Australian small and medium enterprises frequently view sustainability as a concern for large corporations with dedicated teams and substantial budgets. Concerns about missteps or the belief that meaningful change requires a complete overhaul often lead to inaction.
Small steps, not grand gestures
Pamela Jabbour, founder and CEO of uniform supplier Total Image Group, explained that the idea sustainability demands immediate, sweeping changes is a common obstacle. Her company began with modest adjustments woven into daily operations rather than a full redesign.
An early change involved removing unnecessary packaging and introducing compostable or recycled materials. Waste management processes were reviewed, and clothing recycling programs were created to keep uniforms out of landfills based on fabric type and condition. These simple steps reduced waste and lowered emissions.
Since implementing its circular economy efforts, the company has prevented over three tonnes of CO₂ from entering landfills. Jabbour noted the focus wasn’t on reaching a single goal but on making better practices part of the company’s routine.
For businesses overwhelmed by the challenge, the pressure to act flawlessly can be as paralyzing as the pressure to act at all. Most small businesses lack the resources for overnight overhauls. They don’t need them. A single adjustment—like switching to recycled packaging or reviewing energy use—can start a longer process.
Targets without the bureaucracy
Total Image Group committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030, using 2023 as its baseline. While such targets are often linked to larger firms, Jabbour said the approach was tailored to fit the company’s size and capacity.
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The business also wove sustainability into its standard quoting process, presenting clients with a sustainable option by default. Uniforms were designed with their eventual disposal in mind, ensuring garments could be reused, recycled, or handled responsibly. These changes didn’t require new departments or major spending—just a different way of making decisions.
Earning B Corp certification was another milestone. The process required formalizing existing practices, improving transparency, and committing to ongoing accountability in governance, workers, community, and environmental impact. It provided a structure for continuous improvement rather than a checkbox exercise.
Where to start when everything feels urgent
For SMEs uncertain how to begin, Jabbour advised prioritizing progress over perfection. The first move could be as straightforward as reviewing waste in one area—packaging, suppliers, or energy use. Tracking even basic metrics helps identify where small changes will have the greatest effect.
She also suggested embedding sustainability into existing processes instead of treating it as a separate project. Procurement, logistics, and daily decisions can all become chances to reduce waste or emissions without adding complexity.
The biggest error, she said, is waiting for an ideal plan. Sustainability doesn’t need to be perfect—just deliberate. When small, consistent changes become part of how a business operates, the overall impact grows.
Many companies hesitate because they assume sustainability requires drastic measures. Total Image Group’s experience shows that steady, practical steps can lead to meaningful results over time.