Cutting Down on Both Personal and Commercial Waste

Julie Starr • May 6, 2022



The state of the environment seemed to be deteriorating with each passing year. While recycling is up from a few years ago, at 32%, everyone could do better. The reduction of personal and commercial waste is a high priority. However, it may be difficult to put into action. But it’s simple if you know what you’re doing. Along with recycling, energy efficiency is important for the environment. Single-use plastics are killing marine life at an alarming rate.

Everything should be recycled.

You’ve most likely heard this one before, but it’s important to recycle whatever you can whenever possible. In a typical office, paper makes up 70% of the waste. Don’t dispose of paper since it can be recycled greatly. Pre-sorting trash increases recycling efficiency. The only thing you have to do is use various containers for different kinds of rubbish. There might be bins for paper, glass, and recyclable metals like drink cans, for example.

Use Recycled Materials

You may contribute even more to the recycling process by buying recycled items and resources. If you must use paper in your company, for example, only recycled parchment should be used. Once you have completed your secure document shredding , you could use the remnants for packaging, or even at home as bedding in your hamsters’ cage.

Energy Awareness

Electricity is essential to both your personal and professional lives. That’s simply the way things are nowadays. However, the mere fact that energy exists does not justify its misuse. With current energy costs reaching historic highs, you may save money by just using what you need. Simple changes can save energy: 

  • Don’t keep gadgets on standby for extended periods of time.
  • Install energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
  • Connect appliances to energy-saving outlets.
  • Purchase energy-saving appliances.
  • Reduce your thermostat setting.
  • Wash at a cooler temperature.

Just by making these few adjustments, you will save a decent amount of money. If you add them all together, though, you might have a substantial influence on your energy use and expenses.

Consider a Paper-free Office

A paperless workplace is an option to explore in addition to cutting down on waste. One of the primary reasons Bill Gates founded Microsoft Office was because of this belief. Basically, you should only use paper when it’s really important. Modern technology simplifies this. Video conferencing has never been simpler, thanks to Zoom, Skype, and Teams, as well as document tools that facilitate teamwork.

Prohibit Single-Use Products

Single-use goods are a major contribution to the plastic scourge. Microplastics, which are found in everyday things like flatware, water bottles, food containers, and dog waste bags, are a major threat to marine life. Currently, our seas contain more than 5 trillion particles of microplastic.

  • Microplastics claim the lives of one million seabirds every year.
  • 100,000 marine creatures are also killed.
  • Plastic is discovered in 100% of newborn sea turtles.

Making even the tiniest adjustments may make a big difference in this troubling problem. Replace plastic bags for dog waste with biodegradable ones, use reusable water bottles, and only purchase food packaged in paper. Finally, the vast majority of significant firms are either making the move to environmentally friendly packaging or have already done so. 

 

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.
Share by: