Living A More Life Sustainable When Working From Home

Julie Starr • April 22, 2022



Working from home provides numerous advantages in terms of environmental sustainability. Because they are not required to commute, remote employees have lower carbon footprints. Thankfully, while working from home, there are a plethora of other ways to lessen your environmental effect. So many people are choosing to still work from home and even by just doing that you are being more sustainable by not having to commute every day and using your car or the bus to get to work. It’s a good start and businesses do want to show they are being more gree n but there are other things you can do like the below.

By turning your thermostat up 2 degrees in the summer and down 2 degrees in the winter, you can save up to 2,000 pounds of CO2 every year! Alternatively, an energy-saving thermostat that conserves electricity automatically could be used. This 24 BTU Mr Cool combo unit can cool and heat 1000 square feet. 

Make use of environmentally friendly office supplies.  Did you know that the average office worker produces approximately 2 pounds of garbage each day? Fortunately, today’s products can assist us in increasing our productivity. The key is to choose either waste-free or biodegradable office supplies. Using paperless notebooks, for example, is an option that you may become used to and like.

Another way to be sustainable is with how you take notes. Every office worker requires a nice pen. Plastic pens, on the other hand, can be harmful to the environment if they are discarded. More environmentally friendly are biodegradable pens created from recyclable materials.

Unplug as many devices as possible. When electronic equipment is plugged in but not in use, they use energy. Everything that is plugged in uses electricity from the grid, putting undue strain on the environment. “Vampire Energy” is the term for this phenomenon. Start by unplugging electrical gadgets that aren’t in use while working from home to increase sustainability. When you aren’t using something, such as your cell phone, laptop, coffee maker, microwave, or television, disconnect it. Even lowering the brightness on your computer monitor can save up to 20% of the energy used by the monitor. 

Less energy means less environmental stress! When not in use, always turn off standby or switch off at the wall. Use timer switches or plug-in remote-controlled sockets to turn off computers and printers, TVs, and gaming consoles overnight if sockets are difficult to reach or you’re prone to forget. LED light bulbs should be used to replace inefficient lighting, and lights should be turned off when not in use. Time spent in front of the screen should be limited. Because video streaming, emails, and online searches all have a carbon impact, taking a break from them will also save you energy. Look for energy-efficient models and use their eco settings when buying or updating electronic items

Bamboo Office Products are an option to consider. 

It’s critical to use office supplies that keep you comfortable, productive, and well-organized. However, many office products are made of plastic or other environmentally harmful materials. The environment should use bamboo-based items. Bamboo, for example, decomposes faster than plastic while remaining just as strong.

To save energy and avoid waste, eat well. Every year, average homes throw away 4.5 million tonnes of food, and while some food packaging can be recycled, many plastics and mixed materials will wind up in landfills or be burnt. With more people eating three meals a day at home and sipping endless cups of tea and coffee, reducing food and packaging waste is more vital than ever. Make lunch out of leftovers. If you work from home, a small number of leftovers that might otherwise go to waste makes an excellent quick lunch. Make a grocery list and plan meals ahead of time, including weekday lunches, to make it easy to buy only what you need and prevent wasting food.

Use the eco setting and fill the dishwasher. To save water and energy when washing dishes by hand, use a bowl and do it once a day rather than after each meal. Turn off the standby mode. Microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, and ovens may all be turned off at the mains, but the fridge and freezer must remain on all the time. When making hot drinks, don’t overfill the kettle; only boil as much as you’ll need or fill a flask to last all day. Choose plastic-free tea bags and coffee pods if you use them. When possible, utilize energy-saving appliances such as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or microwave instead of an oven.

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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