5 Work From Home Practices That Enhance Sustainability

Julie Starr • June 24, 2021



There are many benefits of working from home. It offers you more freedom, conserves energy due to lack of commuting, and allows you to live and work greener . You might wonder how exactly working from home can make you live more sustainably, here’s more.

Reduces your overall carbon footprint

Working from home reduces your carbon footprint in many ways. It will reduce your electricity usage and you will likely only use one plug socket. Additionally, it can reduce emissions overall.

For instance, if you require clients to sign documents, then you can use an electronic signature service instead of posting the documents. This reduces fuel emissions due to the elimination of postal services.

No transport use

When you work from home, you will not be using transport to get to and from work. The lack of commute reduces your emission use. 

If you can help it, avoiding using your own car to get to the grocery store or meetings will help too. If you do require transport for business use when working remotely, try using shared transport as it is not as harmful to the environment.

Better food choices

Working from home means fewer lunches out or rushed grocery store-bought lunches. This means you can have more time to make your food choices. You can use less plastic as well as eater a more plant-based diet . 

When you have more time, it will mean you have more time to prepare your food. Instead of choosing animal products, you can prepare delicious plant-based meals and experiment with your food. 

Additionally, you could meal prep for the week and store the meals in the fridge. Prepping meals will mean you know what you are eating and waste less food.

Better material choices

Using the internet and your laptop means you can use minimal electricity as well as materials. For instance, you will reduce the amount of paperwork you use as most of your data and documents will be online. 

Additionally, you can invest in eco-friendly light bulbs that are energy-saving, as well as, non-toxic desk and chair materials. You will have a choice as to what furniture you use as opposed to an office where you have no say.

Reduced energy use

Speaking of energy-saving bulbs, you will reduce your overall energy usage working from home. Most office environments leave plugs and devices switched on all day long. Some even leave them running overnight. 

However, as you are in your home own home you can dictate the power usage. You can switch off your plugs when you are not using them as use your laptop until it needs charging, as opposed to leaving it plugged in all day. Furthermore, you can ensure to use minimal energy throughout the day, even when you make food or get ready. 

To be more sustainable when working from home is as simple as making better choices. You can control your carbon footprint and be less impactful on energy usage and carbon emissions. 

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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