With growing calls internationally for manufacturing efficiency and waste reduction, sustainable business practice has evolved over the last few decades as an aspiration for many industries. Despite constant attention on ‘sustainability’ it is still unclear on how exactly the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) could holistically embed sustainable business practice into their daily business operations. This paper explores the role of lean and green thinking in implementing cost-effective sustainable manufacturing practices, drawing on findings from multiple case studies. The authors have adopted an interpretive case study method to investigate this area of lean and green practices in South East Queensland, Australia. Case study findings are used to provide rich, contextual insights on best practices in areas such as waste, emission, chemical, water and land management. The paper presents a ‘lean and green matrix’ to guide SMEs to select appropriate lean and green tools and optimise sustainable business outcomes while maximising benefits from their expenditure. The findings also provide strategies and opportunities to effectively contribute to key responsible consumption and production targets within the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.