Starting an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy might sound like a big task, but it’s actually something every business can do—step by step. Whether you're running a small company or leading a growing organization, adding ESG into your regular way of doing things can really help. Here’s how to get started in five simple steps that can work for you.

1. Learn the basics and what matters:
Before you make changes, it helps to understand what ESG is all about. In short, it's about looking at how your business affects the environment, how you treat people (both inside and outside your company), and how you manage your company responsibly. Think about what matters most for your type of work. For example, if you work in manufacturing, energy use and waste might be really important. For more helpful ideas, you can find helpful resources at https://planet-positive.org/ .

2. Ask the right questions:
Start by asking yourself and your team a few key questions. How much energy are we using? Are we treating employees fairly? Are our partners following good business practices? Don’t worry if your answers aren’t perfect right now—the idea is to understand where you are so you know where to improve.

3. Get others involved:
You don’t have to do this alone. Talk to your employees, customers, suppliers, and even your local community. They might have useful suggestions and give you a better picture of what’s working and what could be better. This also helps you build trust and include more voices in your planning.

4. Set small, clear goals:
Instead of trying to fix everything at once, pick one or two areas to work on first. Maybe you want to cut down on paper usage or make sure your workplace is more welcoming and fair. Pick goals that you can track over time and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

5. Keep going and share what you learn:
ESG isn’t something you do once—it's an ongoing effort. Keep checking how you're doing, and adjust your plans as needed. Also, share your progress, both the wins and the challenges. Being honest encourages others to take part too.

Starting ESG doesn’t need to be complicated. All it takes is the willingness to care, plan, and keep improving. Small steps can lead to meaningful change, for your business and the world around you.