The Balancing Act of Communicating Green

Blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Company
Sep 8, 2011 11:17 AM ET

Taiga Company blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Compa…

It seems that everything useful, good, beautiful, and healing that humans have created relies on communication – either between people acting together, or by individuals acting on what they’ve learned from others. This communication can be direct (face to face), or via media.    But communicating green or sustainable business strategies is tricky.  The business world often struggles to effectively and clearly communicate its alternative product offerings and business sustainability actions.  With sustainability concepts and definitions still subject to interpretation, the same business sustainability eco actions claimed as ‘green’ are also subject to ‘greenwashing’ commentary from consumers, writers and bloggers.  Much of this criticism comes from contradictory ‘green’ business claims by companies with incongruent histories and actions.   Complicating the matter, companies and individuals moving too quickly to offer unsubstantiated green products and services threaten future business for the short-term benefits.  Those engaging in greenwashing could be exposing themselves to potential longer-term risks and contributing to the confusion as to what is or isn't a green product / service.   The delicate act of balancing green communications starts with business sustainability minded organizations engaging with stakeholders who have a vested interest in the success of the business and profoundly advance the sustainability conversation.   What might these parties include?  Click here to discover the balancing act of communicating green.   

Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".