I’m a believer in the idea that sustainability doesn’t have to mean increased costs. Particularly in business “extra cost” is raised as a roadblock to making sustainable choices.
If we focus on the costs of doing what we currently do, but more sustainably, often this is the case. But if we instead focus on the opportunities that being more sustainable presents, then perhaps we can turn that equation around.
Treehugger has a brief article on Bags from Keen Shoes which is a great example/case study.
They have managed to recycle much of their excess material – which previously would have been considered waste – into bags. And they’re looking to raise the amount of recycled material in the bags from 40% to 100%.