Turning Your Business Green: Simple Steps to Get Started

Julie Starr • July 3, 2024

So, you’re thinking about turning your business green? That’s awesome! Not only will you be doing your bit for the planet, but you’ll also win brownie points with customers who care about sustainability. Plus, it’s a smart move financially in the long run. Let's dive into some practical steps to help you make your business greener and more eco-friendly.


Take a Good Look at What You’re Doing Now

Before you start making changes, you’ve got to know where you’re at. Take a walk around your office or workspace and really look at how things are running. Are you using a lot of non-recyclable materials? Is your energy bill sky-high? Identifying the areas that need improvement is the first step.

Think about it like a health check-up for your business. Maybe you notice that your lights are on all day even when it’s sunny outside or that you’re printing way more paper than necessary. These are little red flags that you can address with some simple fixes.


Set Some Green Goals

Once you know where you need to improve, it’s time to set some goals. Don’t go overboard and try to do everything at once. Start with a few realistic targets, like reducing waste by 20% or switching to eco-friendly packaging. Make sure your goals are clear and achievable – you want to be able to see your progress and give yourself a pat on the back when you hit them!

Having specific goals helps keep you on track and gives you something to aim for. Plus, it feels great to see how far you’ve come when you start ticking those goals off your list.


Switch to Renewable Energy

One of the biggest changes you can make is switching to renewable energy sources. This might sound like a huge deal, but it doesn’t have to be. You could start by signing up for a green energy plan or looking into solar panels.

Take a look at companies like JDI Plastics. They’re really taking sustainability seriously and have some great initiatives. You can check out what they’re doing here: https://jdiplastics.com/sustainability/. It’s inspiring to see how a business can really make a difference.



Embrace the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

It’s the mantra everyone learned in school, but it really works. Start by reducing the amount of waste you create. This could mean cutting down on single-use plastics or finding ways to use less paper.

Next, think about reusing what you can. Maybe you can repurpose some of your office supplies or find a new use for scrap materials. Finally, make recycling a no-brainer for everyone. Set up clearly marked recycling bins and make sure everyone knows what goes where. It’s a simple step that can have a big impact.


Choose Green Suppliers

Your business doesn’t operate in a vacuum. The suppliers you choose can have a big impact on your sustainability efforts. Look for suppliers who are committed to eco-friendly practices. This might mean choosing companies that use recycled materials or offer sustainable products.

By picking green suppliers, you’re not just improving your business, but you’re also supporting a wider network of companies that care about the environment. It’s a win-win!


Get Everyone on Board

Going green is a team effort. Make sure your employees are in the loop and excited about the changes. This could be as simple as having a chat about why you’re making these changes and how everyone can help.

Encourage your customers to join in too. Maybe you can offer discounts for returning packaging or run a campaign to promote eco-friendly products. The more people you get involved, the bigger the impact you’ll make.

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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