The 45th anniversary of Earth Day is here! Founded on April 22nd, 1970, the Earth Day Network promotes environmental citizenship and progressive action worldwide.  According to the founders, their network reaches over 17,000 organizations in 174 countries, all whom sponsor and champion community development, education programs and environmental protection activities throughout the year. It is said that Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in Earth Day Network campaigns every year.

As a business leader, I believe it is important to pay it forward.  Giving back to the earth is just one way I believe professionals can do their part in this world.  At Etech Global Solutions, our teams are actively involved in a variety of community sponsored programs that give back to the local community.  Here are just a few ideas we have tried in an effort to support environmental progress.

1. Recycle, recycle, recycle.  Recycling is not just for tree huggers anymore.  There is no reason to waste paper, ink cartridges or other recyclable office supplies.  Setting up bins to gather glass, paper or aluminum cans is another easy program to organize and manage in almost any break room or cafeteria.  Contact your local city office to determine pick up or drop off options for recycled materials from your business location.
2. Promote carpools and telecommuting.  Reducing the carbon footprint is an important global requirement. Where public transportation is not available, encourage employees to car pool.  If possible, consider a small incentive for those that do.  A reserved parking spot is an inexpensive way to recognize and reward those that contribute in their own small way.  For some functions, telecommuting is another “green” option.  At Etech, we have invested in tools and leadership processes to support a very successful work-at-home (WAH) staff. It is good for the employees and good for the planet.
3. Lights out.  Make an effort to put lights on timers so they are not on during off hours.  Also, encourage employees to power down PCs and other equipment at night.
4. Water cooler.  According to Grab Stats, over 60M plastic water bottles are thrown into landfills per day.  That is a staggering number.  Consider investing in a water cooler service.  It is convenient for employees, healthy and can significantly reduce the environmental waste.
5. Take action.  At Creative Choice Group we understand the important of getting involved to make a difference. Whether you develop an internal campaign to educate employees on ways to help save the planet or you take action to lobby for legislation to promote environmentally sound policies, the point is to do something.  Living on the coast of Florida, local government here has taken an active stance on cleaning up the beaches.  There are litter campaigns to protect the ocean.  In Texas, state government is running a litter campaign to challenge every resident to pick up 4 pieces of trash on Tuesdays.  Seems somewhat odd, but just think, if every person in Texas actually took the time to pick up 4 pieces of trash every Tuesday, what a difference it could make.

This is our planet.  We have the opportunity and the responsibility to make the world a better place for ourselves and those that follow us.  Take some time this week to celebrate Earth Day with your teams and find a way to give a little back to the planet.