As we all become more aware of our impact on the planet, we’re increasingly looking for more sustainable options in all areas of our lives. From choosing where to shop to deciding what to do for a living, more people are making decisions for the benefit of all.
Here at Esquires, we’re one of the leading coffee shops in the UK when it comes to Fairtrade. We pioneer ethical practices in our stores, while our ingredients are always sustainably sourced. That includes our tea and coffee, which comes from our cooperatives in Peru (Cecovasa coop), Honduras (CAPUCAS coop), Ethiopia (Oromia coop) and Sumatra (Permata Gayo coop).
Ahead of Fairtrade Fortnight from 22 February to 7 March 2021, we’re taking a look at what makes a sustainable franchise, so you can make the right decision concerning your next venture - or if you simply want a great cup of coffee!
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Why Choose a Sustainable Franchise?
First of all, you might be asking yourself “why should I look for a sustainable franchise?” There are indeed many other essential aspects to consider, but you shouldn’t ignore sustainability.
Here are some advantages to choosing a sustainable franchise:
- Attract consumers - Research suggests people are willing to go out of their way to do business with sustainable companies.
- Reduce costs - Many sustainability practices lead to reduced overheads for the business.
- Future-proof - As more environmental expectations come into force, companies that are already sustainable will have an advantage.
So, how do you find out if the franchise you’re interested in offers these benefits? Here are some traits to consider.
Carbon Footprint
One of the biggest sustainability shifts taking place is the need to reduce our emissions. With many governments promising to reach carbon neutrality over the coming decades, the pressure will soon be on businesses to follow suit.
Ask a franchise that you’re interested in about their carbon footprint, particularly what steps they’re taking to reduce their emissions.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
So many steps have been taken over the last few years when it comes to more sustainable products. Nowadays, people are more aware than ever of single-use plastics and similar items, leading to renewed energy in the recycling effort.
If considering a franchise, check to see if they make an effort to reuse and recycle where they can. Here at Esquires, we always promote using reusable cups and flasks instead of single-use plastic cups, and we reduce our waste wherever we can, to help do our bit for the planet. We also removed the plastic from most of our packaging
Vegan-Friendly Food
If you’re considering a food or coffee franchise, you want to make sure they provide plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
These products aren’t just appealing to a fast-growing modern consumer base, but they also result in less meat being eaten, which we all need to do if we want to reduce global emissions.
Spread the Message
Finally, when choosing a sustainable franchise, pick one that is open and proud of its work to combat climate change and global inequality.
If these issues mean a lot to you, having a franchise that allows you to share your message with your customers is not only great for the planet but will also keep you motivated every day, knowing that you’re making a difference.
Here at Esquires, we’re proud of our record on sustainability, and we look to share the importance of these issues throughout our stores. If you would like to join us, fill in an application below!
About the author - Jack Anderson
Jack has been working in the franchise sector for over 12 years and is our in-house guru on all things business! Jack is also a keen hiker and can be found in some of the UK's best walking spots on the weekends.
