Sustainability Ideas for Your Business

Julie Starr • June 11, 2021



In the past cost reduction was all that mattered to businesses that wanted to turn a profit and grow, but these days the motivations and practices need to be more sustainable and progressive to achieve the same results. This is largely due to changes in consumer demand, culture, and government policies. 

So how can you make your business more sustainable? You can start by reading the ideas in this article and taking steps to implement them in your business. If you’re not thinking about sustainable packaging and ethical distribution channels today, you will be in the near future. 

Change you packaging 

The days of cheap plastic packaging are all but over, even companies that still use it will admit that it’s less viable due to the changes in customer expectations. Additionally, sustainable packaging can also be cheap and it provides an effective marketing tool. 

If your business is using cheaply produced plastic it’s an excellent area to look at to grow your business and make it more progressive. Sustainable packaging can be FSC cardboard or biodegradable plastic. 

Redesign your distribution 

Making your business more sustainable is about looking at your processes and materials and making decisions based on environmental and marketing criteria. When it comes to your distribution channels there is likely to be room for improvement. 

Initially, businesses are set up to be as cost-effective as possible, but that isn’t always the most sustainable methodology. Today’s savvy consumers are well aware of distribution channels and can see how a company performs on sustainability. 

Take sustainable payments

The world of payment processing is changing and becoming more sustainable as a result. Digital wallets and online money might not be in the mainstream just yet but with more platforms and systems emerging, like card scanners , it’s only a matter of time. 

So how is this way of taking payments more sustainable? In the first instance, there is no paper money, instead, there are ——, so there is a smaller carbon footprint as a result. Unlike cash, digital payments only use a fraction of the energy to produce and distribute. 

Chemical-free cleaning 

If you want to make your business more sustainable you need to target the big stuff like your distribution channels and your packaging, but equally, you need to think about how your company is running internally and whether you need to introduce more eco-friendly products. 

Chemical-free cleaning is easier than ever with more brands and products catering to this practice. Chemical-free cleaning is often as effective as products using bleach and other chemicals that are damaging to the water supply.

Energy efficiency 

As with Chemical-free cleaning within your business you need to look at the energy efficiency of your building to see if you can make any reductions and savings. Considering your business energy efficiency is both sustainable and cost-effective. 

Some ideas include investing in eco-friendly appliances like eco kettles and smaller computers and laptops with a variety of standby features. You might also optimize your office for energy efficiency and install a smart meter to track energy usage.

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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