Why Even Non-Sustainable Services Can Take Steps Towards Sustainability

Julie Starr • September 20, 2024

There’s a common misconception about environmentally-friendly businesses - that everything they do is always good for the environment at all times, and that without living up to some kind of impossible standard, they simply cannot or should not even bother making improvements.


This much is, of course, false. Any sustainability advocate will celebrate 1% improvements, provided that isn’t used as a shield or excuse to continually harm the environment for profit. As much as possible, harm reduction and offsetting an impact can be helpful.


In fact, even companies that aren’t organized to be sustainable can make appropriate choices and limit their impact in tangible ways. We’d suggest that this means “no one has an excuse,” but a much warmer way to put it is that “every company has a fantastic opportunity to innovate and redefine themselves anew.”


So, how might a non-sustainable business achieve an outcome like that? Let’s consider this below:


Dealing With Emissions

It’s not always possible to cut emissions out entirely, and even the most staunch green activist is likely going to agree with you about that. Of course, there are ways to reduce them, like switching to energy-efficient appliances, using greener transportation options, or even setting up a plan to offset emissions. The intent is to be mindful of how you’re contributing and make incremental improvements. For instance, using cleaner energy sources like solar or wind can go a long way, even if it’s just to power part of your manufacturing line. You can also gain benefit by:


Supporting Charities

You don’t have to save the world yourself. There are many excellent green charities that dedicate their full time approach to making changes and your funding could really help. As a business, supporting them financially, offering resources, or even organizing company-wide volunteer days can make a massive impact too. You’ll be giving back while showing that your business cares about causes that matter. This can also be good for marketing too - it shows that you’re not just giving vague reports about your goals, you’ve actually done something and enriched your industry for it, even if you weren’t quite as tooled as this initiative is.


Sourcing From Sustainable Areas

Consumers get to vote with their wallet, but so does your company. To use an example, a company that uses wood products might switch to suppliers who follow sustainable forestry practices, as they help to preserve forests while still getting the materials they need and replanting for the future. It’s a win-win for the most part, and by giving your money to a sustainable outfit, you’re increasing the demand for that particular resource and practice. The same goes for food-based businesses sourcing organic, locally-grown ingredients instead of those that contribute to environmental degradation or sprays too many chemicals, for example. It’s a little bit of influence you get to have, but it’s not insignificant.


With this advice, you’re sure to see that even non-sustainable services can sometimes take good steps towards sustainability, even if they’re not wearing the full outfit yet.

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.