How Can You Make Your Team Greener?

Julie Starr • April 6, 2021



Making your business more environmentally conscious starts with your team. Employees are a company’s most precious asset. But they also represent the best partner in tackling environmental impacts and creating a green workplace. A lot of companies have considered permanently moving to a virtual office setup as a result of the pandemic. Unfortunately, it is fair to say that not every business sector can viably work in a remote setting. Consequently, when a digital workforce isn’t the way forward, you need to focus your green efforts on helping your team on-site become your most significant environmental asset. Here are some of the most commonly overlooked tips and tricks to encourage your team to adopt eco-friendly behaviors. 

Recruit talent that will stay

Not many businesses consider the environmental impact of the recruitment process. Recruiting is an involved process that contributes to high paper and ink use (through printing resumes), increased consumption of energy during the preparation and interview phase, increased travel and carbon emission on the road for recruiters and applicants, high fashion consumption as applicants purchase last-minute outfits to make a good impression. Unfortunately, if your company has a high turnover rate, the environmental impacts of recruitment are constantly repeated. Ideally, a business wants to recruit talent that is going to remain with the company for a long time. This could range from specialist skills such as recruiting experts via h1b sponsorship and niche targeting to introducing apprenticeship and mentoring programs that help staff progress within the company. 

If you are looking for specific types of individuals for your business, then it is worth exploring services such as an investigator. A private investigator can reveal key information about potential employees including how long they tend to stay in a position, whether they feel loyalty to companies they work for, and the type of incentives that are likely to ensure they are content in a business.

Go paperless

Most businesses are familiar with the go paperless claim to reduce their environmental waste. However, many employers are keen to turn a blind eye to paper consumption in the office. There are many reasons for preferring a paper-based work environment. People find it easier to digest printed information or to write down notes with a pen rather than a keyboard. However, what you may not realize is that a single tree results in approximately 110 lbs of CO2 that’s released into the atmosphere. Additionally, every tree that isn’t cut down can absorb CO2 gasses. In other words, every sheet of paper you use in the office has a double negative impact on the environment. It’s time to measure exactly how many trees your office is using in a month with this online calculator . Understanding the real impact of paper can transform your and your employees’ mindset about digital tools.  

Change your restroom supplies

An employee spends approximately 14 minutes in the toilet every day. During this time, they will use toilet paper, wash their hands and dry them. Switching to recycled toilet rolls, soap bars, and paperless hand dryers can make a huge difference to the sustainability of your restrooms. 

Bring green into your office kitchen

The office kitchen generates a lot of trash and garbage throughout the year, from pre-bought lunches to tea bags and organic wastes. It’s a good idea to maximize your bin policy and ensure that the kitchen can cut down unnecessary waste and pressures on the environment. Ideally, with the presence of lunches, fresh fruits and vegetables, and biodegradable coffee pods and tea bags, you want to add a compact bin . This can be repurposed to keep your office garden nourished, for example. 

A green team is the result of commitment, investment, and strategic thinking from the business. You can’t expect your employees to develop sustainable behaviors if you don’t give them the tools to do so. 

 

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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