4 Sustainably Conscious Ways to Clean Your Store

Julie Starr • May 7, 2022



We all know that green cleaning is the new black, but how can you get on board with this new trend in your cleaning routine? You can’t just turn on the tap and fill your store with verdant germ-free goodness. There are a lot of factors that need to be taken into account, especially when it comes to the sustainability of your store and its customers. So, how can you incorporate green cleaning into your store with minimal impact? Here are four sustainable ways to clean your store.

Use natural ingredients when cleaning.

To integrate the sustainable trend of green cleaning into your store , the first thing that you need to do is make sure that you don’t use harsh chemicals when cleaning. Natural ingredients are great for cleaning your store, but you need to use them responsibly. You can use essential oils to clean and solutions that include citronella, lemongrass, and lavender. Natural cleaning products don’t damage the environment because they are made from renewable resources. Natural ingredients can also help you create a more sustainable store and a more pleasant experience for your customers.

You can take this a step further by using a steam cleaner where possible as the steam acts as the cleaner for a more hygienic and eco-friendly cleaning option.

Hire a cleaning company

Some cleaning companies provide eco-friendly cleaning services, and others are certified in sustainable cleaning. When hiring a cleaning company, ask about their cleaning methods and what ingredients are being used. Some Commercial Cleaning companies will work with you to help carry out their services sustainably to help support the changes you want to make.

Clean when the store is open where possible

When the store is open, you are already using energy to keep the lights on, serve customers, etc. Keeping these on when the store closes increases your energy consumption, not to mention adds to your wage bill.

If you clean as much as possible when the store is open, you can use the energy when required and avoid keeping the lights on past close. Also, training employees to clean as they go means you can catch issues quicker and potentially reduce the chance of you needing to use harsh chemicals or more products to remove the mess after some time. In many cases, regular cleaning can be done with a damp cloth or rag for spills on the floor if caught quickly, saving products for more significant problems.

Recycle materials where possible

Avoid using single-use products when cleaning , such as wipes, and invest in tools that can be used repeatedly. Or even recycle one product to use as something else when it is no longer functional. E.g., using damaged uniforms to clean or wipe down surfaces if they can no longer be worn, using damaged food items like cleaning materials such as lemons or white vinegar, and even using old packaging, empty containers, and products for storage instead of buying new ones. 

Alternatively, ensure you have a robust recycling process in place, and everyone adheres to this as much as possible to ensure you are reducing your waste and carbon footprint.

 

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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