Own A Business? Follow A Path of Sustainability

Julie Starr • July 13, 2021



Sure, owning a business means caring about profits, fostering partnerships, and maintaining a healthy work environment. But, when was the last time you analyzed your business through the lens of sustainability ? 

If this year has taught the public anything, it’s that our environment is at peril. In the 21st century threats to the environment put wildlife populations and habitats in jeopardy. Every year the news spreads stories of deforestation, global warming, water pollution, natural resource depletion, and alarming growth of population.

Sustainability is the practice of meeting your needs without hindering the ability of future generations to do the same. It’s a basic concept of limiting the waste of natural, social, and economical resources that affect the environment. 

As a business owner, you might have too much on your hands to give yourself another task. Know it’s not about shifting your focus from growing your business to abandoning your goals to pursue total sustainability. Rather, by following simple steps, you will be an ally to a movement concerning the reduction of carbon emissions that requires responsibility and ethical awareness. 

Improving Ethical Awareness: Leading With Example

The first step starts with you. Actions speak louder than words. If you are urging your team to follow a sustainable lifestyle, practice this yourself. Preaching about sustainability will only get you so far. 

Have discussions about issues in your business that contradict environmental efforts. Address such problems with strategies that both earn you profits and follow the doctrine of sustainability. 

Equipment & Materials 

Depending on your business Invest in equipment that lasts longer. Not only will you be saving a pretty penny in the long run, but you will also lower the amount of equipment you throw out due to wear and tear. Purchase computer chairs , office desks , and cabinets that are durable and reliable. 

Ditch paper altogether. Businesses are thriving in the digital world and there is little to no reason to continue using paper as a form of marketing, advertisement, or announcement. 

Work Environment & Waste

This step requires no excessive investment or effort. You must simply discuss work environment expectations that align with sustainability. For example, encourage employees to inform themselves of environmental campaigns and their mission. 

Let your team know of the rules surrounding waste. Have bins where you can throw away the glass, plastic, and metals for them to be later recycled. 

Your Legacy

Be mindful of what type of legacy you are leaving behind. Why only be a successful business owner but also an individual that demonstrates an understanding of the importance of sustainability and takes action?

Adapting a business to become more economically sustainable is not an easy job. Yet, practicing the aforementioned steps and engaging in the movement of sustainability sets your business apart. 

Sustainability is not about preferences, but about exercising responsibility, having common principles, and tuning in to your community’s circumstances. 

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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