How to Be a More Sustainable Business and Save Money As Well

Julie Starr • May 3, 2022



Being a sustainable business doesn’t have to mean making sacrifices. In fact, you can save money while becoming more environmentally friendly! Here are some tips on how to reduce your environmental impact and save some cash.

1) Use energy-efficient lighting

This is an easy way to save money on your energy bill while also reducing your carbon footprint. CFL or LED lights use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.

You can also take advantage of natural lighting by installing skylights or solar tubes. Not only will you save energy, but you’ll also get some free Vitamin D! Solar energy is a renewable resource that can help offset your electric bill. In some cases, you may even be able to sell excess power back to the grid.

If you’re not ready for solar panels, there are other ways to use renewable energy. For example, you can install a small wind turbine or sign up for a green power plan through your utility company. Utilizing renewable energy is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run.

2) Implement a recycling program

This is another easy way to save money and reduce your environmental impact. Many businesses pay to have their waste hauled away, but did you know that you can often get paid for recycling certain materials?

For example, aluminum cans are recycled at a rate of over 60%, which means there are plenty of opportunities to collect and sell them. Paper and cardboard can also be recycled, and many companies will even pay you for these materials.

In addition to saving money, recycling can also help you reduce the amount of waste your business produces. This is good for the environment and can even help you earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits.

3) Use green office supplies

There are a number of ways to make your office more sustainable, but one of the easiest is to use green office supplies. For example, you can switch to recycled paper or purchase recycled printer cartridges. You can also look for office furniture made from sustainable materials like bamboo or FSC-certified wood.

Using green supplies like uv curable adhesives from Permabond is a great way to reduce your environmental impact without making any major changes to your business. Plus, it’s often easy to find products that are just as good (if not better) than their traditional counterparts.

4) Reduce water consumption

Water is a crucial resource, so it’s important to use it wisely. There are a number of ways to reduce your business’s water consumption , such as installing low-flow fixtures or using drought-tolerant landscaping. You can also collect rainwater to use for irrigation. In many cases, reducing your water consumption can also save you money on your water bill. So, it’s a win-win!

Saving money and being more sustainable doesn’t have to be difficult. By making a few small changes, you can make a big difference for the environment (and your bottom line). Try implementing some of these tips and see how easy it is to be green! 

 

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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