How Can We Keep Science Environmentally Friendly?

Julie Starr • February 7, 2022



Scientific study is a delicate process. It is an essential part of our progress, but it can also lead to environmental damage. Dangerous chemicals can be used in laboratories, and they are often difficult to dispose of. Dirty and hazardous chemicals are known to cause cancer, congenital disabilities, and other health problems. They also cause acid rain, which harms the environment and makes it difficult to breathe. Scientists must be careful when using dangerous materials and always be conscious of ways to improve their labs’ sustainability. But what methods are available to keep science sustainable and environmentally friendly?

Reduce the number of chemicals used in research

Dangerous chemicals can cause problems for both the environment and the living creatures inhabiting it. Therefore, reducing the amount of these chemicals used by scientists is essential. However, this is an incredibly difficult task. Safety procedures require checking, back-ups, and retesting. In order to reduce the number of chemicals used, it’s key to ensure that there are no mistakes or slip-ups that may compromise tests. Investing in equipment to help with this, such as a cryostat , should help to keep samples safe and working.

By reducing the number of chemicals used in research, you can ensure that labs will be more sustainable for the environment and for the people who use them.

Find and use alternative methods for disposal

One of the most important ways to maintain environmentally friendly science is finding and using alternative disposal methods. By using a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly form of disposal , scientists can avoid dangerous chemicals and environmental damage. You can also recycle materials in your lab to be less harmful to the environment.

Use recycled materials

One of the most sustainable ways to manage science is to use recycled materials. By using recycled materials, scientists can make their processes more sustainable. It should cut down on the amount of energy that is used to create these materials. Additionally, by using recycled materials, scientists can avoid creating new hazardous chemicals.

Finding recycled materials for scientific labs isn’t quite as straightforward as finding them for regular workplaces. Still, there are plenty of places online that specialize in providing recycled materials for scientific workplaces.

Use sustainable energy

One of the most important ways to keep science environmentally friendly is to use sustainable energy. Sustainable energy is generated without compromising the environment or causing environmental damage. This type of energy can be more expensive and harder to find, but it offers many advantages over traditional energy sources. For one, sustainable energy doesn’t create any pollution. It’s also much easier to recycle than traditional energy sources, which means that it can be used multiple times.

Labs use a lot of energy to run, so turning to renewable forms of energy can make a massive difference in sustainability for science.

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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