Tips For Starting Your Online Eco Business

Julie Starr • July 20, 2020



Starting a business has never been simple. It involves determination and expertise that are garnered over years of hard work in your industry. Whatever your business model, the field of eco-friendly products and services is ever-growing. Running a business is an intense, never-ending grind which takes serious patience and deftness of spirit. From connecting with your customer base , to setting up your IT services, to maintaining cybersecurity, to design features – as a business owner you will wear many hats. If that sounds like it’s your bag, here are some tips for starting your online eco-business.

Finding Your Niche
 Finding your niche within sustainability culture is about seeing the needs of the market. In the era of COVID-19, online businesses boomed, due to the fact that everybody had to stay at home and shop almost exclusively online. Eco-friendly online businesses were able to thrive and serve the needs of their communities by providing safe, sustainable services, and products to those who are passionate about the environment and climate. 

Whatever your business model, you need a niche. A gap in the market that nobody else has filled yet. The world is already in a climate crisis – your business’ sustainable services are needed. Instead of despairing at the state of the world, see it as an opportunity to fulfill the needs that others have failed to. 

The Benefits of Outsourcing
 Many new businesses are afraid to outsource. This is because outsourcing seems expensive, and many new business owners are protective of their brand and their products. They do not want anybody to step in and change up their specific branding. However, it is actually highly beneficial to your business to have a fresh set of eyes cast over your projects. Plus, unless you are a wizard who is trained in every single area of expertise across the board of business, you are likely to need help. 

One area of your online business that you should consider outsourcing is, of course, the IT side of things. Outsourced IT for Businesses assures that your cybersecurity, payments, data, and website are watertight and ready for customers to rely on. 

Transparency
 As an eco-friendly company, transparency is essential. Many companies claim to be eco-friendly while providing little to no information about the sources of their product lines. This is referred to as green-washing and essentially means that the company is using eco-friendly branding in order to be trusted by their customers who are concerned for the environment – but they don’t actually use eco-friendly resources. 

In order to be an eco-friendly company, you must do more than green-washing. You should be transparent about where you source your materials from, how they are transported, how much those who make them are paid, and how your company is helping the planet thrive, not just survive. Transparency will separate you from the green-washing companies who use eco-labeling to boost sales and establish you well within the environmental activism community.

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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