How Your Business Can Become More Sustainable

Julie Starr • December 16, 2021



This blog post will discuss some ways to make your business more
sustainable . The first step is to reduce the amount of energy you use at your office by using less power and switching out old appliances for new Office Technology Solutions . Next, look at how often you print documents and see if there are any alternatives like scanning or emailing them instead. Finally, try increasing recycling in your building by adding recycling bins or, even better yet, composting!

Reducing Energy Consumption

One of the most important ways to make your business more sustainable is to reduce energy consumption. There are several things you can do to accomplish this, such as:

-Installing energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures

-Making sure all appliances are turned off when not in use

-Encouraging employees to turn off lights, computers, etc. when they leave the office

-Replace old appliances with newer models that are more energy efficient

You can determine how much you’re currently spending on electricity by checking your electric bill for the kilowatt-hours (kWh) used per month or year. By reducing your kWh using these tips, you will help reduce your energy consumption.

Start Recycling

You probably already recycle at home, but did you know that it’s just as easy to do so in the workplace? Recycling can be pretty straightforward, depending on how many people work for your company and where your office is. You could even partner with a local shop or restaurant nearby to ensure all of that recyclable material gets where it needs to go!

Get Into A Greener Mindset

One way is to get into a green mindset. It would help if you were willing to do whatever it takes for your business, including cutting down on electricity usage or adding recycled materials. This means even if something costs double what another product would cost, you need to be willing to put your money where your mouth is and commit.

Many people think that sustainability and being green are synonymous with sacrifice, but it doesn’t have to be. You can make small changes that will add up over time and significantly impact.

Promoting Good Health In The Workplace

Promoting employees’ health is not only good for them, but it can also help your business save money. There are several ways to get started with improving employee wellness to create a more sustainable work environment. Making small changes every day will add up over time and net you better results than an intense push all at once.   There are a few simple things that you can do right away to improve the health of your employees:

-Provide water bottles in break rooms for everyone and encourage them to refill their bottles throughout the day rather than buying disposable cups or plastic bottles.

-Promote healthy snacks by keeping fruit available at all times and plenty of low-calorie snacks.

-Create a culture of physical activity by offering discounted or free gym memberships, organizing walking meetings, and having wellness challenges throughout the year.

Promoting Teamwork In The Workplace

Sustainability is not only about reducing negative environmental impact. It is also about creating a workplace culture that values teamwork and cooperation. When employees feel like they are part of a team, they are more likely to be committed to the company’s goals and objectives.

There are many ways to promote teamwork in the workplace. For example, some companies have implemented team-building exercises, such as group problem solving or scavenger hunts. Others have created committees or task forces that allow employees to work together on specific projects. Whatever method you choose, the most important thing is to make sure everyone in the company is aware of the goals and objectives of the sustainability initiative.

Promoting Green Living Among Fellow Employees

One of the most important ways to make your business more sustainable is by promoting green living among your fellow employees. People can do many small things in their everyday lives to help reduce their environmental impact. Some simple tips for promoting green living among your colleagues include:

-Encouraging them to carpool or take public transportation whenever possible

-Making sure office equipment is turned off when not in use

-Using recycled paper products and biodegradable cleaning supplies

-Promoting energy conservation by turning off lights and computers when they’re not in use

-Organizing community outreach events to clean up parks and rivers

-Providing information about eco-friendly products in the office break room

Promoting green living among your employees will encourage them to take small steps every day that add up over time.  Your business may not be able to become fully sustainable, but you can make an effort to reduce your environmental impact. There are many ways that companies of all shapes and sizes can do this! Implementing some of these changes can help your business run smoother and be more profitable in the long run. In addition, promoting sustainable practices among your employees can help improve their quality of life while also positively impacting the environment.

By Julie Starr December 24, 2024
The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and celebration, but it’s also a time of excess. Each year, Americans generate 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s—that’s approximately one million extra tons of trash per week. From single-use wrapping paper to food waste and disposable decorations, the environmental impact of the holidays is staggering. At Taiga Company, we believe that with intentional action, the holidays can still be festive without compromising our planet. Here are the key statistics behind holiday waste and practical solutions for reducing it, including ways consumers and companies can take part in creating a more sustainable future. The Holiday Waste Problem in Numbers 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper : Americans use this much wrapping paper annually, and much of it isn’t recyclable due to metallic coatings or glitter. 38,000 miles of ribbon : Enough to wrap around the planet, most of which ends up in landfills. 40% of food waste : Nearly half of the food prepared during the holidays goes uneaten. 2.3 billion pounds of e-waste : Many old electronics are discarded as new ones are gifted, contributing to rising electronic waste levels. Alternatives for Responsible Disposal While these numbers are daunting, small changes can make a big impact. Here are a few sustainable alternatives: Rethink Wrapping : Use recyclable or reusable materials like kraft paper, fabric wraps, or old maps. Avoid wrapping paper with glitter or metallic elements, which cannot be recycled. Mindful Gifting : Opt for experiences over physical items, such as concert tickets, cooking classes, or charitable donations in a loved one’s name. Choose gifts with minimal packaging or items made from sustainable materials. Reduce Food Waste : Plan holiday meals carefully to avoid over-preparing. Donate leftovers to food banks or compost food scraps. Recycle Smartly : Break down cardboard boxes and remove plastic tape before recycling. Research local recycling rules to ensure items are sorted correctly. Handle E-Waste Properly : Donate old electronics in working condition to schools or charities. Use certified e-waste recycling programs to dispose of unusable electronics responsibly. How Consumers Can Take Part Individuals play a crucial role in reducing holiday waste. Here’s how: Educate Yourself : Learn about what can and cannot be recycled in your area. Shop Smart : Purchase items with minimal or recyclable packaging. Reuse and Repurpose : Save gift bags, bows, and ribbons for future use. Spread the Word : Share tips and resources with friends and family to inspire sustainable holiday habits. How Companies Can Lead the Way Companies have a unique opportunity to set the tone for sustainability during the holidays. Here’s how: Employee Education : Host workshops on reducing waste and responsible recycling. Share holiday waste reduction tips via internal communications. Community Engagement : Partner with local organizations to host recycling or composting events. Sponsor donation drives for clothing, electronics, or food. Sustainable Gifting : Offer eco-friendly corporate gifts or donate to environmental charities in employees’ names. Reduce waste from holiday parties by using reusable or compostable serving ware. Measure Impact : Track waste reduction efforts and share results with employees and the community to encourage ongoing participation. Benefits of Reducing Holiday Waste The benefits of holiday waste reduction extend beyond a cleaner planet: Fewer Resources Used : By reusing and recycling, we conserve raw materials and reduce the strain on natural ecosystems. Lower Carbon Emissions : Cutting down on waste and adopting sustainable practices helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Improved Community Well-Being : Sustainable practices foster a sense of collective responsibility and environmental stewardship. This holiday season, let’s celebrate in a way that honors both tradition and the planet. By making small, intentional changes, we can significantly reduce waste and create a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone. At Taiga Company, we’re here to support individuals and organizations in their sustainability journeys, ensuring that our celebrations align with the values of environmental stewardship and care. Ready to make this season greener? Contact us to learn how we can help your company lead the way in holiday sustainability efforts.
By Julie Starr December 24, 2024
As we move into 2025, the landscape of sustainability corporate communications continues to evolve at an accelerated pace. Stakeholders are more informed and connected than ever before, placing greater emphasis on authenticity, transparency, and tangible progress.  Here at Taiga Company, we’ve been closely monitoring the trends shaping sustainability communications, helping purpose-driven brands stay ahead of the curve. Here are the key marketing trends defining 2025, along with actionable insights to implement them effectively. 1. Authenticity and Transparency Stakeholders expect more than promises—they demand measurable action and open dialogue. In 2025, companies will be: Enhancing Accountability : Frequent updates on ESG commitments, such as net-zero goals or water stewardship efforts, build trust and demonstrate progress. Leveraging Third-Party Validation : Collaborations with credible organizations and certifications are essential to reinforcing authenticity. Telling Stories Through Data : Visual and interactive formats, such as infographics or dashboards, make data accessible and engaging, enhancing transparency. 2. Integration of AI and Data Analytics Artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming the way sustainability narratives are crafted and delivered: AI-Driven Content Creation : Tools like ChatGPT streamline the development of tailored, impactful messaging. Predictive Analytics : These tools help identify emerging sustainability trends and stakeholder concerns, informing more proactive communication strategies. 3. Stakeholder-Centric Engagement Effective communication goes beyond broadcasting—it involves creating meaningful connections: Personalized Messaging : Tailor content for all stakeholders - investors, employees, and customers - to make it relevant to their unique interests. Interactive Platforms : Encourage two-way conversations through live Q&A sessions, social media interactions, or virtual town halls. 4. Emphasis on Circular Economy Circular economy initiatives are gaining momentum as businesses adopt sustainable production and consumption models: Showcasing Circularity : Highlight innovative recycling programs, product reuse initiatives, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) strategies . Collaboration Stories : Share success stories of partnerships across the supply chain to demonstrate collective impact. 5. Climate Action as a Core Theme Climate change remains a central focus for sustainability communications: Net-Zero Narratives : Companies must set clear, measurable goals and provide regular updates to showcase progress . Localized Impact : Emphasize how climate initiatives are tailored to specific regions or communities for maximum relevance. 6. Social Media for Sustainability Social platforms remain critical for amplifying sustainability messages, with new trends emerging in 2025: Short-Form Videos : Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are ideal for quick, impactful storytelling. Behind-the-Scenes Content : Showcase the authentic work behind sustainability efforts to connect on a human level. Hashtag Campaigns : Use branded and trending hashtags strategically to expand global reach. 7. Employee Advocacy Employees are powerful ambassadors for sustainability initiatives: Internal Champions : Empower employees to share their personal stories and the company’s sustainability milestones. Training Programs : Equip your workforce with tools and knowledge to effectively amplify your message. 8. Purpose-Driven Partnerships Collaborations will continue to play a significant role in 2025: NGO and Community Alliances : Partner with organizations to co-create solutions to shared challenges. Cross-Industry Partnerships : Highlight efforts to address systemic issues like renewable energy adoption and water scarcity . 9. Technology and Interactive Formats Engaging, tech-driven content captures attention and educates audiences: Augmented Reality (AR) : Create immersive experiences to visualize sustainability impacts, such as carbon reduction or waste diversion. Interactive Content : Gamified quizzes, journey maps, and other interactive tools engage audiences while educating them. 10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Sustainability Sustainability communications must integrate DEI principles : Equity-Focused Messaging : Showcase how initiatives promote inclusion, particularly in underserved communities. Intersectional Narratives : Highlight how environmental goals align with social equity and justice. 11. Global-to-Local Approach Localizing global sustainability efforts ensures they resonate with diverse audiences: Localized Content : Adapt messaging to reflect regional needs, priorities, and cultural context. Community Impact Stories : Share tangible benefits delivered to local communities through sustainability initiatives . 12. Compliance and Risk Mitigation Stakeholders value organizations that proactively address regulatory and compliance challenges: EPR and Regulatory Messaging : Demonstrate leadership in complying with extended producer responsibility and other regulations. Proactive Crisis Communication : Develop clear plans to address ESG-related challenges transparently and effectively. Closing Thoughts 2025 is set to be a transformative year for sustainability corporate communications. By staying ahead of these trends, purpose-driven brands can strengthen stakeholder trust , amplify their impact, and authentically showcase their commitment to a sustainable future. At Taiga Company, we’re here to help you navigate this evolving landscape and craft communications strategies that resonate and deliver results. Let’s create change together. Contact us today to explore how we can elevate your sustainability communications in 2025 and beyond!
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