Modern Species Review: Sustainability Without the Fluff

Let’s be honest—most sustainability consultancies make big promises but deliver vague, feel-good platitudes. You know the type: endless talk about "saving the planet" without clear, actionable steps for businesses. That’s why working with Modern Species felt like a breath of fresh air. They’re not here to chant mantras or sell idealism—they’re here to make sustainability work for your bottom line.

Who Are They?

Modern Species is a sustainability consultancy with a refreshingly no-nonsense approach. Their tagline says it all: "We’re practical idealists." They don’t just preach sustainability; they embed it into business strategy in ways that actually drive growth, efficiency, and long-term resilience.

1. Quality: Substance Over Slogans

What stood out immediately was their refusal to rely on buzzwords. Instead of vague ESG jargon, they offered concrete frameworks—like how to reduce waste in supply chains without sacrificing profit margins or how to communicate sustainability efforts authentically to customers.

One of their consultants put it bluntly: "If your sustainability plan isn’t making your business stronger, we’re doing it wrong." That pragmatism was a game-changer. They didn’t just hand us a carbon offset certificate and call it a day—they helped redesign our packaging to cut costs and environmental impact.

2. Usability: Tailored, Not Templated

Some sustainability firms recycle the same playbook for every client. Modern Species, though, took time to understand our industry’s unique challenges before suggesting solutions. Their recommendations weren’t one-size-fits-all—they were actionable, measurable, and (crucially) aligned with our business goals.

For example, when they helped us streamline our shipping process, they didn’t just push for "greener" materials. They ran the numbers to show how switching to a more sustainable option would also reduce freight costs. That’s the kind of win-win thinking that makes their advice stick.

3. Value: ROI on Sustainability

Here’s where Modern Species really shines: They treat sustainability as an investment, not an expense. Their strategies aren’t about charity—they’re about building a more resilient, future-proof business.

After implementing their waste-reduction plan, we saw a 15% drop in operational costs within a year. Even better? Our customers noticed the shift, leading to stronger brand loyalty. Modern Species doesn’t just help you "do good"—they help you do good business.

Pros & Cons

Strengths

✅ No fluff, just results – They skip the idealism and focus on what works.
✅ Business-first sustainability – Every recommendation ties back to ROI.
✅ Custom solutions – No cookie-cutter advice; they adapt to your industry.

Considerations

⚠️ Not for the half-committed – If you’re looking for quick PR points without real change, they’ll call you out.
⚠️ Demands internal buy-in – Their strategies work best when leadership is fully on board.

Final Thoughts

Modern Species is the rare consultancy that bridges idealism and pragmatism. They won’t waste your time with empty slogans—they’ll challenge you to make sustainability a core driver of success. If you’re serious about building a business that’s profitable and responsible, they’re the real deal.