Written by Alex Lassiter, CEO & Founder of Greenplaces
When we founded Greenplaces, we had a simple but powerful belief: sustainability done right is a win-win for business and the planet. It’s not about choosing between profit and climate action – it’s about recognizing that these goals can and should work together. We started this business because we wanted to create broad, sweeping change in the way business is conducted, and that mission has never been more important than it is today.
In times of shifting federal policy, I’m often asked about the future of climate action. My response is always the same: look at what’s actually happening on the ground. While political winds may shift, the momentum toward a more sustainable future continues through multiple channels, driven by practical realities and opportunities rather than political ideology.
The science and economics align
The data tells two compelling stories. First, the scientific reality: global temperatures are the highest they’ve ever been, weather patterns are becoming more extreme as evidenced by the local devastation we saw in North Carolina and the surrounding states with Hurricane Helene and now the continuing fires in Los Angeles, and the urgency for action is increasing. These aren’t political statements – they’re measurable facts that businesses deal with every day through supply chain disruptions, changing consumer demands, and evolving market conditions.
The second story is equally powerful: sustainability makes good business sense. We see it every day at Greenplaces:
- Customers have decreased the time spent on their carbon footprint by 60%
- Businesses becoming more attractive to the Fortune 500 (Like Microsoft, AstraZeneca, and GM) who have net zero commitments in place
- Businesses building more resilient supply chains through sustainable practices
Progress continues on multiple fronts
What gives me hope is seeing how climate action continues to advance through various channels. States like California are setting ambitious goals and proving that environmental protection and economic growth can coexist; it’s never been more clear that this is critical. Large corporations are making unprecedented commitments to sustainability and demanding sustainable practices from their suppliers. But perhaps most importantly, we’re seeing a groundswell of action from businesses of all sizes.
The key to meaningful climate action lies not just with large corporations or government policies, but with the millions of small and medium-sized businesses that form the backbone of our economy. This is where I believe the real transformation will happen.
Moving climate action forward together
The path to addressing climate change has never depended solely on any single policy or agreement. It’s being paved every day by businesses making smart, forward-thinking decisions about their operations and impact. Whether it’s implementing energy-efficient practices, transitioning to renewable energy, or engaging suppliers in emissions reduction efforts, every organization can leverage sustainability to strengthen their bottom line.
At Greenplaces, our commitment to making sustainability accessible and beneficial for all businesses remains unwavering. We believe that the only way to achieve our collective climate goals is by involving every business, making sustainability practical and profitable for all.
The challenges we face are real, but so are the opportunities. While federal policies may shift, the fundamental equation doesn’t change: what’s good for the planet can and should be good for business. That’s the future we’re building at Greenplaces, and we invite you to join us in this crucial work.
