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.

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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