Business Sustainability Trends To Follow

Julie Starr • May 14, 2022



Over the past few years, people have become more and more interested in making their personal and professional lives more sustainable. Many businesses are constantly told that they aren’t doing enough to make their business model more sustainable, which is fair. Retailers are often singled out because general trash and too much packaging are two of the biggest causes of the huge landfills that pollute the world. Offices also use a lot of energy, and many of them don’t follow ways to save resources. We’ve put together a list of some sustainability trends that all businesses should be aware of to help you make your business more environmentally friendly .

Sharing Data

It’s one thing to tell your clients that you use sustainable practices and products that are good for the environment. It’s another thing to show the public that you’re keeping your word. Today, many people who work for businesses want them to be more open about how sustainable they are. This means sharing information about everything from your carbon footprint to proof that they are doing things to make up for the bad things they do to the environment. For example, they might show that they are planting trees to make up for the carbon emissions caused by their global deliveries or that the solar panels on their office or store generate more power than they use from fossil fuels.

Sustainable Packaging 

Even though this has been a problem for a long time, people are more upset than ever about how much packaging is used that can’t be recycled. Plastics are one of the biggest sources of pollution on land and in the sea, and many marine creatures get sick or die after eating plastic. As there are better, more sustainable ways to package products with recycled plastic, like eco-friendly polythene , for example, all retail businesses should try to find other ways to package their goods. And when you buy general office items and supplies, it’s important to get them from businesses that care a lot about being environmentally friendly.

  Reducing Waste

As important as it is for your business to use sustainable packaging and materials, it is just as important for your office and employees to waste less. Recycling programs should be strongly encouraged and enforced, so you can be sure you’re slashing waste as much as possible. Food waste doesn’t have to end up in landfills either. Work with businesses that are good for the environment, like those that turn this waste into biofuel, and think about sending good-condition unwanted items, like old furniture, to charity shops.

  Green Initiatives 

Green initiatives are another great idea for your business, both from an eco-friendly point of view and as a way to send a good message to the public. This can mean anything from running big campaigns to get people to recycle to changing the way your office works from top to bottom. Going paperless, using a different energy source, using programs to help you, such as Rezatec , or taking part in a global project like planting trees are all great ideas. Switching to working from home could also be a good idea because it could save you money and reduce your company’s electricity use by eliminating the need for an office.

Reducing Holiday Waste: Simple Steps to Protect Our Planet

By Julie Starr • December 24, 2024
The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and celebration, but it’s also a time of excess. Each year, Americans generate 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s—that’s approximately one million extra tons of trash per week. From single-use wrapping paper to food waste and disposable decorations, the environmental impact of the holidays is staggering. At Taiga Company, we believe that with intentional action, the holidays can still be festive without compromising our planet. Here are the key statistics behind holiday waste and practical solutions for reducing it, including ways consumers and companies can take part in creating a more sustainable future. The Holiday Waste Problem in Numbers 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper : Americans use this much wrapping paper annually, and much of it isn’t recyclable due to metallic coatings or glitter. 38,000 miles of ribbon : Enough to wrap around the planet, most of which ends up in landfills. 40% of food waste : Nearly half of the food prepared during the holidays goes uneaten. 2.3 billion pounds of e-waste : Many old electronics are discarded as new ones are gifted, contributing to rising electronic waste levels. Alternatives for Responsible Disposal While these numbers are daunting, small changes can make a big impact. Here are a few sustainable alternatives: Rethink Wrapping : Use recyclable or reusable materials like kraft paper, fabric wraps, or old maps. Avoid wrapping paper with glitter or metallic elements, which cannot be recycled. Mindful Gifting : Opt for experiences over physical items, such as concert tickets, cooking classes, or charitable donations in a loved one’s name. Choose gifts with minimal packaging or items made from sustainable materials. Reduce Food Waste : Plan holiday meals carefully to avoid over-preparing. Donate leftovers to food banks or compost food scraps. Recycle Smartly : Break down cardboard boxes and remove plastic tape before recycling. Research local recycling rules to ensure items are sorted correctly. Handle E-Waste Properly : Donate old electronics in working condition to schools or charities. Use certified e-waste recycling programs to dispose of unusable electronics responsibly. How Consumers Can Take Part Individuals play a crucial role in reducing holiday waste. Here’s how: Educate Yourself : Learn about what can and cannot be recycled in your area. Shop Smart : Purchase items with minimal or recyclable packaging. Reuse and Repurpose : Save gift bags, bows, and ribbons for future use. Spread the Word : Share tips and resources with friends and family to inspire sustainable holiday habits. How Companies Can Lead the Way Companies have a unique opportunity to set the tone for sustainability during the holidays. Here’s how: Employee Education : Host workshops on reducing waste and responsible recycling. Share holiday waste reduction tips via internal communications. Community Engagement : Partner with local organizations to host recycling or composting events. Sponsor donation drives for clothing, electronics, or food. Sustainable Gifting : Offer eco-friendly corporate gifts or donate to environmental charities in employees’ names. Reduce waste from holiday parties by using reusable or compostable serving ware. Measure Impact : Track waste reduction efforts and share results with employees and the community to encourage ongoing participation. Benefits of Reducing Holiday Waste The benefits of holiday waste reduction extend beyond a cleaner planet: Fewer Resources Used : By reusing and recycling, we conserve raw materials and reduce the strain on natural ecosystems. Lower Carbon Emissions : Cutting down on waste and adopting sustainable practices helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Improved Community Well-Being : Sustainable practices foster a sense of collective responsibility and environmental stewardship. This holiday season, let’s celebrate in a way that honors both tradition and the planet. By making small, intentional changes, we can significantly reduce waste and create a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone. At Taiga Company, we’re here to support individuals and organizations in their sustainability journeys, ensuring that our celebrations align with the values of environmental stewardship and care. Ready to make this season greener? Contact us to learn how we can help your company lead the way in holiday sustainability efforts.

2025 Marketing Trends in Sustainability Corporate Communications

By Julie Starr • December 24, 2024
As we move into 2025, the landscape of sustainability corporate communications continues to evolve at an accelerated pace. Stakeholders are more informed and connected than ever before, placing greater emphasis on authenticity, transparency, and tangible progress.  Here at Taiga Company, we’ve been closely monitoring the trends shaping sustainability communications, helping purpose-driven brands stay ahead of the curve. Here are the key marketing trends defining 2025, along with actionable insights to implement them effectively. 1. Authenticity and Transparency Stakeholders expect more than promises—they demand measurable action and open dialogue. In 2025, companies will be: Enhancing Accountability : Frequent updates on ESG commitments, such as net-zero goals or water stewardship efforts, build trust and demonstrate progress. Leveraging Third-Party Validation : Collaborations with credible organizations and certifications are essential to reinforcing authenticity. Telling Stories Through Data : Visual and interactive formats, such as infographics or dashboards, make data accessible and engaging, enhancing transparency. 2. Integration of AI and Data Analytics Artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming the way sustainability narratives are crafted and delivered: AI-Driven Content Creation : Tools like ChatGPT streamline the development of tailored, impactful messaging. Predictive Analytics : These tools help identify emerging sustainability trends and stakeholder concerns, informing more proactive communication strategies. 3. Stakeholder-Centric Engagement Effective communication goes beyond broadcasting—it involves creating meaningful connections: Personalized Messaging : Tailor content for all stakeholders - investors, employees, and customers - to make it relevant to their unique interests. Interactive Platforms : Encourage two-way conversations through live Q&A sessions, social media interactions, or virtual town halls. 4. Emphasis on Circular Economy Circular economy initiatives are gaining momentum as businesses adopt sustainable production and consumption models: Showcasing Circularity : Highlight innovative recycling programs, product reuse initiatives, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) strategies . Collaboration Stories : Share success stories of partnerships across the supply chain to demonstrate collective impact. 5. Climate Action as a Core Theme Climate change remains a central focus for sustainability communications: Net-Zero Narratives : Companies must set clear, measurable goals and provide regular updates to showcase progress . Localized Impact : Emphasize how climate initiatives are tailored to specific regions or communities for maximum relevance. 6. Social Media for Sustainability Social platforms remain critical for amplifying sustainability messages, with new trends emerging in 2025: Short-Form Videos : Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are ideal for quick, impactful storytelling. Behind-the-Scenes Content : Showcase the authentic work behind sustainability efforts to connect on a human level. Hashtag Campaigns : Use branded and trending hashtags strategically to expand global reach. 7. Employee Advocacy Employees are powerful ambassadors for sustainability initiatives: Internal Champions : Empower employees to share their personal stories and the company’s sustainability milestones. Training Programs : Equip your workforce with tools and knowledge to effectively amplify your message. 8. Purpose-Driven Partnerships Collaborations will continue to play a significant role in 2025: NGO and Community Alliances : Partner with organizations to co-create solutions to shared challenges. Cross-Industry Partnerships : Highlight efforts to address systemic issues like renewable energy adoption and water scarcity . 9. Technology and Interactive Formats Engaging, tech-driven content captures attention and educates audiences: Augmented Reality (AR) : Create immersive experiences to visualize sustainability impacts, such as carbon reduction or waste diversion. Interactive Content : Gamified quizzes, journey maps, and other interactive tools engage audiences while educating them. 10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Sustainability Sustainability communications must integrate DEI principles : Equity-Focused Messaging : Showcase how initiatives promote inclusion, particularly in underserved communities. Intersectional Narratives : Highlight how environmental goals align with social equity and justice. 11. Global-to-Local Approach Localizing global sustainability efforts ensures they resonate with diverse audiences: Localized Content : Adapt messaging to reflect regional needs, priorities, and cultural context. Community Impact Stories : Share tangible benefits delivered to local communities through sustainability initiatives . 12. Compliance and Risk Mitigation Stakeholders value organizations that proactively address regulatory and compliance challenges: EPR and Regulatory Messaging : Demonstrate leadership in complying with extended producer responsibility and other regulations. Proactive Crisis Communication : Develop clear plans to address ESG-related challenges transparently and effectively. Closing Thoughts 2025 is set to be a transformative year for sustainability corporate communications. By staying ahead of these trends, purpose-driven brands can strengthen stakeholder trust , amplify their impact, and authentically showcase their commitment to a sustainable future. At Taiga Company, we’re here to help you navigate this evolving landscape and craft communications strategies that resonate and deliver results. Let’s create change together. Contact us today to explore how we can elevate your sustainability communications in 2025 and beyond!
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