Eco-Friendly Ideas for Your Interior Design Business

Julie Starr • December 18, 2021



Have you heard about eco-friendly movements? Are you looking for ways to integrate environmentally sustainable practices into your business? Are you interested in creating a more sustainable footprint with your interior design business?

Your interior design business undoubtedly does enough good for many people. However, you can as well extend this help to the environment. Taking the smallest of changes in your business structure can help to reduce the negative impacts on the environment. Below are a few ways you can infuse your business systems and design processes with eco-friendly efforts:

Sustainable Sourcing

Consider some factors when looking for sources for eco-conscious products. These factors include but are not limited to low-impact production, the use of non-toxic or upcycled materials, and ethical manufacturing. Furthermore, source vintage pieces and include recycled or reused materials whenever possible. 

Reach out to and work with companies committed to environmentally sustainable design. There are many good options for sourcing finishes and products for your business. Be sure to source them from eco-conscious companies that offer several products like eco-friendly fabric . Moreover, work with vendors that invoke your aesthetic and utilize them when sourcing products for your clients.

Digitize Your Business

Start by moving all your files and client proposals to a digital space. Doing this will reduce clutter in your office space and minimize the need to use paper for filling and writing proposals. In the same vein as all your client proposals, creating digital media kits is also a good idea. Here, people like the media, investors, potential clients, and others can find information about your business. You can also invest in digital databases and other relevant software.

You can also create a user-friendly website for your business where clients can book and make orders for your services online. Again, you will help reduce the use of paper. 

Additionally, create design presentations with sustainability in mind. Do away with printing images and creating a traditional mood board. Instead, create interactive PDFs with options like hyperlinks and present them on an iPad.

Rethink Your Install Day

Your install day probably comes with lots and lots of boxes that eventually end up in a landfill. You can help lessen the impact on the environment by utilizing old boxes to repackage all the items for install day. Alternatively, you can invest in reusable containers that you can use for all your client installs. 

Ensure Your Receiving Warehouse Is Sustainable

In a case where you are using a receiving warehouse for shipping your clients’ products, you should ensure that they practice sustainability. For example, ensure that they recycle or compost all the cardboard your clients’ furniture and other products come in. Doing this will push further your eco-friendly initiatives for your business.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Your Waste

Ensure you implement waste management strategies in your interior design business to promote sustainability. You can start by providing sorted recycling bins in all your spaces. Then, educate your employees, if any, on the proper ways of recycling waste. Moreover, encourage your employees to avoid using disposables and use real utensils and cutlery within the office. 

Conclusion

As you can see, most of the eco-friendly ideas above are tangible and easy to implement. Moreover, they are simple such that you can start implementing them today. You can help move to a sustainable and eco-friendly impactful industry by simply digitizing systems, sustainability strategies and being more thoughtful about how you consume your supplies.

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.
Share by: