Sustainable Outsourcing: Making The Right Decisions

Julie Starr • December 2, 2020



Most businesses find that they need to use outsourcing in one way or another. If you are looking to improve your business with the use of outsourcing, you will need to make sure that you are doing so in a way that fits in with your ethical framework as a company too. Most businesses are keen to try and be as sustainable as possible these days, for instance. As it happens, there are a lot of ways in which you can make sure you are outsourcing sustainably, and in this article, we are going to look at some of them in detail.

Putting The Planet Above Competitiveness

When you are searching around for the right company to help your business along in some way or another, competition is clearly going to play a big role. But if you really care about keeping your business sustainable , you will need to make sure that you are putting the planet above that competitiveness as best as you possibly can. In other words, always make sure that you work with the sustainable and environmentally ethical team over the cheaper one, if that is the choice you are faced with. As long as you do that, you should find that your outsourcing is much better for the planet on the whole.

Keep An Eye On Purchasing Processes

When you are researching companies you might be using as outsource partners, you need to look into their supply chain in as much detail as possible. In particular, you should look into their purchasing processes , and make sure that they live up to the kind of ethical green standard you are hoping to maintain in your own business. This information should be fairly easy to come by, and if it is not that can often mean that the company in question has something to hide. By keeping a close eye on this, you can tell whether the company in question is truly operating in as sustainable a manner as you would hope.

Seek Out Green-Dedicated Teams

There are teams out there who are absolutely dedicated to being as green as possible in everything they do. If you can manage to find those teams in particular, you are going to be sure that they are a good bunch to work with, as their processes are bound to be in place with regard to keeping things sustainable. So when a company makes a big noise about green issues, that should be a, well, green light for the go-ahead. You know you will be working with an outsource team who really care as much as you do about doing their bit for the planet.

Ask For Sustainable Goals

One way to determine whether a company you are looking to work with really cares about sustainability is to ask to see a list of their sustainable goals. If this is something that they tend to truly prioritize, then producing that list should not be too much of a problem, and you can then look through it and see how serious they are. If they are unable to produce a list  or the one they do produce is simply not up to scratch, you know that you should think about looking elsewhere instead. In either case, you have saved some time and ensured that you have not deviated from your own commitment to operating in a sustainable fashion.

Consider The Differential Effects Of Outsourcing Versus In-House

Whenever you are hoping to outsource anything, one thing you should bear in mind is how more or less it is going to affect sustainability compared to doing the same work in-house. You can generally be sure that it’s as sustainable, and therefore a good move, if the work happens in a similar environment to where you run your business, or it’s being carried out by a team with similar goals to you. Some tasks are just clearly as sustainable in an outsourced setting as they are in-house, like using content writing services by companies like FATJOE . In those cases, you know outsourcing is a perfectly sustainable option.

Use That Saved Time To Improve Other Areas

When you want your business to be a leader in sustainability, you need to have a wide focus on everything you are doing in your business at once. So, anything that you might do in terms of outsourcing is likely to have some kind of effect in this wider way. If you are outsourcing a lot, you are probably saving a lot of time that way, not to mention a lot of energy too. If you make a point of using at least some of that time and energy into improving your sustainability in other areas, then that’s an important way in which you are helping to keep things green too.

Learn From Your Partners

On occasion, it might even be the case that the partners you have chosen to work with are altogether operating in a way that is more sustainable than your own company. When that is the case, the best approach is to simply use this as inspiration for improving things in your own business. In fact, you could make a point of asking them what they do and how they do it, and in the process you might be able to learn a thing or two that you can carry forwards. This is just another powerful reason to make sure you are seeking out teams who care about sustainability.

Never Compromise

From time to time, you might come across an outsourcing opportunity that is just too good to be true. It might be a ridiculously low offer price, or it could be promising a crazy fast turnaround time. Whatever it is, if you have the suspicion that what’s being offered is in sacrifice of sustainability, don’t go for it. Ultimately, it is never worth compromising in this way. As long as you stick to your guns, you should have a sustainable operation you can be proud of.

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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