5 Earth Day Initiatives to Promote Corporate Environmental Sustainability

Celebrated annually on April 22nd around the world, Earth Day is an event that recognizes environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network in more than 193 countries. Today, the fight for a clean environment continues and when April 22nd comes around each year—retailers and manufacturers often adopt eco-friendly Earth Day initiatives. These environmentally sustainable practices can range from planting trees to switching to using renewable energy only. Here are some green ideas for your company’s Earth Day celebrations:

1. Get an energy audit

Call your local energy company or the EPA about getting an energy audit to help reduce your company’s carbon footprint and your monthly bills. According to the U.S Department of Energy, filling leaks and holes in your office or home can reduce up to 20% off your heating and cooling bill.

2. Use renewable energy to power your office

Consider purchasing “green energy” from your current utility provider. This type of energy is generated from renewable sources, including solar and wind power, geothermal, and bioenergy. Using renewable energy sources helps reduce harmful emissions, which improves air and water quality.

3. Switch to a cloud-based system

This is an easy way to ensure your office becomes more eco-friendly, especially if paper documents are used on a day-to-day basis. Scanning documents and using cloud-based storage systems rather than filing is an easy way to reduce the amount of paper waste created in the office. In addition, using an online system is much more efficient and user friendly.

4. Replace your lights

Although compact-fluorescent (CFL) or LED light selections are often more expensive, they not only last longer than standard incandescent bulbs, but they use less energy as well (saving both energy and money in the long term).

5. Conduct an EHS audit

An Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) audit is a multi-step process that is used to help businesses prepare for inspections from the EPA, DEP, OSHA, and other state and local regulatory agencies. Conducting an environmental audit will provide useful information that will benefit the company by identifying areas where waste production can be reduced, which in turn saves you money and improves operations. It will also help identify areas where environmental safety could be improved, such as stormwater pollution and spill prevention.

Going green has many advantages for businesses. In some cases, going green can help revolutionize your industry by introducing green initiatives, advanced green technology solutions, and reduced operation costs. It is also something that is affordable and could be implemented gradually, such as unplugging appliances when not in use. Once your company is ready to take a bigger step, you can consider more costly green initiatives like switching to renewable energy. Our environmental experts can support your corporate sustainability initiatives with waste audits, recycling, and other sustainability services.