Becoming the ‘Green Link’ in the Supply Chain

Julie Starr • May 28, 2021



When it comes to running a business, every small business owner and manager knows that it takes an awful lot of work and collaborating with other businesses in order to make things work effectively. 

The supply chain is an essential part of running a business, but we are all aware of the environmental impact working alongside so many other businesses can have.
The good news is that no matter how small or large your business, every company can do what they can to create a better world to live in. 

So whether you’re in the game of bookkeeping or you make goods to sell to people’s homes, there’s always the potential to make things a little greener throughout your supply chain. Here are some ideas as to where you can start.

Use ‘Green’ Suppliers 

You may have considered changing suppliers previously and noticed a higher price in what they do compared to other companies. The reason they tend to charge more is due to the fact that greener suppliers have a huge effect on the carbon implications of bringing new products onto the market. 

Collaborate with green businesses, and that will have a direct impact on your own carbon footprint, as well as giving you the opportunity to learn best practices from them about how you can improve in the future. 

Taking the time to assess these alternative supplies should uncover several potential benefits of changing. One of the biggest being appealing to a range of customers, coming second to lowering your own carbon footprint.

Use Less Packing and Consolidate Shipments  

We have access to a range of materials that are designed to help companies to make their packages smaller and lighter. Not only does this reduce the overall cost of shipping but it also allows shipping containers to carry more products in a load. Using recycled or recyclable materials helps to eliminate excess packing materials that would otherwise go into landfills. 

Another thing you could do is to encourage your customers to consolidate all of their orders. Larger companies are able to offer their customers to pay less for shipping and have them all sent at once in less packaging. At the end of the day, your customers are going to enjoy the prospect of being able to save money easily. It also helps you as a business to reduce your carbon emissions. 

Try to Stay Local 

Shipping goods and services for long distances is possible and is a sure way of being able to reach a wider target audience, however, shipping long distances can have disastrous implications on the environment. If you also retrieve goods from far distances then your carbon footprint will increase tenfold. 

Try sourcing some of your products that are closer by or are closer by to major markets and watch your energy use reduce significantly. 

Using local couriers will also help you to be able to plan smarter routes that can help to further reduce carbon emissions. 

Reuse where you can 

For owners of small business premises, it may be tempting to buy everything brand new when you need to refit. However, you don’t have to spend more money than necessary making changes. Some gently used, pre-loved fittings, fixtures, and furniture can be all you need. Take a browse around local flea markets and online for some truly unique pieces that will make all the difference. 

Or if it’s just a small facelift that you’re after, head to your local hardware store to pick up some sandpaper and paint materials to upcycle your existing furniture. Not only will you then have unique-looking stuff, doing this will help you to get a unique aesthetic with a limited impact on the environment. It will help your small business, but will also have a domino effect on the supply chain on the whole. 

Start Now 

Buyers are placing an increasing amount of importance on eliminating waste and excess pollution from small businesses. Making progress and showing customers how you are doing that will enforce the positive impression of your brand to customers and employees. 

Focus on the things you can control within your own business and then prepare to advise other businesses throughout the supply chain and beyond each  and every company has the potential to begin its journey towards becoming more environmentally sustainable . It is important to start sooner rather than later, knowing that even the smallest of changes can make the world of difference to their carbon footprint.

Why Telling Your Sustainability Story Matters — And How Taiga Company Can Help

By Julie Starr • December 17, 2024
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Consumers, investors, and stakeholders are demanding more transparency and accountability from brands. They don’t just want to know what you sell; they want to know who you are, what you stand for, and how your work contributes to a better world. That’s where your sustainability story comes in. Sharing your achievements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about building trust, fostering loyalty, and inspiring action. At Taiga Company, we specialize in helping organizations authentically communicate their sustainability achievements in ways that drive measurable impact and align with their goals. Why Sharing Your Sustainability Achievements Is Good for Business Build Trust with Stakeholders Sustainability storytelling builds credibility and trust. Whether you’re addressing investors, employees, or customers, sharing your sustainability milestones demonstrates your commitment to accountability and long-term value creation. For example: Highlight your efforts in achieving science-based targets, reducing carbon emissions, or adopting circular economy practices. These stories resonate with audiences looking for businesses that align with their values. Differentiate Your Brand In a competitive marketplace, sustainability can set you apart. Brands that communicate their achievements in regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, or biodiversity conservation position themselves as industry leaders and innovators. Think of it this way: A well-told sustainability story is not just a report—it’s a statement of leadership, authenticity, and purpose. Drive Stakeholder Engagement Sustainability stories invite dialogue. By showcasing meaningful milestones, like successful recycling initiatives or community reforestation projects, you foster stronger relationships with stakeholders who want to be part of your mission. Engagement isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about inspiring action. Whether through social media campaigns, press releases, or executive thought leadership, your achievements can encourage others to collaborate and support your goals. Attract Purpose-Driven Talent and Customers Today’s workforce and consumers seek brands with purpose. Communicating your impact helps attract talent and customers who align with your mission. A transparent, well-executed sustainability strategy speaks volumes about your leadership and values. At Taiga Company, we specialize in results-driven communications that empower purpose-led brands to share their sustainability achievements with confidence and clarity. Our services ensure your story resonates with the audiences that matter most. Your sustainability achievements deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, innovating in sustainable packaging, or leading water stewardship initiatives, telling your story is an opportunity to inspire trust, drive action, and shape a better future.

Why Going Green Is No Longer Optional for Industry Leaders

By Julie Starr • December 16, 2024
Alright, so here’s the deal, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore. Sure, at this most most industries, yes, even the most unsustainable industries have this general idea, right? Well, you’re always going to find some businesses in some niches (and yes, industries too) who think that it doesn’t apply to them. But no, it applies to all niches and all industries, and yes, it’s a business requirement. Now, across every industry, the companies that are embracing green practices are the ones that are thriving. Why? Well, because customers, investors, and employees are all paying attention. If a business isn’t making an effort to be sustainable, it’s not just falling behind, it’s losing out. Overall, sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about saving your business. Yes, this needs to be hammered in, so industry leaders, here’s why you’re just not excused. Green Practices Mean Growth Yep, it’s that plain and simple, So, sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s about doing the smart thing. Businesses that prioritize green practices are cutting costs, staying competitive, and building trust with their audiences. So, reducing waste, switching to renewable energy, and sourcing materials ethically aren’t just good for the planet, they’re great for the bottom line. Simple enough, right? Well, take packaging, for example. Cutting down on unnecessary plastics doesn’t just make customers happy; it slashes production and disposal costs. So, switching to energy-efficient operations isn’t just environmentally friendly, rather, it saves a fortune on utilities. There don’t need to be roadblocks seen, rather they should be opportunities! There’s Plenty to Gain Okay, so sustainability isn’t just for industries with obvious environmental impact, it’s critical in healthcare too. Again, no excuses here. Hospitals and clinics use massive amounts of energy, and the waste from single-use supplies piles up fast. The same can be said for labs, and pharmacies too. Actually, go ahead and take specialty drugs as an example. Now, most people know that these life-changing treatments are for serious conditions, but they often come with sky-high costs. But why? Well, the production and distribution processes can be incredibly resource-heavy. But even sustainable practices can help lower prices, such as energy-efficient manufacturing or even cutting down on excess packaging. It might be hard to see, but little changes can make massive impacts on costs (and what’s being spent on both ends). Tech Easily Shows How Sustainability Drives Innovation The tech industry has been leading the charge when it comes to sustainability, and the results speak for themselves. Actually, companies like Google and Apple are proving that being green isn’t just possible, but this can actually be pretty profitable! If tech companies can do this, then yeah, all industries are capable. So above, medicine was mentioned, but data centers are also a great example ( since they use a lot of energy). Well, nowadays, most companies are now powering these centers with renewable energy, cutting costs and emissions at the same time. No Industry Gets a Free Pass It doesn’t matter if it’s healthcare, tech, retail, or manufacturing, basically, every industry has something to gain by going green. There are small examples like retailers ditching plastic bags for reusable ones. Then there are bigger examples like factories rethinking supply chains to cut emissions and save costs. But the reality is that businesses sticking to wasteful, outdated practices are falling behind. Besides, governments are rolling out stricter regulations.
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