5 Great Ways You Can Make Your Business More Environmentally Friendly

Julie Starr • February 10, 2022



We’ve all got to do our part somewhere along the line, and as a member of authority within your business, you have the power to do a lot more than most people can. Most daily activities leave some kind of impact on the environment, and that impact can be altered depending on how you choose to do things. If you’re in the position to not only change how you do things, but those working for you as well, then you can make a huge difference with just a few changes here and there. Of course, you can’t do much to change how people treat the environment outside of the workplace, but one workday can impact the environment significantly. 

Update your cleaning process

When you work with a lot of heavy machinery or large metal parts, there’s a chance that you often find yourself having to clean them with chemicals or other wasteful processes. There’s a way around this wasteful cleaning process, and it’s with solutions like abrasive blasting. You might be asking yourself, what is abrasive blasting ? Well, you can read more about it online, but to give you the short and sweet – it’s the process of using different materials to blast a surface to either clean or leave a different finish.

With these alternative solutions, you can use sustainable and recyclable materials to complete the cleaning process, meaning that you won’t have to dispose of any kind of chemicals at the end of it. For some businesses, replacing a wasteful cleaning process with an eco-friendly one is a huge improvement.

Turn it off

In offices, there’s often a lot of energy being used at one time. Everyone needs their own desk and computer, and that’s naturally going to use a lot of energy to keep everything running. However, not every piece of equipment needs to be kept running all of the time. Computers have power management settings that allow you to keep them from using their full power when they’re not in use. You don’t necessarily have to turn them off completely every time you leave the desk, but using energy-saving modes that come pre-installed can make a huge difference over time.

Some offices even like to leave their equipment on overnight. Not just computers, but things like printers, copiers, and so on. This isn’t necessary, and when there’s not going to be anyone around to use them, you’d be saving a lot of energy to have them powered off during the night.

It may also help to know that not all pieces of the equipment you use are energy efficient. Older appliances typically are much less efficient than newer ones, so replacing them when you get the chance can actually save you money.

Suppliers and manufacturers

If you want your business to be truly eco-friendly, it’s not just your business that you should be looking at – but your partners . Partnering with and supporting environmentally friendly suppliers who want to make just as big an impact as you do is important. Continuous success with these practices is highly important, as you’ll be reducing waste and proving that success is just as possible without all of the environmentally harmful practices.

Going digital

A lot of waste can go down to office supplies and unnecessary paper usage. You don’t always need to use these materials, especially with modern technology. Doing as many things as possible digitally can help to greatly reduce paper and plastic usage in a workplace environment. Of course, some things will require physical representation – but whenever you can, you should try to make sure it’s done digitally. Not everything needs to be printed and put in its own plastic binder or file.

Many different forms of the document can be made, signed, interacted with, and amended on a computer, making it even more convenient for you than a physical piece of paper. You’ll find that by going online, you’re not just reducing waste, but saving time.

Convenient options

One thing that should be considered for every workplace is trying to enforce recycling. More people would be a lot more open to recycling if it was easier for them, and if you were to add more recycling bins to your workplace – you can reduce a lot of the waste that happens from your employees. Consider even putting up signs next to the bins to ensure that the rules are followed, and you’ll find that a lot fewer recyclable objects are being wasted.

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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