Cooper Wechkin, founder and CEO of Seattle-based RyeStrategy, explains how small businesses can start to reduce their carbon footprint. With about 30 million small businesses in the United States, each of them carrying a significant carbon footprint, the sector could make a big difference in the overall U.S. carbon footprint. But as large companies have made many statements about reducing their carbon emissions and environmental impact, and a few have taken genuine action, most small businesses continue to sit on the sidelines with regard to adapting in response to the climate crisis. RyeStrategy provides carbon auditing and neutrality planning for small businesses, starting at $2,000 for companies with one to nine employees and ranging up to more than $10,000 for firms with more than 150 employees.
RyeStrategy got our attention with a call for small businesses to sign a carbon neutrality pledge, and bring other companies to join the mission in order to create a bigger impact. We wanted to have a conversation with Cooper about the reasons for small businesses to pursue carbon neutrality, how to do it most effectively, and what the benefits are when interacting with customers and employees. He also shares five ideas to start lowering your business’ footprint and explains the benefits for branding and employee hiring and retention.
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