Many businesses are becoming more aware of their environmental impact and are looking for ways to minimize or offset it. Smaller businesses might find it more challenging to reduce their environmental footprint when much of it may be outside of their control. Often, a small business's environmental impact is found either in the supply chain upstream or in the distribution process downstream. For instance, it may be in the manufacturing of a product they buy wholesale, or in the post-consumer waste generated by the packaging of a product they sell. The good news is that there are still ways for small businesses to support a more sustainable future, regardless of their company's size, or what their operations look like.

To learn more, we reached out to John Van Rees, Clark County Green Business owner of Exquisite Crystals, to ask how their small business has been leading the charge in creating a more sustainable future." 

What are the challenges or opportunities small businesses face when trying to lower their footprint and make a positive impact in terms of sustainability?

"In an era where environmental conservation has taken center stage, small businesses have an incredible opportunity to drive significant change. At Exquisite Crystals, we've embraced sustainability as a core value, demonstrating that even small enterprises can make a big impact.

Small businesses have a unique position in the market. They are agile, community-focused, and often more connected to their customers than larger corporations. This intimacy with the local community allows small businesses to implement changes swiftly and see their impact firsthand. When these localized efforts are aggregated, they contribute to a global shift towards sustainability."

What projects, non-profits or programs have you decided to contribute to and what led you to those projects?

"Our environmental initiatives are deeply rooted in our local community. Here are some of the programs we participate in:

Clark County Green Business Certification Program: Recognizes local businesses for their sustainable practices and provides resources for long-lasting environmental efforts.

Clark Public Utilities Green Lights Program: Supports the development of regional renewable energy projects and provides local education on energy conservation.

Community Solar East: We've invested in clean and renewable energy through solar panels at the Port of Camas-Washougal.

Friends of Trees: We sponsor neighborhood tree planting events in Oregon and SW Washington, enhancing urban green spaces and promoting community engagement."

Do you have any advice for small businesses looking to expand on their current sustainability initiatives?

"Transparency is key when it comes to sustainability. Customers want to know that the businesses they support are genuinely committed to making a difference. At Exquisite Crystals, we've achieved several certifications to validate our efforts:

Climate Neutral Certified: For four consecutive years, we've measured our annual emissions, contributed to climate change solutions, and taken real action to reduce our emissions.

B Corp Certification: This rigorous certification is a testament to our high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It reflects our commitment to ethical sourcing and socially responsible business practices.

1% for the Planet Member: Certified annually that 1% of our total sales, regardless of profit, is donated to support environmental nonprofits that make a positive impact on our planet.

Integrating sustainability into business practices isn't just good for the planet, it's also good for business. Consumers today are more conscientious about their purchases, favoring brands that demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. By adopting green practices, businesses can enhance their reputation, attract new customers, and foster loyalty among existing ones."

Are you satisfied with your experiences and contributions to these projects?

"Absolutely, it has been incredibly rewarding to see the tangible impact of the various projects we've contributed to. Whether it's enhancing urban green spaces or promoting community engagement, the positive outcomes truly resonate with our core values. Every time we see other companies valuing the partnerships and certifications we participate in, it fills us with a sense of pride and joy. This shared recognition not only validates our efforts but also amplifies the significance and reach of our sustainability initiatives, making our contributions even more meaningful. We invite other small business owners to join us on this journey. Together, we can make a big impact, one small step at a time."

Additional resources:

For more information on calculating your business's environmental impact, check out our recent article on emissions accounting.

Learn more about the Green Power Market, RECs and offsets with this helpful article from the EPA.