You’ve probably noticed everyone talking about sustainability lately, right? It’s become the hottest topic around for the past few years. But have you ever stopped to wonder why? What if we decided to just ignore sustainability—what would happen then? Can we really keep living the way we do now without it?

The most common response we heard was "I’m just starting my career or just building my network. Why should I care about sustainability?” Well, it turns out, it’s relevant to all of us!

Let’s get real about what sustainability means. At its core, sustainability is all about meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Sounds simple enough?

But what happens if we choose to kick sustainability to the curb? Let’s find out!

If sustainability is ignored, the cost of doing business can really start to climb. Resources like water and energy get scarce, making it more expensive for companies to operate.

When that happens, companies end up paying more just to keep things running. It’s like supply and demand on overdrive: less of what we need, and the prices shoot up. Not to mention, governments are stepping in with stricter regulations and penalties for companies that don’t prioritize sustainability too.

So, while it might seem easier to ignore it now, in the long run, operating costs can get out of control.

You might be saying, “I don’t own a company, so this doesn’t affect me.”

But working for businesses that don’t prioritize sustainability can put your future at risk. When companies feel the financial crunch, guess who’s affected? Yep, the employees. 

So, you want to align yourself with companies thinking long-term, not just chasing quick wins.

Now, let’s talk about our dearest planet - the home we live in.

Ignoring sustainability leads to resource depletion and climate chaos. Just look around! We’re already feeling the effects of unsustainable practices everywhere.

Clean water and fossil fuels? They’re not endless resources, you know. If we keep using them at this rate, we’ll be draining them faster than the Earth can naturally replenish them, and that’s a recipe for disaster.

And then there’s climate change—it’s a big player in all of this. Unsustainable practices contribute to global warming, resulting in more natural disasters like floods and wildfires. They destroy homes and cities, cripple industries and it would be a challenge to rebuild everything. 

Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: ignoring sustainability can widen the gap between the rich and the poor. When resources become scarce, vulnerable communities are often hit the hardest. Nope, it’s not just a problem for developing countries—it’s happening all around us too.

By not being sustainable, we contribute to social inequality, and that’s not a good look for anyone.

As you’re building your network, think “ Do you want to be part of the problem or part of the solution?"

Building connections isn’t just about who can help you climb the corporate ladder; it’s about surrounding yourself with people who share your values. If sustainability is something that’s important to you, it absolutely needs to come up in your networking conversations. Connecting with others who care about making a positive impact can lead to amazing opportunities down the line.

Don't be shy to bring up the topic of sustainability when you meet new people!

Believe it or not, sustainability drives innovation. Companies that prioritize sustainability are often the ones coming up with smarter, more efficient ways to do business. 

Look at electric vehicles—companies like Tesla didn’t just push for EVs because it was trendy. They saw a need for more sustainable transportation, and now they’re leading the charge in innovation.

Think about which industries will be relevant in the next 10, 20, or even 30 years. Companies focused on sustainability will likely be the ones thriving. You’ll set yourself up for long-term success!

You don’t have to be a CEO to make a difference. When you choose to live sustainably—whether in your personal life or your work life—you inspire those around you. People are drawn to those who care, and that applies to your network too.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, you’ll attract like-minded people who want to collaborate and help each other grow. Those connections can become the backbone of a powerful network.

What happens if we ignore sustainability? Businesses struggle, innovation slows, and inequality increases. Sounds pretty grim, right? But if we don’t start thinking about sustainability now, that’s the direction we might be headed.

Honestly, even the smallest changes in your daily life can have a bigger impact than you’d think. It’s not about going zero-waste overnight or changing your entire lifestyle in one swoop. Instead, start with little shifts that fit into your own routine.

Maybe it’s as simple as cutting down on single-use plastics, choosing to support eco-friendly brands, or even swapping out your old-school paper business cards for digital ones. Yep, digital business cards!

How many times have you handed out a paper card that just ended up lost, tossed, or forgotten?

Switching to a digital business card doesn’t just save you from the hassle of reprinting every time your details change—it’s also a great way to cut down on paper waste. Plus, digital business cards (like One Good Card) aren’t just about sharing contact info; you can embed videos, links, and even track how many times your card has been viewed and saved!

Sustainability isn’t just something left to big corporations or governments—it’s something we all have a hand in.

So let’s roll up our sleeves and do our bit for the planet!