We love freelancing for many things, like the opportunity to get high-paying gigs, run our own businesses, pursue passions, and achieve financial freedom. But what about the less often talked about benefits of freelance work, like being a part of the sustainability movement?
When done with intentionality, freelancing can inspire an effort to improve your general impact on the environment.
There are many tips freelancers can implement to make their businesses and personal lives more sustainable. But it’s all about baby steps.
Here’s how to make your freelancing business more sustainable.
Learn About Sustainability
Many people admittedly don’t know much about sustainability. Sometimes the ones who do are so intimidated by it that they end up not doing anything to contribute to a healthier environment. And some people don’t think sustainability is any more than recycling.
If you’re serious about making your freelance business more sustainable, you don’t want to be any of these people. Instead, you want to be knowledgeable about sustainability generally, understand how particular individual acts can contribute to a better planet, and appreciate the depth of sustainability.
This starts with learning as much as you can about sustainability. You can start with an internet search on sustainability to begin educating yourself. Also, lean into social media to learn from sustainability experts, influencers, and activists. Furthermore, you can talk with your circle about how they’re approaching sustainability and join networking groups to study the topic continually.
With some sustainability knowledge under your belt, start with your home office.
Read: What is sustainability in business?
Start With Your Home Office
Suppose you spend most of your time at home running your freelance business. In that case, you can make your freelancing business more sustainable by making your home more sustainable.
Start with energy efficiency improvements. For example, switch your lightbulbs to LED, address even the tiniest air leaks, and set your ceiling fans to move slowly during the winter.
You should also master the art of unplugging in your home office and around the rest of your house to aid your sustainability efforts.
Learn the Art of Unplugging
We aren’t talking about unplugging to avoid burnout, although that’s crucial for the longevity of your freelancing business. Instead, we’re referring to literally unplugging and shutting things down in your house when they aren’t in use.
While working from home as a freelancer, unplug appliances like televisions and shut down other tech tools when you aren’t using them. Doing so can help you save electricity because these appliances and tools won’t draw energy from outlets when they’re turned off.
Even though it may seem like freelancers spend the majority of their time at home, many of them have just as much business to attend to outside of their homes. So, it’s essential to pay attention to your commute in your effort to make your freelancing business more sustainable.
Pay Attention to Your Commute
As stated above, many freelancers spend the majority of their time in their homes running their businesses. Therefore, not having the commute attached to an in-office 9-to-5 job can absolutely contribute to better sustainability.
With that being said, a considerable amount of freelancers are required to drive to different locations all the time to conduct business. This can lead to a large carbon footprint that minimizes your efforts to make your freelance business more sustainable.
Buying a hybrid or electric vehicle may not be in the cards right now, but you can lessen the carbon footprint caused by consistent travel by utilizing gas-saving methods. For instance, when recommended, you can clean your car’s fuel system to maintain your fuel efficiency. Or you can improve your fuel economy by implementing mindful driving tips like avoiding traffic.
Another tip for making your freelancing business more sustainable is to learn from other freelancers.
Learn From Other Freelancers
One of the best ways to make your freelancing business more sustainable is to learn from other freelancers already doing it successfully.
Lean into the freelancer network. You’d be surprised at how many freelancers are passionate about sustainability and ensuring their businesses uphold environmentally-friendly values and practices. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people directly if you’re interested in what they’re saying about sustainability and doing to make it a priority in their businesses.
Lastly, take it one day at a time.
Take it One Day at a Time
Although it’s a beautiful thing to want to save the world, you won’t be able to do it all in a day, week, month, or year.
Take it one day at a time when making your freelancing business more sustainable. Develop long and short-term sustainability goals that are measurable and realistic. You should also create a step-by-step plan for implementing sustainability initiatives so that you become even more comfortable with being patient.
Ultimately, conquering sustainability is a journey, not a race.
Conclusion
Building a lasting freelance business can impact more than your finances. It can also influence how fulfilled you are because you can participate in more important things, like making the world a healthier, more just place. Use the tips above to make your freelance business more sustainable and, in turn, have a positive impact on the environment.
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