How Small Businesses Can Go Green

As a business owner, you may feel overwhelmed by the growing pressure to "go green." Sometimes the whole topic can seem like a double-edged sword: You could change your operations to be more eco-conscious, but the change might cost you so much you'd go out of business.

When Kristen Marie Schuerlein, serial entrepreneur and founder of Affirmagy, decided to launch a new line of Affirmawraps, more than just the design of the blanket was up for consideration. “We started talking about what steps we could take to help the environment,” says Schuerlein. “As one of those people who separates the paper backing from a plastic container, I am a big fan of recycling personally and professionally.”

So when she had a chance to decide between a poly-zippered bag or a paper belly band (a strip or ring that holds a product together in the middle) to package her new 2008 Limited Edition blankets, she opted for the latter. “While our Original Affirmawraps come in a poly bag, we decided moving forward we would take a more eco-friendly route when it comes to packaging.”

In launching Affirmagy’s new line, Schuerlein partnered with a US-based manufacturer – a rarity in the textile world – in part because of another benefit they could offer: fulfillment. “In addition to reducing our consumption of plastic packaging, our new line is made and delivered to its final destination from one location here in the states. This means we are not using fuel to ship our product to us, and then to our buyers."

"Add to that the recycling of all remnant fibers used in the weaving process," she says, "and we’ve made three significant steps toward reducing our footprint."

Schuerlein and her team have more ideas up their sleeves as the company continues to grow. Until then, she’s delighted to be able to deliver on her belief that if everyone does a little, we all change a lot.