A lot of people assume that running a sustainable business means spending your days talking about values and your nights making candles.
The reality looks a little more like toggling between your accounting software, a parcel tracking spreadsheet, and that one half-written caption about circularity you keep meaning to finish.
It’s not that the values don’t matter. They do. They’re often the reason you started. But building something sustainable takes systems. Especially if you’re a team of one (or one and a half on a good week).
The platforms you use to send parcels, track income, and package orders shape how your business operates, and how sustainable it actually is.
These three are a good place to start.
1. The Accounting Essential
The financial side of business probably wasn’t the part that got you excited. But if you want to avoid late-night spreadsheet spirals, you need a solid accounting system.
Xero is one of the easiest platforms to get your head around. Built for the everyday tasks like sending invoices, tracking cash flow. You can accept online payments, connect it with your e-commerce store, and even automate invoice reminders in your own brand voice.
It also walks the talk on sustainability. Xero is a Certified B Corp, carbon neutral since 2019, and regularly publishes clear, transparent reporting on its environmental impact.
2. For Lower-Impact Shipping
Ask any small business owner what they dread most, and “post office run” is usually up there.
Sendle’s carbon-neutral delivery service picks up from your door and integrates with most e-commerce platforms. Bonus, it doesn’t charge extra for fuel. It was built for small businesses trying to do things better.
3. For Packaging That’s Built to Break Down
If you’re running an online store, packaging is part of the deal, but it doesn’t have to be plastic. Compostable options have come a long way, and there are plenty of certified choices designed for small businesses.
- Hero Packaging: Certified home-compostable satchels, shipping labels, and tape. Plastic-free and reusable, made for e-comm. Ships from Sydney.
- HeapsGood: Compostable mailers and eco packaging basics with low minimums. Great for smaller-scale sellers and market stalls.
- Noissue: Custom-branded compostable mailers, tissue paper, and stickers. Home and commercial compost certifications, low MOQs, and quick local shipping.
- Better Packaging Co.: Certified compostable mailers and the POLLAST!C range made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. Custom sizing available for garments and bulkier items.
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