4 Easy Steps To Protect Your Sustainable Business

Julie Starr • November 3, 2020



Starting and running a business is no easy feat. Although many companies are springing up, only 33% of them survive within the first ten years, and it might even be a lot more difficult for green and sustainable companies. These statistics can be somewhat discouraging, whether you just started your business or have been in operation for a few years. Therefore, you must take steps to ensure that your business is adequately protected to withstand all types of challenges it might encounter. So, how can you protect your business? Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your business withstands the test of time:

Protect your data

It is essential for sustainable businesses to store critical information, whether it is employee records, customer information, or transactions. It is even more imperative for sustainable enterprises to store data in the cloud to reduce how much paper they use. Otherwise, you might find your business as part of the 60% that closed down due to data breaches. Plus, you need not worry about your hard drive getting crashed or losing your data to natural disasters like fires. When you take steps to protect your data, you lessen the risk of your data getting misused for vices such as phishing scams and fraud. What you can do to protect your business’ information is to install firewalls, organize cybersecurity training sessions for your employees, and use strong passwords.

Hire an accountant

If your sustainable business has been in operation for some time now, and you see a lot of growth and potential, it might be the best time to hire an accountant. An accountant can provide you with expert advice to assist with your development, including hiring new employees, managing utility payments, and expanding your office space. If possible, you can hire an in-house accountant for your business. Otherwise, it is perfectly okay to outsource. You can weigh the options to find the one that best suits your business’s needs, as well as the budget. You can also use a Verifiable Credential Platform to ensure they have the right credentials for the job.

Get business insurance

When you are operating a sustainable business, you are responsible for your employees’ and customers’ well-being. Whatever decisions you make for your company affects them, and when you have business insurance, it might protect you financially from some of the consequences. Many businesses typically get general liability insurance that covers parties that are harmed by your business’ practices. Other states require that you get other forms of business insurance, such as workman’s compensation insurance, which protects your employees that get hurt while working. Companies like Simply Business offer various types of business insurance, depending on the type of business you operate. Check out simplybusiness.com for more essential information.

Research your customers

Before you start working with a new client, ensure that you conduct a full credit check, especially if you render a service. That will protect you and your business from having stacks of unpaid invoices and defaulting customers. Ensure that before you work for a customer, you must have a contract. If any problem develops, the contract or agreement will be the piece of evidence that might help you get the money you deserve.

Regardless of your business’s size, it would be best if you adopted measures to secure it. Hopefully, these tips should help you get started.

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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