Sonal B Chhibber, a published writer and an expert from the writing industry comments on how to make writing business more sustainable
It is often said that authorpreneurs must always remain good storytellers and also very good businessmen. As writers, what we often forget is that we need to be sustainable as well. How are we connected to sustainability? We deal with words only. We are wrong and now more than ever. Sustainability is as imperative for the writing business as it is for any other, especially when technology has become an integral part of not only the publishing world but also that of the world of the readers.
Climate change continues to affect our lives as well as the fate of all other species around the planet. For business owners, leaders, and administrators, sustainable business practices are becoming imperatives. Human industry is a big part of the climate change picture because of its reliance on land, resources, fossil fuels, and non-stop production and consumption. Making businesses more sustainable starts with being aware of the issue at hand and understanding just how important it is to make changes — both for the business and for the planet. The intent of this resource is to help business owners, administrators, and leaders make their organizations more environmentally aware thus developing or setting up green businesses.
Every individual can take steps to live and work more sustainably, but when it comes to improving sustainability for writer and authorpreneurs, sustainability ambassadors are in a unique position to effect change. Making strategic sustainability decisions that benefit the business, its employees, its customers, and the planet are the key foundations of such decisions. Embracing sustainability and implementing innovative strategies in the process are inevitable.
The sustainability mantra for the writing industry or for any business is simple – say it, do it and spread it. It is time to spread awareness, take action & contribute to a sustainable economy for all!
Here are few things authorpreneurs can do to make their writing business more sustainable:
Recycle: It’s easy for everyone to get lazy and put items in the trash bin ( be it digital or real-life) when they’re at work. Work on data storage, reduce carbon footprint, reduce the use of paper, dispose of the waste intelligently and develop the habit.
- Green Commuting: Green commuting could have a huge impact on the environment by cutting down on daily emissions — we should encourage all employees & our team members to do so when possible. Biking, carpooling, and taking the bus are all forms of green commuting that will help employees contribute to sustainability both in and out of the workplace. Also, there are inexpensive scooters and electric bikes available nowadays for those who live too far away to ride a regular bike.
- Offer Remote Work Options: Remote work is technically another type of green commute, as it keeps drivers and cars off of the roads. Remote Workers have the same impact on the environment as planting a forest of trees: they eliminate tons of greenhouse gases caused by commuting annually. Working remotely also helps people avoid health risks associated with commuting. The pandemic period has taught us that Remote working is a beneficial option for all concerned and should be explored by individuals & companies.
- Create a Sustainability Committee: Selecting a team of volunteers who are responsible for sustainability initiatives in the workplace can do wonders. It will create accountability — there are people specifically responsible for this, and they can take care to follow up with others and bolster a culture of sustainability in the workplace. Moreover, a committee will keep the ideas flowing.
- Save soil: Be part of global movements like Save Soil global movement by Sadhguru to address the soil crisis by bringing together people from around the world to stand up for Soil Health, and support leaders of all nations to institute national policies and actions toward increasing the organic content in cultivable soil. We should all aim to plant more trees, grow our own produce & spread awareness for soil preservation.
- Use recycled paper as much as possible: Print locally to support local economies. Use vegetable-based ink rather than the usual oil-based variety – it’s also better for workers in contact with the ink, as it does not release harmful fumes. Go for electronic books as they consume little resources. Also, they do not release as much carbon footprint into the environment like printed books. As a result of the reduced carbon footprint from e-books, they are ultimately the best choice for a healthy planet.
