Top Mistakes New Businesses Make When Trying to Make Sustainable Changes

Julie Starr • June 6, 2022



Sustainability is a huge topic around the world. There is a need for businesses to make sustainable changes if they want to reduce their carbon footprint and help save the environment. Sustainable changes in business can also help your business remain compliant with the inevitable legislation that is going to be introduced around the world, help your business save money, and help your business improve its values to be more attractive to new customers. While many businesses may have good intentions, many mistakes are proving costly to their business, as well as the environment. Fortunately, there are some common mistakes that you can learn valuable lessons from to improve your business. 

To help you make better business decisions while making sustainable changes, here are some of the top mistakes that new businesses make that you should avoid. 

#1 Taking action based on assumptions

When you want to take action in your new business to be more sustainable, it must be based on facts and evidence, rather than assumptions. When you make an assumption, there is a chance that the action you take is wrong or unnecessary. This can cost you money and make a negative impact on the environment, as opposed to a positive. Before you take any action, you should review the environmental impact your business currently makes or is going to make.

#2 Not setting goals or creating an action plan 

Just like you shouldn’t take action based on assumptions, you should also avoid making changes without a plan . A plan will inform all of your actions, make sure they are well-thought-out and can be executed efficiently. This is a good, sustainable practice in itself as you reduce wasting any time and resources. It will also guide your actions to ensure you are contributing to the bigger picture and there are benefits to your actions. 

#3 Not making changes because the business cannot be digitized 

In many businesses, there is a need for printing and machines to be used to produce the product that is sold to consumers. This doesn’t mean you can’t implement other sustainable practices to support the environment. If your business cannot be digitized, you mustn’t give up. There has never been a more important time for businesses to take action and make changes where they can. For example, if you run an interior design or architect business, you can’t go without printing your blueprints. Just because you cannot digitize this process, doesn’t mean you can’t make other sustainable choices. For example, you can choose to invest in good quality equipment that will last you a long time and reduce waste, such as reputable vinyl cutters . You can also change other processes, such as your accounting, and take it paperless. 

Making sustainable changes to a new business is a challenging process. While every business is bound to make mistakes, it can be helpful to understand the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them. This will reduce delays in improving your practices, and help you get ahead of the game. 

Leveraging Social Media for Effective Sustainability Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • March 10, 2025
​In today's rapidly evolving political and environmental landscape , transparent communication has become a cornerstone of effective sustainability efforts. At Taiga Company, we recognize that fostering open dialogues with stakeholders is not just a corporate responsibility but a strategic imperative. Social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools in this endeavor, enabling real-time engagement, education, and collaboration.​ The Imperative of Transparency in Sustainability Transparency in sustainability reporting involves openly sharing information about a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This openness builds trust with stakeholders—customers, employees, investors, and the broader community—by demonstrating accountability and commitment to sustainable practices. According to the Global Reporting Initiative , credible disclosures based on transparent communication can change perceptions, build trust, and motivate action towards greater sustainability. ​ Moreover, transparent communication allows stakeholders to make informed decisions and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. It also mitigates risks associated with misinformation and greenwashing, where companies may be accused of falsely portraying their products or policies as environmentally friendly. As noted in discussions on green public relations , transparency is crucial in combating the climate crisis, as it prevents companies from remaining impervious to advocacy and resistant to change if obligations are purely voluntary. ​ Leveraging Social Media for Stakeholder Engagement Social media platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for companies to engage with stakeholders on sustainability issues. Here's how businesses can effectively utilize these platforms:​ Real-Time Communication: Social media enables immediate dissemination of information regarding sustainability initiatives, progress, and challenges. This real-time communication keeps stakeholders informed and engaged, fostering a sense of inclusion and partnership.​ Educational Content : By sharing educational materials—such as articles, infographics , and videos—companies can raise awareness about sustainability topics, influencing public perception and encouraging responsible behavior.​ Interactive Engagement : Platforms like LinkedIn, and Instagram allow for two-way communication, where stakeholders can ask questions, provide feedback, and participate in discussions. This interactivity enhances transparency and shows that the company values stakeholder input.​ Storytelling : Sharing stories about sustainability efforts, employee initiatives, and community partnerships humanizes the company's brand and makes sustainability goals more relatable and compelling.​ Collaborative Campaigns : Social media facilitates collaboration with other organizations, influencers, and the community to amplify sustainability messages and drive collective action.​ Transparent communication through social media is not merely a trend but a vital component of modern sustainability strategies. It empowers stakeholders, enhances corporate reputation, and contributes to the global effort towards a more sustainable future.

Amplifying Climate Action: The Critical Role of Communications in Advancing Davos 2025 Initiatives

By Julie Starr • March 3, 2025
At the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, leaders from around the globe convened to address pressing environmental challenges. The discussions underscored the urgency of climate action and highlighted innovative solutions to safeguard our planet. Effective communication plays a pivotal role in amplifying these efforts, ensuring that critical initiatives gain traction, engagement, and long-term support. Here are three key takeaways from Davos 2025 and the vital role of communications in advancing these initiatives: Launch of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor A landmark announcement was the creation of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor , aiming to restore and protect 540,000 km² of land across the Congo basin. This initiative not only seeks to conserve biodiversity but also to foster sustainable economic growth for local communities. The Role of Communications: Strategic storytelling can elevate awareness of the Green Corridor’s impact, ensuring that global audiences understand its significance. Media engagement and public relations efforts can generate widespread support from governments, NGOs, and investors. Thought leadership initiatives can position conservation experts as authorities, driving further collaboration and funding. Integration of Indigenous Knowledge in Climate Solutions Davos 2025 emphasized the importance of blending cutting-edge climate science with the wisdom of indigenous communities. This approach ensures that solutions are contextually relevant and culturally sensitive. The Role of Communications: Effective stakeholder engagement ensures that indigenous voices are heard and respected in global decision-making forums. Social media and digital storytelling can amplify the invaluable contributions of indigenous communities, fostering greater appreciation and inclusion in policy frameworks. Clear, accessible messaging can bridge gaps between scientific research, policymaking, and indigenous traditions, leading to more holistic climate solutions. Recognition of Groundbreaking Environmental Initiatives The inaugural Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Awards at Davos honored five innovative projects advancing systemic transformations for people and the planet. The Role of Communications: Public relations efforts can shine a spotlight on award-winning initiatives, securing media coverage that attracts further investment and collaboration. Brand positioning and digital outreach can help environmental organizations establish credibility and thought leadership in sustainability. Social media engagement can rally communities around these initiatives, ensuring continued momentum and impact beyond Davos. In conclusion, the insights from Davos 2025 highlight a global commitment to environmental sustainability. Communications serve as a bridge between action and awareness, ensuring that transformative initiatives receive the recognition, resources, and engagement necessary to drive meaningful change. By strategically leveraging media, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement, we can amplify impact and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future.
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