World Environment Day

What it is

World Environment Day is an initiative by the United Nations which is celebrated on the 5th of June, every year. It’s celebrated to create awareness that the world has been sustaining life for eons now and that it’s our responsibility in retaining this for generations to come. The initiative is celebrated in a number of ways with a specific theme of focus every year, with an aim to ensure that all aspects of the environment are given importance. Additionally, it’s hosted by different countries to increase the awareness further.

The following are some of the themes in which the World Environment Day was celebrated in the past:

Many Species. One Planet. One Future.

This deals with reminding us that planet earth is the only planet we know that supports all forms of life. Be it human life, animal life or plant life.

Green Cities

This deals with creating awareness on the importance of greenery around us. Keeping indoor plants, planting more tress and recycling techniques are some of the initiatives that the theme encourages.

Beat Plastic Pollution.

This deals with encouraging the use of eco-friendly products as compared to plastic based products. It talks about the health concerns that plastic use can cause and urges the elimination of plastic in all forms.

This year, the initiative is hosted by China and Beat Air Pollution is the theme. It aims to bring in the awareness on the quality of the air we breathe in and the importance of taking responsibility in keeping it healthy. It urges governments, industries, communities and individuals to come together to explore renewable energy and green technology to improve the quality of air across the world. As air pollution across the world is increasing at a high rate, it’s necessary to find ways to improve the current scenario in all possible ways, including the simplest ways possible. Since emissions are the main cause, devising ways to reduce emissions can go a long way. Automobile pooling, keeping indoor plants, reducing the use of electrical and electronic devices, avoiding the use of plastic to avoid the release of harmful chemicals when burnt, exploring ways to use eco-friendly resources whenever possible, are some of the ways in which we can contribute in making the air we breathe, a lot safer.

Celebrating World Environment Day

World Environment Day is celebrated in a number of creative ways, to bring in awareness on the present state of environmental concerns, the various health concerns that pollution causes, and the strategies that can reduce pollution levels. This is done via talks, discussions, posters and events encouraging a conscious way of living.

The following are some of the simple ways in which we can contribute.

Turning off lights and fans when they’re unrequired.
Turning off the power supply once the laptop and other electronic devices are charged.
Using e-documents as far as possible.
Recycling and reusing as much as possible.
Using water consciously and fixing leakages as quickly as possible.
Opting for public transport, pooling and cycling for commuting.
Managing excess food by either storing it in the refrigerator or contributing it to kitchens that accept it.
Being open to used products like second hand products.
Carrying our own carry bags.
Maintaining a mini garden, be it outdoor or indoor.

Ways in which organizations can contribute

Since we spend a considerable amount of time at work, there’s a lot that employees and organizations can do together. The following are some of them.

Commute

Providing transport facilities to the employees will limit individual vehicle use which in turn reduces air pollution to a great extent. Additionally, encouraging the practise of cycling to work plays an important role in controlling air pollution. It also serves as a workout that’s free of cost.

Protecting the environment is a collective effort and consciously working on the smaller changes can eventually lead to bigger and profound changes. Doing this in a fun and interesting ways can ensure a healthier and a happier workforce. Organizations like Amazon, Google, Dell, Walmart, Starbucks and Microsoft have already taken measures to incorporate eco-friendly practices. It’s time every organization takes up the responsibility to support and encourage green initiatives.

Talks

Talks and discussions to come up with simple ways in which impactful changes could be brought in. This includes the following:

Encouraging lifestyle choices of switching from plastic to glassware, ceramics and other eco-friendly materials (water bottles, water storage cans, cutlery).
Choosing paper based packaging as opposed to plastic based packaging (chocolates, candies, munchies, snacks, and other food).

Plants

The presence of plants and trees in the surroundings is a great way to purify the air, to stay close to nature and to ensure a healthy workforce. This includes the following:

Supporting the idea of plants as giveaways and gifts.
Having greenery around the workplace creates a healthy environment.
Keeping indoor plants contributes to healthy breathing air.

An example for this would be Amazon’s campus in Seattle with a mini indoor forest hosting around 40,000 plants!

Waste management

Waste segregation helps in recycling (eco-friendly, electronic).

Branding

Workplace branding that portrays messages on environmental friendly practices encourages and reminds us to make conscious living choices. This could be done via posters, desk collateral, diary covers and stationery branding. This is quite prominent in most coworking spaces.

Nature

The use of natural resources for everyday needs reduces the use of electrical and electronic appliances. This includes encouraging the use of natural lighting as far as possible as opposed to artificial lighting.

Art

The use of creativity in converting waste into something useful and artistic supports recycling and reuse. This includes the following: