Every year since 2007, at 8.30pm on the last Saturday of March, people in over 190 countries unite to raise awareness and inspire action for climate change and bio-diversity loss - two urgent threats to our home and our standard of living. Earth Hour is more than just a yearly occasion, it is a movement fighting for a better, healthier and more sustainable future.
Today Earth Hour has become a catalyst for positive enivronmental impact, sparking global conversations on protecting nature and tackling the climate crisis. Several businesses around the globe are enthusiastically embracing Earth Hour - from turning off lights at headquarters, flipping the switch on iconic landmarks, and spreading the word amongst employees and customers to participate. This single act is provoking discussion and building momentum towards a renewable future.
Earth Hour is a great opportunity for your business to demonstrate your commitment to the environment, showcase your existing environmental work and engage with your communities. Here are some tips for how your business can support Earth Hour 2022 - Saturday 26th March.
Switch off the lights
Switch off non-essential lights in your buildings, facilities and signage during Earth Hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. For offices that are closed over the weekends, ensure that all lights are turned off on Friday evening.
Nominate an 'Earth Hour' champion
Elect an Earth Hour champions for your business. Their job will be to introduce more sustainable measures to the workplace and ensure the lights are out and appliances are switched off and ideally unplugged, not only for the hour but at the end of each working day. Large companies may want to look into the concept of creating a Green Team.
Incentivise your employees
In the fight against climate change, no action is too small. Ensure recycling bins are accessible all over the workplace. Avoid single-use plastic in the office, like one-time coffee pods; opt instead for fair-trade coffee. Choose zero-waste items for your kitchenette and toileteries. Incentivise car-pooling, public transportation and biking to work.
Spread the world
Spread the word about Earth Hour in your office, building, and on your digital networks. You can add a banner on your online pages and websites, change your email signature or make a temporary tweak/addition to your logo or branding. Create buzz at the office, ask employees to wear a green T-Shirt on the day or print some yourself with your brand logo and the Earth Hour symbol.
Invest in nature
The science is clear. The health of the planet is declining at rates never seen in human history and that is putting our global economy at risk, as well as undermining human health, well-being and progress. Food, energy, and water are critical resource challenges for any company, and offering sustainable alternatives will enhance your business's reputation with features that modern investors and customers are seeking for in a company.
Redefine your purpose
A clear company purpose that drives business and sustainability can help customers make informed choices and live more sustainably. Take the opportunity to align your company's policies and values with sustainability, and embrace forward-thinking eco-sensible solutions.
Go beyond the hour
The purpose of Earth Hour is to instill sustainable habits. This means making a commitment to a continual change throughout the year that reduces your impact on the environment. Organising environmental stewardship activities for your employees is an excellent way to inspire climate action amongst the workforce and highlighting your environmental contribution to customers and shareholders. Visit this LINK to read about Eco Market Malta's CSR activities.
Use the SDGs
The UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals are a blueprint for business leadership. Get familiar with them, print a copy and stick it on your cork board or use the global goals as your desktop picture. They will serve as a guide for a better and more sustainable future for all.
Last but not least, download the official Earth Hour 2022 Business Pack which includes a handbook for employee engagement.
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