What makes a sustainable business successful? This is a complicated topic, but I would argue that a business is much more likely to succeed while implementing sustainable practices if both of the following two conditions are met:

1) the commitment to sustainability is sincere, and

2) the practices make good business sense.

Last month, EcoTuesday Minneapolis learned about sustainability and success in the restaurant business from Joe Hatch-Surisook of Sen Yei Sen Lek. Joe told us his business plan is guided by the principles he and his wife follow at home to use resources wisely and consider the greater impacts. Condition #1 is met.

These principles translate into seeking out locally produced foods, composting, and using recyclables at the restaurant. While there might be additional actions Joe can take to make his business more sustainable, he has a responsibility to ensure its financial health and must reject sustainable options that are cost-prohibitive. Condition #2 is met.

This is basic business sense, of course, but something I need to be reminded of every now and again.

I know of a great coffee shop – Shade Tree Coffee – in Durham, NC, that was trying really hard to be sustainable. Unfortunately, it’s operations proved too costly and Shade Tree was forced to close in 2009.

I’m simplifying things here, for sure. But the bottom line is that a successful business that implements SOME sustainable practices is better for the environment in the long run than an unsuccessful business that implements ALL possible sustainable practices but ultimately can’t survive.