6 Tips For More Sustainable Office Changes

Julie Starr • September 12, 2021



Many people are familiar with the term “green office,” but not everyone knows what it means. Green offices are becoming more popular, as many companies take steps to be environmentally conscious and reduce their carbon footprint. There are plenty of changes that can be made in an office environment to make it more sustainable.

Do You Really Need It Printed?
Don’t print paper when you don’t have to. Don’t actually need something printed? Ask yourself if it’s even necessary at all. You can save a lot of paper and money by using electronic documents and digital files instead of printing everything out. If you must print, make sure that your printer is set for double-sided prints whenever possible. This will cut down on the amount of ink or toner needed, saving both time and resources in office supplies too.

Declutter 

Get rid of old stuff that isn’t being used anymore before moving into a new office space. A simple way to reduce waste in the office is by getting rid of anything not currently being used within the company. Whether it means outdated equipment or unused furniture, it’s vital to get rid of all the clutter before you move into a new, smaller office space. This will reduce your overall waste output and make sure that everything is in good working condition for when you actually need it. Any old equipment or furniture, sell it and put the money back into your business.

Carpooling 

Encourage employees to carpool or use public transportation whenever possible. Suppose every employee took part in carpools and used public transit instead of driving by themselves. In that case, they could cut down on carbon emissions from their own personal vehicles and decrease traffic congestion around the area. It’ll be a win-win situation.

Eco-friendly Cleaning Supplies

Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies throughout your whole business, including housekeeping services. You should have green products readily available in work areas and supply them with enough materials so that office cleaning services can use them as well. This will help ensure that you’re not generating any toxic fumes and chemicals throughout the office space. 

Recycle Bins

Make recycling bins easily accessible and encourage employees to recycle items like paper, plastic bags, old clothing, or food scraps. You might think your company is small enough where it won’t produce much waste. However, chances are that a lot of recyclable materials are still going into landfills instead of being recycled properly. It doesn’t take long before even a small amount turns into tons of garbage that need to be stored somewhere for years on end if necessary. The best thing about recycling in an eco-friendly workplace is how easy it is to accomplish. Just place some clearly marked containers near the area where people tend to congregate, and you’re all set.

Paper Towels 

Encourage employees to use fewer paper towels in the restroom. It seems like a good idea at first glance. Why not just provide people with more paper towels? However, this actually doesn’t do much for the environment because it means that they’ll be using up more of them instead of reusing one towel over and over again. This is definitely something where small changes can make a big difference.

Every office should implement some changes that make it a little greener each day. Even if it’s as small as replacing your regular air filters with air filter media material . This will help the environment and your bottom line because sustainable companies tend to perform better financially than those who don’t focus on environmental issues. Implementing these green practices can also improve morale among employees, which makes everyone happier about going to work each day.

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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