I begin by asking them how they perceive sustainability in their daily lives. Then, I try to introduce sustainable solutions to the challenges they face in everyday life and show how, with simple steps, they can both reduce their daily problems and contribute to environmental and societal sustainability. Another solution is to highlight the crises that arise from the unsustainability of business decisions. Reviewing the stories of such crises and showing the extent of the harm people may experience from them can be effective in persuading the team.

Sustainability is about people and the magic is how to engage permanently. It has many approach. Combining education, example-setting, and inclusivity, resistance can be overcome, fostering a more sustainable workplace culture. Some ideas: Raise awareness about sustainability's environmental and organizational benefits. Demonstrate feasibility through personal implementation. Introduce changes slowly to avoid overwhelming the team. Highlight long-term cost reductions. Encourage team suggestions to increase buy-in. Establish clear objectives to track progress. Acknowledge those embracing new practices. Listen to and address reservations. Make sustainable options accessible. Showcase positive outcomes from similar initiatives elsewhere.

To get your resistant team on board with sustainable practices, start by educating them on the benefits—both environmental and economic—while leading by example and fostering open dialogue. Set clear, achievable sustainability goals that align with team objectives, and provide resources to ease the transition. Incentivize participation through recognition and share success stories from other teams or organizations to inspire action. Create a supportive culture that values sustainability by involving the team in planning and starting with small, manageable changes. This collaborative approach can help shift mindsets and encourage a commitment to sustainable practices.

Here is the Five step what I have been following, 1. Clearly outline how sustainability aligns with company goals and long-term success. 2. Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability through your actions. When the team sees leadership walking the talk, they’re more likely to follow. 3. Start with small, achievable projects to demonstrate success. 4. Empower your team to contribute by inviting them to share their ideas. 5. Offer training or resources to help the team understand the importance of sustainability and the potential business benefits.

When facing resistance to eco-friendly changes within a team, the key is to focus on education and relevance. Start by addressing the "why" behind the initiatives, linking sustainability to both organizational goals and personal values. Demonstrating the tangible benefits—like cost savings, improved efficiency, or enhanced reputation—helps people see the direct impact. Encouraging small, manageable changes can also ease the transition, as success in minor adjustments builds confidence for bigger shifts. Finally, create opportunities for open dialogue, so team members feel heard and included in shaping the path forward. Empowerment and understanding are the foundations of overcoming resistance.