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The first Earth Day was created by US Senator Gaylord Nelson in April of 1970 as a strategy to impose the environmental agenda on the country. He organized a national demonstration to raise awareness on environmental issues and cities all over the country participated. In December of that year, the government established the Environmental Protection Agency. In the following decades, many countries would follow in the US’s footsteps and begin celebrating Earth Day.
Every year, we choose to celebrate and protect the environment in honor of this holiday. Taking action, however, isn’t just for individuals. Businesses can take a stance too. Here are a few ways your company can do its part to help the planet!
There are plenty of simple swaps to make in the office that can reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
Check out more tips at our other blog post on sustainable switches for a green office.
To further reduce waste in your business, establish a recycling program. Take a look at the types and amounts of waste your company generates. This will help identify which materials can be recycled and which ones cannot. Consider the specific materials your office generates the most. Place recycling bins throughout the office or facility, especially in common areas like kitchens, break rooms, and near desks. Make sure bins are clearly marked for specific materials. Educate employees on the types of materials that can be recycled and how to sort their waste correctly. Consider hosting workshops or sending out educational materials like emails or posters. Share the company’s recycling goals and progress regularly. Use newsletters, internal communications, or meetings to keep recycling on employees' minds. Share the results with employees, such as information on how much waste has been diverted from landfills, to increase participation and morale. Consider offering rewards or recognition for employees who actively participate in the recycling program.
Organizing volunteer days can help employees feel more connected to the company's values and mission, fostering a sense of pride and satisfaction in their workplace. Having employees working together on a volunteer project can strengthen relationships and improve teamwork. It’s important to build bonds as employees in a non-work setting. Through volunteering, companies often build relationships with non-profits and local organizations, which could lead to future partnerships or collaborations. A recent research report revealed that 83% of workers thought their employer was not doing enough to be more sustainable and tackle climate change. What's more, 65% said they would be more likely to work for a company with robust environmental policies. Organizing events such as tree-planting or clean-ups can demonstrate to your employees that you care about these values and want to work with them to make a difference.
Part of your company’s carbon footprint includes the commute or travel of your employees. Get them involved by encouraging employees to walk, bike, or use other sustainable modes of transportation to work instead of driving. A great day to begin this tradition is Earth Day! Green Transportation Days can foster a sense of camaraderie as employees participate in a shared activity. It can also be an opportunity for team building, as employees may walk or bike together. Companies can organize friendly competitions or reward employees who participate, adding an element of excitement and motivation. It’s also a great way to show the public and other stakeholders that the company is taking action toward a greener future. It can also raise awareness about the environmental impact of daily commuting. It might inspire employees to continue walking or biking to work regularly or seek out other eco-friendly alternatives in the future. Employees also like to see that their employer supports a culture of wellness and sustainability.
Lastly, investing in carbon offsets is one of the most effective ways to balance out emissions that can't be eliminated through other means. It allows companies to continue operations while supporting projects that reduce or capture an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. As the government continues to implement stricter environmental policies, investing in carbon offsets can help a company’s operations in the long-run by becoming compliant with potential future laws and regulations early. ESG factors are also becoming increasingly important for employees and investors. Many are prioritizing companies with transparent sustainability practices. By investing in carbon offsets, businesses can attract ESG-focused stakeholders who are looking to support companies with strong environmental practices. Acylmate offers over 230 projects, making it the biggest marketplace in the US. Start browsing today!
Earth Day is inspired by the need to promote environmental stewardship for future generations. That starts with us paving the way today. We have a responsibility to protect our planet, so we encourage you to take action both at home and at work!