Turning Your Community Into A Greener Place

Julie Starr • February 16, 2022



We can all take steps, as individuals, to try and live more sustainable lives. However, the truth is that cooperation is going to be needed across all levels to really make the changes that the planet’s health demands. While we can wait and hope for these changes to be made from the top down by corporations and larger-scale institutions, it might be a healthier use of time to see how you can help make your own community a greener place. Here are a few ways you can do that.

Encourage xeriscaping with your own

The work you can do in spreading good practices is to start by demonstrating them. Green landscaping services , also known as xeriscaping, prioritize sustainable practices such as reducing or even completely eliminating the need for additional water than the landscape naturally provides. If you start demonstrating ways of landscaping that are greener and then talk to your neighbors about them, then you increase the chances of them picking up your style, as well. This can make your neighborhood a much better place when it comes to both reducing water usage and reducing their reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Work with the institutions behind it

In terms of institutions that you can affect, your homeowner’s association might be one that’s a lot more accessible to direct change. There are a lot of ways benefits to working with an HOA, including being able to have a direct say in the running of the community through HOA management services. From there, you can implement plans such as energy reduction and recycling plans that you can share with your neighbors and strategies to educate and involve residents.

Support (or start) green businesses in the community

The community isn’t just the homes surrounding you or the people living in them, it’s also the services, businesses, and other organizations that run within and around the community as well. Vocally and visually supporting these businesses can help them not only stay open but offer positive social proof for your neighbors, encouraging them to do the same. Of course, if you want to make the most impact, starting your own green business is the biggest step you can take in introducing some green ideas to your neighborhood.

Work to make your community a better place

You can also work directly on the community, helping to make it the kind of place that people want to work to preserve and sustain. Local volunteering efforts , such as cleaning up waste or helping to provide aid to local ecosystems, might already be active in your area and joining them is one way of directly contributing. However, if there aren’t any, then starting one yourself could help you start getting your community to develop a more collaborative spirit with the shared aim of keeping the community up to high standards.

Of course, one person can’t change a whole community for the better. All you can do is fight for the ideas you believe in, but hopefully the tips above help you do that.

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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