There’s Nothing Sustainable About Businesses That Are Talk And No Action

Julie Starr • June 1, 2021



With large corporations some of the worst offenders for environmental crimes, sustainability is, quite rightly, becoming a pressing business concern for as many as 62% of executives . This sounds like great news until you consider that a mere 25% incorporate sustainability into their overall business models. 

This is what’s known in the industry as the ‘knowing-doing gap,’ and it’s a driving force for ongoing negative best practices with regard to corporate environmental concerns. More worrying, perhaps, is the fact that upfront sustainable understanding can confuse consumers into believing that companies are doing more than they actually are. From a business standpoint, this might seem better than the reality of inaction that’s the alternative, but misinformation or false representation can have severe repercussions, especially with regards to such a volatile topic.

To prove that point, we’re going to consider just three of the ways that failing to back up talk of sustainability with verifiable action could ultimately damage your company’s bottom line. 

# 1 – The risk of reputational damage

With 83% of eco-conscious millennials claiming that they prefer to shop with brands that share their values, the benefits of talking about sustainability are plain to see. However, if you don’t back those values with action or, worse, if you continue environmentally damaging processes behind the scenes, then the reputational damage you’ll suffer will be worse than any potential benefits. This is why companies that push the sustainability narrative need to ensure that they’re at least taking steps to improve damaging processes, driving the positive change that is always going to outweigh anything you can say about sustainability. 

# 2 – Failure to complete

More companies than ever, including top names like Nike, Pepsi, etc., are taking steps towards a more sustainable future by implementing key improvements such as sustainable packaging , reduced waste, and recycling drives. As such, merely talking about sustainability is no longer enough to keep modern consumers onside. Instead, a company looking to compete not only needs to spread a positive sustainability message but also needs to ensure that they’re taking steps to at least stay in line with the sustainability best practices of the moment. Only then can they guarantee that modern consumers keep looking their way.

# 3 – Falling foul to non-compliance

As pushes for sustainability increase, this becomes more than just a consumer concern, with many local councils now implementing stringent sustainability regulations regarding waste management, pollution, etc., especially at a corporate level. As such, consumers aside, talk without action here could leave you in severe legal trouble. This could lead to closure or heavy fines, and action against you as a result of this discrepancy will most certainly stop customers from coming to your doors moving forward. By taking the time to build a sustainable business model that adheres to local regulations, companies not only ensure good legal standing within their communities but should also find that they automatically start to back their talk about sustainability with positive changes that their consumers can actually see. 

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.
Share by: