According to Conservation International, as of May 2020 the concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is the highest it has been in human history, and 800 million people (11% of the world’s population) are vulnerable to climate change impacts like droughts, floods, heat waves, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise. Not surprisingly, climate change also affects small businesses in many ways—lost productivity and forced closures due to extreme weather, higher cooling costs, the need for disaster insurance or building upgrades, and more. We checked in with some of the winners of the 2021 FedEx Small Business Grant program to learn how they’re finding new and innovative ways to make their respective industries more sustainable in the midst of the fight against climate change.

For the Briggses, sustainability was important from the start. “We love nature and the beauty of nature, and if we can help reduce what’s going into landfills, maintain the environment, and reduce pollution, then that’s what we want to do,” says Jennifer. They’ve teamed up with a local distribution warehouse to recycle their leftovers for use as packaging material, reducing the amount of waste that goes into the landfill. They reuse cardboard for packaging as well, upcycling it into reusable shipping materials to safely transport their products.

For JCs Wildlife, building a long-lasting sustainable product for their customers to enjoy and that their employees can be proud of is important. “We’re always looking positively towards the future, thinking how we can do better, how we can create a great customer experience, and how we can provide a great environment for our employees,” says Jennifer. Plans to expand to a brick-and-mortar store are in motion, allowing customers in the community to shop locally, and furthering JCs Wildlife’s positive and sustainable impact on animals and humans alike.

In terms of sustainability, Prism Kite’s longevity makes them soar. “Unlike many kites, which are treated as disposable toys, we make our products built to last,” says Mark. “Our kites can’t be recycled, so we keep them flying.”

This means designing products that can last and making sure the company can support the products through their lifetime. Prism Kites keeps a full inventory of spare parts on their retail site, so customers with broken parts can replace them and get their kites back in the air in no time. “We hear from customers literally every day of the week who are flying kites that are more than 20 years old,” says Mark.

For Harmony Harvest Farm, sustainability has always been a part of the mission. Owned and operated by sisters Jessica Hall and Stephanie Auville and mom Chris Auville, the 20-acre flower farm located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley sells 100% American-grown flowers to customers across the country.

Harmony Harvest also encourages consumers to look in their own communities for sustainable flower options. “Look and see if there are flowers close to you, if there are small growers close to you,” says Jessica. Proving that sometimes the best and most eco-friendly option can literally be in your own backyard.

As these businesses have shown, prioritizing sustainability means more than just empty statements about going green. Bold, innovative solutions today can help create a better tomorrow. And businesses both large and small can have a huge impact on reducing waste and CO₂ emissions.

Consumers are on board—65% of shoppers say they want to buy from brands that advocate for sustainability, and over half of U.S. consumers are very concerned about the environmental impact of packaging.

At FedEx, we’re working our way toward delivering a more sustainable future with a goal of carbon neutral operations by 2040. And to reduce waste, we offer free packaging options for FedEx Express^® shipments that are reusable, recyclable, and made from recycled content. So whether you’re looking for fresh-cut American-grown flowers, a new bird feeder for your front yard, a kite that will take flight year after year, or simply a shipping solution, be sure you’re doing good for your planet.