Stay Focused On The Three Pillars

Julie Starr • August 3, 2021



Sustainability has become a catchphrase among companies. The idea of going green, changing the world by their brand, and even being able to glitch the big contracts if your ethos screams the word. But are you losing focus on what sustainability is? 

Sustainability rests on three pillars that together will give you the desired outcome. Those three pillars are society, economy, and environment. In layman’s terms, it’s people, profit, and the planet. Unfortunately, many companies are only focusing on one or two of these pillars. Without the support of all three, their ‘sustainable’ company and cause start to crumble.

Paperless

A noble cause of going paperless most companies embrace did not happen overnight. Yet, the concept or idea has been here for ages. It took years of tech development and app enhancements for this idea to become a reality. But taking the picture back a few years, going paperless definitely satisfied the pillar environment, although the economy and society suffered to an extent. It was an expensive exercise due to tech development not being so advised. The employees at paper mills and other factories were staring retrenchment in the face. This is where visionary companies excel. They do not focus on the now (a few months). They focus on the future and what the possibilities will hold. How they will satisfy the other two pillars. Partnerships with other sectors of the economy blossomed, and together they set out to build paperless sustainability. 

Single-use Items

Single-use items were also being brought under the crossfire of environmentalists. Companies that traded in this industry did not have the full scope of sustainability in mind. They only focused on profits and people (their needs). They made an incredible profit back then, but two generations later, and they are being held accountable. Corporate responsibility strategies (CSR) are being enforced by many companies in fear that their company reputation and profits will be ruined. Takeaway containers are now made out of recycled material, and no more plastic cutlery for you. Here is your bamboo cutlery . Evolving with the demands to sustain the three pillars is what will safeguard companies in the perfect storm of sustainability.

Organic

Clothing items might be cheaper to make from high synthetic material and polyester, pushing up your profits. But the lack of taking into consideration social and the environment are pushing customers to buy items that are organic. And it doesn’t stop there. Everything organic and local has become the focus of consumers. 

Still Not 100% Environment

It is true that we are still far from achieving the goals to go 100% green, but there are still some responsible actions companies should take. Actions like the transportation of hazardous materials which must be secure, complete all the checks when loaded, safe (if it’s flammable, there must be enough fire extinguishers at hand), and so on. If your company still requires timber, are you replanting trees? With your next big brainstorm or marketing strategy, make sure that you stay focused on the three pillars. 

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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