United Kingdom 
South Africa 
This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a global event held annually on April 22 to raise awareness and inspire action to protect our planet. Organised by Earthday.org, it brings together individuals, organisations, and businesses around the world to focus on environmental challenges and the solutions we can all be part of.
The 2025 theme, “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET”, carries a powerful message: together we have both the willpower and the renewable energy to make our planet greener, cleaner and sustainable. And small businesses have a big role to play.
In this article, we share why sustainability matters for small businesses as well as six simple, impactful ways your business can take action for the planet. On Earth Day, and every day.
Small businesses, big impact
In the UK, 99.8% of businesses are classed as small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While individually they may seem small, collectively they make up a powerful force, responsible for around one-third of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and nearly half of emissions from all businesses. This means small businesses aren’t just affected by climate change, they also hold real power to drive meaningful change.
So, why should your business prioritise sustainability? For starters, switching to renewable energy can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. This comes with practical benefits: lower long-term energy bills, greater energy security, and protection against fluctuating fossil fuel prices.
Beyond the environmental and economic advantages, there’s a growing demand from customers for businesses that align with their values.
Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious and choose companies that are genuinely committed to protecting the planet.
That means that taking action isn’t just good for the earth, it’s also good for business.
Sustainability isn’t just a responsibility - It’s an investment in the future of your business. The choices we make today shape the world we operate in tomorrow.
6 ways your business can take action for the planet
Here are a few easy to implement ideas that you may be able to use for your business.
Review your energy use
Take a moment to consider where your energy comes from. Could you switch to a renewable energy supplier, or even install solar panels on your building? Reviewing your current energy use and transitioning to renewable sources is a powerful step toward reducing your carbon footprint. Helpful resources - like those available through the Business Climate Hub - offer practical tips and guidance to help you evaluate your energy consumption and make the switch to cleaner alternatives.
Choose greener suppliers
If your business relies on suppliers (for materials, ingredients, or services), look into their sustainability practices. Do they use environmentally friendly methods, like sustainable farming or responsible fishing? Supporting greener businesses helps make the whole supply chain more eco-friendly.
Make your workplace more sustainable
There are lots of low-cost, high-impact ways to make your workplace more sustainable and a little bit greener:
- Clearly label recycling bins and encourage people to use them.
- Go paperless wherever you can. You can do this by using digital tools for invoices, contracts, and communications.
- Plant flowers or trees outside your building, or even a rooftop garden, if possible. These can support bees, absorb carbon dioxide, as well as creating a nicer space for your staff.
- Organise team volunteering days to pick up litter, or support local conservation efforts. You can use organisations such as the Wildlife Trust to find volunteering opportunities near you.
Adopt circular economy principles
The circular economy is about designing out waste. Instead of making products that get thrown away, think about how your business can reduce, reuse, and recycle. This could mean offering repair services, using recyclable packaging, or repurposing materials.
Raise awareness among team members
Your employees are your best allies when it comes to finding practical and smart solutions for your business. You can hold short “lunch and learn” sessions to talk about sustainability, raise awareness and encourage ideas from the team about how to reduce waste or energy use.
Support environmental charities
You could choose to donate a portion of your sales, organise a fundraising event, or partner with environmental nonprofits to raise awareness. Even small contributions can have a meaningful impact.
There are many respected organisations to consider, including Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, as well as many local groups doing important environmental work. You can also explore platforms, such as the Climate Coalition, to find other environmental charities to consider.
Support and funding to help make sustainable changes
Many sustainability initiatives are low-cost, or even completely free. Others, like installing solar panels or upgrading your building’s efficiency, may involve a larger upfront investment. The good news is that there’s plenty of support available to help offset these costs. From local grants, to tax relief.
Here’s a few examples:
- The UK Government runs the Find a Grant scheme where you can search for funding opportunities, including for sustainability projects.
- Local councils, and governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, also offer grants and support. Contact your local council to find out what's available to you.
- If you’re developing a green product or service, you might qualify for Research and Development (R&D) tax relief. You can check here if you qualify for R&D tax relief.
- The UK Business Climate Hub is a great resource that lists funding options and offers advice on cutting carbon and saving energy.
Clean, more affordable energy is here
One of the key goals this Earth Day is to triple the use of renewable energy around the world by 2030. This is a bold target that reflects the urgent need for cleaner, more sustainable power sources.
The good news is that the cost of producing renewable energy, like solar and wind, has dropped. For example, the price of solar panels fell by up to 93% between 2010 and 2020, making it more affordable than ever to switch to clean energy.
For small businesses, that means accessing clean, reliable energy, and reaping the long term benefits has never been more achievable.
