How Can You Improve Your Office Sustainability and Productivity?

Julie Starr • September 25, 2021



A modern-day workplace is a busy place. With all the extra work and responsibilities that you must balance, it can be challenging to maintain a sustainable and productive
office. 

It may not be a pressing issue because the business doesn’t produce any pollutants or create any waste. But many people in today’s world face this dilemma daily. So how do you find time for your sustainability efforts while still getting everything else done?

Power Savings

It refers to reducing your energy usage in the office. Not only will this save you money, but it’s also better for the environment. Some ways to achieve this goal is by turning off lights and equipment when they are not needed (such as at night or during lunch). Also, ensure that all computers go into sleep mode after a set amount of time without activity, and even try powering down devices like printers if you are not using them.

Reducing Pollutants

This act reduces emissions from products such as paper towels, printer ink cartridges, and batteries. You can start with replacing items like duster sprayers with more eco-friendly options; microfiber cloths work just as well. Other easy steps include using recycled paper trays instead of buying new ones and replacing disposable batteries with alkaline varieties.

Pollutants can be harmful to the environment, but they can also cause health problems for employees. You can use air purification devices from Design Mechanical, Inc to keep your environment clean and healthy for everyone. 

Cleanliness and Hygiene

It would help if you had a clean, healthy environment that doesn’t negatively affect the people working there and those around them. Some easy steps you can take include increasing your indoor air quality by using more eco-friendly cleaning supplies, taking out the trash regularly instead of overfilling it, and even reusing items like coffee mugs.

Good hygiene in the work area also helps achieve this goal. For example, using antibacterial spray to kill germs and microorganisms in the office can reduce illnesses like flu or colds that cause employees to miss work.

Cleanliness and hygiene are things that most people overlook in the office, but having a clean space can improve employee morale and productivity.

Use Eco-friendly Products

You need to use products that are more environmentally friendly . For example, buying recycled paper is a great way to reduce trees cut down to produce new office material. Other options include replacing traditional light bulbs with CFL ones and even switching out printers for models that use less ink or toner, so you don’t have to replace them as often.

Incorporate Natural Products and Supplies

Using more “green” alternatives that don’t rely on chemicals or unnatural ingredients to get the job done will positively impact your sustainability goals. It includes items like a bamboo pencil holder for your desk (instead of plastic), a plant-based soap dispenser instead of one with harsh chemicals inside it, and even something as simple as an all-natural hand sanitizer.

Conclusion

And lastly, there is one crucial thing that many business owners don’t think about when discussing sustainability: their employees. If you want an office environment where everyone feels comfortable with what they’re doing for an environmental cause, then make sure workers are involved in the process. It will make them feel more like they are contributing instead of just being told what to do, and they will put more effort into the activity.

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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