10 Ways to Reduce Your Business’ Carbon Footprint

Julie Starr • June 5, 2020



As a business owner, sometimes it’s easy to get carried away trying to increase sales and profits. In fact, it’s so easy that you miss the opportunity to go green. Going green as a business essentially involves reducing the amount of carbon dioxide produced in your office, and it’s actually great because it helps the environment while saving you money. 

Additionally, it ensures that consumers view you in a whole new light as (an environmentally friendly company) which can in turn, positively affect your customer loyalty and sales. To get you started on the right path to going green, here are 10 ways to reduce your business’ carbon footprint. 

  1. Recycle your waste

In an office environment, it’s is not uncommon to regularly produce a significant amount of waste, especially when there’s a lot of employees in the mix. One way your business can reduce its carbon footprint is by taking up recycling . Simply placing several recycle bins for specific types of material (eg plastic, paper, glass, and metal) around the office, will encourage your employees to recycle some certain materials instead of throwing them in the actual trash. 

  1. Switch off appliances

Here’s a very simple way for your business to reduce its carbon footprint, switch off appliances at the end of the day. Most times in offices, you’ll find that people forget to switch off computers, printers, and other devices before closing for the day. By enforcing a policy that requires every employee to switch off appliances when they aren’t in use, your business can take a step in the right direction.

  1. Switch to LED lights

One of the great things about LED lights is that they are one of the most energy-efficient lighting options available on the market. This lighting choice has been reported to consume up to 15 times less energy than regular halogen lights. So, making the switch to LEDs is a good way for your business to reduce its carbon footprint. 

  1. Reduce paper usage

Paper is the number one waste material in offices and can leave a heavy carbon footprint on the environment. Consider adopting a paperless approach in your business, or at least significantly reduce the paper usage in the office. It’s not hard in this time and day, simply convert to using digital files instead. This way, you’ll end up helping your office adopt a more environmentally friendly approach. 

  1. Laptops instead of desktops

One thing most people aren’t aware of is that desktops use up 80 percent more power than a laptop computer. One effective way to reduce energy usage is by encouraging the use of laptops over desktops in the office. Some laptops are more energy-efficient than others, so you can also do some research on that. 

  1. Buy recycled products

Recycling office materials is a good way to reduce the production and release of carbon dioxide in your office space and in the environment. However, you can take things up a notch by actually purchasing products and materials that are equally recycled. The great this is that you can even use this as an angle when marketing your business, with the help of an eCommerce agency . 

  1. Read online newspapers

Although some companies adopt a paperless approach in their operations, they fail to consider that reading physical newspapers can also affect their carbon footprint. In your office, as you try to reduce your paper consumption, also try to ensure that physical newspapers are consumed less as well. Reading online newspapers allow you to be up to date on the news without contributing to your paper waste. 

  1. Make use of fans instead of air conditioners

Air conditioners are well known for consuming ridiculous amounts of energy just to function. Sure, it is effective in cooling down your office space, but it’s not exactly environmentally friendly. One way to reduce your carbon footprint is by making the switch to fans which consume less energy. 

  1. Unplug phone and laptop chargers 

Sometimes in an office setting, people tend to leave phones and laptops plugged in long after these devices have been fully charged. This only contributes to energy wastage, so encourage your employees to unplug their phones and laptops as soon as they are fully charged as a way of conserving energy. 

  1. Allow working from home

With all the advances in the telecommunications industry, working from home is no longer something that is difficult to handle. Encourage your employees to observe a couple of work from home day, as this can save a significant amount of energy that would otherwise have been consumed in the office.

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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