Could Being More Eco-Conscious Save Your Business Money?

Julie Starr • March 15, 2022



Saving money and cutting back on running costs is a priority for all businesses. You can save your company money and be more eco-conscious at the same time. With a few basic changes to your operations, you can make your business much greener and save yourself quite a bit of money. 

Use Green Cleaning Products

Your housekeeping team ought to be provided with greener cleaning products. A lot of cleaning products use a lot of harsh, dangerous chemicals. If these chemicals are breathed in, they are not only dangerous to the staff that has to use them, but they also have a negative impact on the environment. Choose greener products that are non-toxic. These are safer for the people using them, and better for the planet too. Other maintenance should be green too. Look for commercial building repair contractors with green practices. 

Find More Eco-Friendly Promotional Materials

Many companies use promotional items like tote bags and notebooks to advertise their business, but these can generate a lot of waste. Whether you keep a pile of promotional notepads and a pot of pens in all your meeting rooms or give out water bottles and keyrings at trade shows, you could be doing more harm to the planet than you realize. Instead, look at promotional items made from recycled materials, and that can be recycled again instead of contributing to landfills. Give away things that are useful, so they actually get used instead of thrown away. A free pen is often useful, as are items like notepads and post-it notes. These are more likely to be kept and used than things like tote bags with your logo which just get thrown out. 

Discourage The Commute

Cars are one of the worst offenders for causing damage to the environment. If your staff usually drive to work, think about you can make it easier for them to make a greener commute or not commute at all. 

An ideal company location is within walking distance of a train station. Offer to buy yearly travel passes for your staff to use the bus or train to travel to work, and take back payments from their wages every month. 

Fit secure bike racks and provide showers for those who cycle to work, and consider joining a salary exchange scheme where you buy bikes for staff, who would then pay you back in the form of salary deductions. 

Offer more options for remote working too. 

Reduce Plastic Waste

Most offices use a lot of single-use plastic, such as disposable cups in the water machine and plastic trays of sandwiches ordered in for meetings. Do what you can to reduce the amount of plastic that your office uses. Don’t refill the sleeves of plastic cups in the water machine next time it’s empty and instead stock the kitchen with mugs, glasses, or water bottles that can be washed and used again. 

For meetings, order food from companies that use recycled or biodegradable packaging instead of plastic. Instead of bottled water, fill a jug with water, ice and fruit. It looks nicer on the meeting room table and doesn’t use plastic. 

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.
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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