In response to increasing consumer and investor demand for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, companies of all sizes are placing greater emphasis on sustainability and taking action against climate change.
Niche Snowboards, an environmentally friendly and zero-waste snowboard company, serves as a prime example of a small business dedicated to sustainability. Co-founders Kirsten Kolter and Ana Van Pelt discuss the role of innovation in small businesses and provide key steps for advancing sustainability efforts.
The Advantage of Small Businesses in Driving Innovation
Contrary to popular belief, Van Pelt highlights that small businesses possess distinct advantages when it comes to driving innovation. Their inherent creativity, flexibility, and nimbleness enable them to implement company-wide changes more swiftly than larger corporations. While small businesses may have limited resources, their ability to initiate small changes that gain momentum over time allows for significant transformations. This gradual approach often inspires others to follow suit.
The Journey of Niche Snowboards
Niche Snowboards, established in 2009, aimed to explore sustainable practices within the ski and snowboard industry at a time when sustainability was not a prevalent consideration. Kolter and Van Pelt faced challenges such as introducing non-standard materials, convincing consumers and retailers of the value of sustainability, and addressing the male-dominated nature of the industry. However, their persistence has paid off as the snowboarding industry has undergone a significant shift over the years.
Shifting Industry Dynamics
The snowboarding industry has experienced a notable transformation since Niche Snowboards’ inception. Industry governing bodies are now actively engaging in discussions regarding environmental impacts. Moreover, consumer demand for sustainable products has grown significantly, prompting industry-wide changes and a greater focus on sustainability.
Tips for Small Businesses Focusing on Sustainability
Kolter and Van Pelt offer valuable advice for small businesses looking to embrace sustainability:
Choose vendors prioritising sustainability: Collaborate with vendors who share a commitment to sustainability and actively work to minimise their environmental impact.
Seek knowledge and expertise: Small businesses need not be experts in sustainability, engineering, or manufacturing. Being open to learning from industry experts and seeking guidance can lead to innovative solutions and alternative perspectives.
Emphasise the mission: Transparency and public sharing of sustainable practices can build trust with consumers. By showcasing sustainable efforts, small businesses can inspire others within their industry to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Niche Snowboards exemplifies the influential role that small businesses play in driving innovation and sustainability. Capitalising on their inherent advantages, small businesses can create change at an accelerated pace. By prioritising sustainability and sharing their efforts with the wider industry, small businesses can make a significant impact, leading to a better, less harmful future for their industries and the environment as a whole.
