Earth Day is the world's largest annual event centered on safeguarding our planet. Initiated in 1970, it promotes environmental protection and was first celebrated on April 22 in the US. It emphasises peace and is a non-religious, non-political global event, representing the largest secular one-day celebration. It also serves as a vital platform for advocacy, inspiring legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Paris Agreement.
The theme for Earth Day 2024 is 'Planet vs. Plastics,' as promoted by earthday.org. This theme emphasises the urgent need to address plastic pollution and advocates for a 60 percent reduction in plastic production by 2040.
Our Progress in Sustainability
As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we at INPD are proud to reflect on the significant progress we've made in our sustainability journey over the past six months. Committing to reducing our environmental impact and embracing more eco-friendly practices, we've implemented several initiatives that reflect our dedication to a more sustainable future.
Sustainability Policy Implementation
At the forefront of our efforts is the introduction of a comprehensive Sustainability Policy. This policy serves as a framework for integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into every aspect of our business operations. From procurement practices to waste management, we're dedicated to making responsible choices that benefit both our business and the planet.
Tree Planting Initiative
In our ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, we've been proud to launch our tree-planting initiative with Treeapp. For every face-to-face In-House training programme we deliver, we pledge to plant a tree, effectively offsetting our carbon footprint and contributing to global reforestation efforts.
Digital-First Approach and Recycled Materials
As part of our commitment, we've adopted a digital-first approach to course materials for our face-to-face delivery sessions. Additionally, we extend this ethos to our print marketing and delegate materials, opting for recycled paper stock and limited print runs whenever digital isn't possible.
Dedicated Sustainability Team
Central to our sustainability efforts is the formation of a dedicated sustainability team. Meeting regularly, to keep sustainability in our decision making. Recently team members attended a Sustainability event at Heathrow Marriott Hotel, offering a valuable opportunity to network with like-minded businesses, share best practices and explore new avenues for sustainability within our own business.
Meat-Free Mondays Initiative
Our most recent initiative from these meetings was introducing Meat-Free Mondays. We invited colleagues to feedback their thoughts with some team members committing to observing this weekly, while others join in once a month on a dedicated Monday.
External Sustainability Consultations
In addition, we have engaged external sustainability consultants to assess our business's carbon footprint. This ongoing collaboration reflects our dedication to environmental responsibility and continuous improvement.
Call to Action and Community Engagement
Follow us on social media for forthcoming updates and insights into our journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. Share your journey towards a greener business! We want to hear about the steps you're taking to reduce your environmental footprint and embrace sustainability within your business. Together, our collective efforts can truly make a difference.