Many workplaces today are embracing visible green initiatives—encouraging the use of reusable coffee cups, installing pedal-powered charging stations, and even setting up in-house composting systems. These are positive, much-needed steps in the right direction.

But while large sustainability projects often get the spotlight, it’s the smaller, day-to-day decisions that can quietly make or break a company’s environmental progress.

You step out for a fancy Sunday brunch. The food’s great, and the vibes are perfect. But just as you’re heading home, you get some takeout — maybe it’s leftovers from your table to enjoy later. 

You think, “Great, I didn’t waste food — that’s a win, right?”

A recent study found that while corporate e-waste continues to increase, fewer than 30% of organizations have a documented and compliant process for retiring, recycling, or disposing of their electronics. 

And among those that do, very few can prove where those devices end up, or whether the data they hold was ever properly erased.

We’re more connected than ever—at work, at school, and in our personal lives. Behind that connection is a vast network of electronic devices powering everything from critical infrastructure to everyday communication. 

But while technology has transformed how we live and work, it’s also created one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges of our time.

Sustainability is no longer just a trend or a talking point. It’s become a core expectation for how businesses operate and grow.

People across the board—investors, customers, regulators, and employees—are paying close attention to how companies manage their impact. But while many organizations focus on emissions, supply chains, or packaging, one piece of the sustainability puzzle is often overlooked: what happens to old tech?

What drives someone to choose one brand over another? Increasingly, the answer is sustainability.

Sustainability is a core part of how people choose what and who to buy from. Across industries, consumers, especially younger generations, are thinking more about the environmental and social impact of their choices.

What does it mean to build a future that lasts—and how close is the world to achieving it? In 2024, the U.S. installed 50 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity. That made up 84% of all new electricity generation that year. 

What happens to our community when old electronics are thrown away without care? The impact goes beyond cluttered drawers or landfills. It affects local health, public services, and the environment we all share.

Can a business continue to thrive if it damages the environment that supports it? 

In 2024, global carbon dioxide emissions reached a new high of 41.6 billion metric tons, rising from 40.6 billion the previous year. Much of this came from fossil fuel consumption. 

Ever notice how small household appliances seem to accumulate over time? One day, it’s a toaster that’s stopped toasting; the next, it’s a blender that’s lost its blend. Before you know it, you’ve got a cabinet full of gadgets that no longer serve their purpose. So, what do you do with them? 

Tossing them in the trash might seem like the quickest solution, but here’s the thing: those small appliances can have a lasting impact on the environment if not disposed of properly.