How to Spot a Business That’s Greenwashing

Julie Starr • January 21, 2022



As being eco-conscious becomes more and more popular in the business world, it is unsurprising that some businesses have jumped on the bandwagon without actually fulfilling their eco-friendly promises. With greenwashing becoming a more significant issue, it is vital to be able to spot what businesses are fulfilling their end of the bargain and who is just jumping on a trend. Businesses can actually gain a lot out of being eco-friendly.

Here are some simple steps for spotting a business that is greenwashing:

Is the company involved with an eco-friendly charity?

Make sure you do your research on the charity the business claims to support. The charity’s policy is just as important as the business’s policy, as by supporting the charity, they are endorsing its views. It could be worth checking on companies that support the same charity, too, as this can reveal different motives behind their eco-friendly promises. If you are looking to build your own website, through a website like Red Spot Design , you should consider how the company advertises its support of the charity.

Does the company have a mission statement that is eco-friendly?

If you are picking some holes in their mission statement , chances are they aren’t as genuinely eco-friendly as you think. It is best to use common sense when it comes to this step, for example, if they claim to use all-biodegradable materials but their packaging is all plastic, that obviously can’t be true.

Is the company transparent about its environmental and social policies?

It is important to discover what their employees are like and where their warehouses are. This can reveal things that perhaps the company itself hasn’t considered when advertising how eco-friendly they are, such as co2 emissions from the warehouse or bike-to-work schemes.

Ensure you research the product thoroughly and take a look at the company’s website and marketing materials. Do your own research on everything they put into their product and the labor behind it. Each will reveal whether the company is genuinely eco-friendly. 

Does the company have a track record of implementing sustainable business practices?

Look for certifications like B Corp, Fairtrade and Organic certification.

Are they transparent about their environmental impacts?

For example, do they openly publish information regarding their carbon footprint, water usage, and waste disposal statistics?

Is the company transparent about its environmental goals?

Make sure the company has a plan for reducing its environmental impact. Look for a reduction in carbon footprint, water usage, and waste production.

Are they transparent about their social goals?

Look for companies that will reduce poverty through fair wages and working conditions. They should also have policies that support local communities, women’s rights, and health care.

This is a great place to start when researching a business. Look at the employees, suppliers and customers to see if they can make improvements in these areas as well. There is nothing wrong with the entire business not being eco-friendly, as long as they are transparent about it.

If you answered yes to all of these questions, chances are that you’re dealing with a genuine eco-friendly business. You can go forth and purchase guilt-free! The more you use these steps, the easier it will become to instinctively know whether you want to support the business or not.

Blockchain for Sustainability: Cutting Through the Hype with Strategic Communication

By Julie Starr • April 28, 2025
As blockchain continues to gain traction in sustainability circles—from tracking carbon credits to improving supply chain transparency—more organizations are exploring how these emerging tools might support their ESG goals. But with innovation comes complexity, and for many stakeholders, blockchain still feels like a black box. That’s where communication becomes essential. At Taiga Company, we work with clients to simplify complex sustainability narratives without oversimplifying the value. While blockchain can offer traceability and transparency, it’s not a silver bullet—and how you talk about these technologies matters just as much as how you use them. Poor communication can undermine credibility, especially in a landscape where stakeholders and regulators are increasingly alert to greenwashing . On the other hand, clear, honest messaging about blockchain-enabled sustainability efforts can build trust and differentiate your leadership. Our approach is grounded in materiality and alignment. We help organizations: Translate technical tools like blockchain into plain language that resonates with diverse audiences Connect new technologies to core sustainability strategy Craft credible narratives that evolve alongside innovation Blockchain may be new territory, but strategic communication remains the foundation. Whether you're piloting traceability tools or just starting to explore how blockchain fits your ESG roadmap, we help you tell the story with clarity and confidence. Let’s make innovation meaningful.

6 Things All Modern Businesses Need in 2025

By Julie Starr • April 22, 2025
If you’re starting your own business, then you know all too well that it’s equally an exciting and overwhelming time. There’s so much to think about, and you want to get it right from day one. But it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as you might think. Let’s go through everything your new business needs to hit the ground running this year. A Clear Business Plan Before anything else, take the time to figure out your game plan. This doesn’t need to be a long, boring document that you’ll never look at again. Think of it as a simple guide that answers three key questions: Who are you selling to? What are you offering? And how are you going to get noticed? Once you’ve written that down, you can always tweak it as your business grows. From a communications standpoint, clarity on your audience and value proposition also sets the foundation for authentic brand storytelling—something Taiga Company helps clients refine at every stage. Responsible Financial Management Money is one of those things that can make or break a business. The good news is you don’t need a finance degree to get it right. Start with a simple budget. Know how much is coming in, what’s going out, and what you’re setting aside. Think about things like stock, marketing, bills and wages if you’re hiring. Keep it realistic and keep it updated. Doing this from day one will make life much easier later. Reliable Cloud Services In 2025, storing everything on your laptop isn’t really a safe bet. Files go missing, computers break, and you don’t want to lose important stuff. That’s where cloud services come in. They keep your files secure, backed up and easy to access from anywhere. Whether it’s documents, customer info or creative work, having it all saved online gives you peace of mind. And when you're building a business in a digital-first world, having secure, accessible assets also means your team can collaborate more efficiently across channels—essential for strong communications. Flexible Payment Options Most people don’t carry cash anymore, so if you’re only accepting it, you’re going to lose sales. Get yourself a card reader that takes all the usual stuff like debit cards, credit cards, contactless and Apple Pay. The easier you make it for someone to pay you, the more likely they are to buy. Simple as that. A Basic Website Even if you’re not selling online, you still need a website. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something that tells people who you are, what you do, and how they can contact you. Think of your site as your digital front door. If someone hears about your business, chances are they’ll look you up online. Make sure what they find actually helps them. A clear website is also one of the most powerful communication tools your business has. We work with clients to ensure their digital presence reflects their story, purpose, and value. A Way to Spread the Word You can’t rely on people just stumbling across your business. You’ve got to put yourself out there. Social media is a great start, but don’t stop there. Think email newsletters , posters in your local area or even just chatting about your work whenever it comes up naturally. The more you talk about your business, the more others will too. Starting a business in 2025 is a big move, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Get the basics in place, stay flexible and keep learning. With the right tools and the right message, you can build momentum and create connection. Taiga Company helps growing businesses translate operational essentials into brand trust and long-term impact.