize sustainability by recycling all tree debris, such as branches and leaves, into mulch rather than sending it to landfills. This not only reduces waste, but also provides a natural resource that helps nourish soil and conserve water. Additionally, we use eco-friendly equipment when possible, such as electric chainsaws, to minimize our carbon footprint. By carefully planning tree removals and pruning, we ensure the health and longevity of surrounding ecosystems. Our commitment to environmentally responsible practices is at the core of our business values.

Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services

Partner with Sustainable Suppliers

We demonstrate our commitment to protecting the environment by partnering with suppliers who prioritize sustainable practices. We carefully select brands that share our values, ensuring that the products we offer—such as backpacks, lunchboxes, and water bottles—are made with eco-friendly materials wherever possible.

By working closely with these partners, we help reduce our environmental impact while still delivering high-quality products to our customers. Sustainability is at the core of our business decisions, and we strive to make responsible choices throughout our supply chain.

Chantal Kietzmann, Owner, Creative Kids Lab

Implement Permeable-Paver Systems

Protecting the environment has been our guiding principle since day one. We incorporated eco-friendly practices like permeable-paver systems and advanced irrigation solutions to create sustainable landscapes. For example, we use permeable pavers that allow water to seep into the ground, reducing runoff and flooding. Our smart irrigation controls automatically adjust based on weather to minimize excess watering.

We are also committed to reducing waste and pollution. We compost or mulch all organic waste from landscaping jobs and recycle or repurpose materials whenever possible. Our fleet runs on biodiesel, a renewable fuel made from used cooking oil that produces fewer emissions. We were able to cut carbon-dioxide emissions from our trucks by over 15% after switching to biodiesel.

Educating our community is important to us. We share details on our website about the environmental benefits of our sustainable landscaping practices. We also offer free seminars on topics like water-wise gardening, composting, and lawn alternatives to help homeowners make eco-friendly choices. Our hope is that by raising awareness, we can encourage collective action to protect our planet. At D&G Landscaping, we believe that together, we can all make a difference.

Joe Dogherty, Owner, D&G Landscaping

Use Sustainable Packaging

We’ve demonstrated our environmental commitment through sustainable packaging. We use recyclable glass bottles and biodegradable paper wrappings, inspired by traditional Moroccan markets. Our refill program, where customers return empty containers for discounts, reduced packaging waste by 40% in its first year. We also ensure sustainable harvesting, particularly for our argan oil, sourced from a women’s cooperative using traditional, eco-friendly methods. These efforts minimize our environmental impact while preserving the natural resources and practices at the heart of our brand.

Amina Hone, Founder, Minarra

Install Solar-Energy Systems

One way my business has demonstrated a commitment to protecting the environment is through our primary goal of installing solar-energy systems. By providing high-quality solar installations, we help homeowners and businesses reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing carbon emissions. Our focus is on making renewable energy accessible and efficient, ensuring that each installation maximizes environmental benefits.

We also dedicate time to educating our customers about the advantages of solar energy and how to optimize their systems for the greatest impact. This education empowers them to contribute to environmental preservation actively. Through our work, we’re not just installing solar panels; we’re fostering a community committed to sustainability.

We’re proud to play a part in promoting clean energy and remain dedicated to expanding the use of solar power to protect our planet for future generations.

Phill Stevens, Founder & CEO, Avail Solar

Design Energy-Efficient LED Products

We’ve demonstrated our commitment to sustainability by designing energy-efficient LED products that consume less power while delivering high performance. Additionally, we’ve implemented a recycling program for old displays, ensuring that they are properly disposed of or repurposed to minimize environmental impact. This approach aligns with our goal of reducing our carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices within the industry.

Daniel Reynolds, Director, DYNAMO LED DISPLAYS

Switch to Biodegradable Packaging

We are working on the sustainability approach. Now, we are ensuring that eco-friendly practices are incorporated within every stage of operation. One brilliant measure that surely stands out is our work on switching over to biodegradable packaging. The environmental crisis caused by plastic waste deems this a great challenge, thus the move to create packaging that decomposes naturally and can be safely composted. It fits into our expectation to minimize garbage and impact the environment.

We also have conscious sourcing, where we establish partnerships with those suppliers who share our green values. From production to delivery, every single step in our supply chain is sustainable. We optimize delivery routes and packaging designs so that materials to be used for packaging will be minimized, reducing our carbon footprint in transportation.

Next, we have to educate the customers on sustainability. We have had different campaigns encouraging the respective people to bring about small eco-friendly habits, like washing clothes in cold water to save power and choosing a product that can be compatible with their value set.

For us, sustainability is not a buzzword but a responsibility; every decision, from every line of code to every support we give, is filtered by our mission of bringing quality laundry solutions to people while minimizing impacts on the environment. Our journey continues, but with every step we take, we take another step closer to a cleaner, greener future.

Dan Steiner, Co-Founder, Good Laundry

Work with GOTS-Certified Facilities

As a sustainable textile brand, I believe it’s so important to focus on the very beginning of the supply chain—where everything starts. For me, it’s about how things are sourced and the impact they have on both the environment and the people involved. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to work exclusively with GOTS-certified production facilities. From the seed to the ready-to-wear item, this certification ensures that every step meets the strictest standards, using safe dyes and chemicals. It feels good to know that we’re creating items that are healthy for our skin and gentle on the soil.

Lilija Bairamova, Founder, CEO, Orbasics

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Systems

Through our energy-efficiency initiatives, we recognize that reducing our carbon footprint starts with evaluating and optimizing our operations.

One key step we’ve taken is upgrading our facilities with energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. By implementing these changes, we’ve significantly reduced our energy consumption, lowering our operational costs and minimizing our impact on the environment. We also encourage our team to adopt energy-saving practices, like turning off equipment when not in use and utilizing natural light whenever possible.

We’ve also invested in training programs to educate our employees about sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to our collective goals. This approach fosters a culture of sustainability within our organization, where everyone is engaged and invested in our mission to protect the planet.

By prioritizing energy efficiency and fostering a culture of sustainability, we demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship. These efforts benefit our business and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for our community and the world.

Andrew Moore, Director, Rubicon Wigzell Limited

Utilize Cloud-Based Tools

Sustainability is literally in every fiber of how we work and grow. One more area of focus is digital-first operations aimed at minimizing waste, achievable by utilizing cloud-based tools and platforms as much as possible to keep paper usage to a minimum and reduce the carbon footprint related to printed material for communication, marketing, and service delivery purposes.

We also carefully choose our sustainable vendors and suppliers to ensure that all our events, products, or collaborations meet our eco-friendly standards. Whether it’s putting recyclable packaging on promotional items or choosing highly energy-efficient venues to host events, everything we do reflects an effort to protect the environment.

As far as we are concerned, sustainability is more than just ticking a checkbox—it is something that should be incorporated into our identity. We believe even the smallest, thoughtful changes can add up and make a big difference over time. We want to inspire others to adopt environmentally conscious solutions embedded in core operations; this way, we can grow responsibly so that what we are building supports our community and the planet in the long term.

Kellianne Fedio, Founder, Kellianne.Me

Curate Sustainable Promotional Merchandise

I work in the promotional-merchandising industry. I curate sustainable options for a brand’s swag. Did you know that you can make a wireless speaker out of coffee grounds? Or a notebook out of apples or pineapples? Or a cup out of wheat straw? And a pen out of a laundry-detergent jug? Also, many suppliers have a cause/a giveback, so make your swag speak to what your brand cares about. Make your swag sustainable!

Ann Sundius, Account Sustainability Manager, Gulf Shore Promo LLC

About Purpose-driven Insights

Welcome to Store with a Heart’s HeartBeat’s blog series, Purpose-Driven Insights, which unites experts and changemakers to discuss what it really means to make a difference. This series offers readers practical advice and novel viewpoints by showcasing insights from leaders in charity, sustainability, mental health, social entrepreneurship, and other fields through insightful round-ups and interviews.

Purpose-Driven Insights offers the insight and motivation required to transform your goals into significant action, whether your goal is to lead with compassion, improve your community, or support a cause that is dear to your heart. Come explore organizational strategies, individual experiences, expert insights, and industry practices that enable us all to make a positive impact on a more compassionate and interconnected society.

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