How Your Business Can Fight Its Throwaway Culture

Julie Starr • December 15, 2020



There’s no doubt that we live in a throwaway culture. If anything, the problem is getting worse, not better. For bosses and entrepreneurs, it creates nasty side-effects because failing to exploit goods and services only leads to waste. And, the more wastage you have in the workplace, the more money you’ll leave on the table.

As a leader, it’s your job to improve efficiency throughout the office. Of course, it’s challenging when your routine is full of bad habits and the business is stuck in a rut. Plus, you might not think that fighting your brand’s throwaway culture is necessary at the moment.

Just remember that without eco-friendly efficiency, not only are the odds of blowing your budget higher, but the chances of appealing to new customers are lower. In short, you have to do something if you want to reach your long-term goals. Here are four options at your disposal.

Buy Cheap, Buy Twice

Buying multiple times is expensive, and it’s bad for the environment. When you increase the demand, it results in additional goods and services being made, which means essential resources are depleted. The worst part is, this isn’t necessary if you do your research and opt for quality items.

When you buy cheap, you buy twice since the quality is much lower. Therefore, it’s smarter to purchase more expensive hardware and software for the office to ensure it lasts longer. Yes, price and standards don’t always go hand in hand, so you should be careful before heading to the virtual checkout. Still, as a rule, the best products won’t be offered at bargain rates.

If you are in doubt, you should opt for brands you can rely on, ones that are synonymous with maintaining high standards. Then, you can almost guarantee that nothing will be thrown away for a long time.

Provide Work Devices

Not providing work devices is a way to reduce expenses. It’s usually a last resort when money is tight and the budget is bare. Unfortunately, some bosses are obsessed with liquidity, so you might be tempted to avoid investments if they appear too costly or pricey. It’s a massive mistake.

Firstly, there are security concerns you should address. Secondly, from a sustainability perspective, letting people use personal devices to conduct business will affect the supply chain. When the supply chain becomes too complicated to understand and manage, you can expect plenty of wastage.

Ensuring your staff has the latest Android devices with Android Zero-touch capabilities makes large-scale deployment seamless. As a result, errors shouldn’t occur that exacerbate the throwaway culture, such as overbuying materials with short expiration dates.

Recycle

It’s a cliche, but that doesn’t mean recycling isn’t a useful tool in the fight against waste. A recycling program is about as simple and powerful as it gets because you can guarantee that your garbage isn’t harming the planet.

Food is obvious since meals and drinks come in plastic containers and metal cans. But, there’s a lot more in the office you can recycle, including your old appliances. A printer is hard to get rid of, which is why you are tempted to take it to the dump. However, you can trade it in, scrap it for parts, or donate it to charity.

The latter is an excellent hack if you’re struggling to find a solution that doesn’t involve throwing it away. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, which is why Goodwill stores will gladly accept donations to help the less fortunate.

Invest In A Lifestyle

Your focus will be on the business as a whole, but at some stage, you need to recognize that the effectiveness of your strategy relies on your employees. If they don’t get on board and invest in the new policies, the plan will fail quickly. After all, you rely on your workers to implement procedures, and this is no different.

With that in mind, you need to show them that a throwaway culture is bad and exists outside of the office. Should you hit this target, they’ll start making decisions for the good of health and wellbeing, and the company will benefit. Driving less is a prime example. Highlighting the emissions of a standard commute and the money they spend on gas could encourage them to walk more.

Or, they might cycle to work if you develop a scheme that makes owning or renting a bike accessible and affordable.

The key is to realize that you have a throwaway culture. Then, you can concentrate on tweaking your approach.

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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