Fostering Environmental Stewardship

Hello Spring! Earth Day, an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations, is approaching. The butterfly's metamorphosis inspired our AllProfit HR logo and brand. As an HR Business Partner, we spotlight Earth Day with intentional practices that support and enhance the principles of belonging with awareness and commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Everyone has a role in protecting our planet, and business leaders and organizations can be models. We’ve outlined four practices to engage your best resource—your human resources—this month (or any month) to foster environmental stewardship.

Embracing Hybrid Work Policies to Reduce Pollution

One of the most impactful ways organizations can support Earth Day is by implementing hybrid work policies. By allowing employees to work remotely part of the time, companies can significantly decrease the carbon footprint associated with commuting and office operations. A study cited in Scientific American found that “ people who work remotely four or more days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 54 percent, and those who do so up to four days a week can reduce it by up to 29.” Not only does this reduce pollution and fossil fuel consumption, but it also promotes a healthier work-life balance for employees.

Practicing Conscious Consumption

Conscious consumption is another key aspect of environmental stewardship that HR and Procurement departments can promote. By limiting waste, employees can be encouraged to buy less and be thoughtful about their purchases, including swag, transportation, office supplies, and technology gadgets. This can substantially impact climate emissions, natural resource depletion, and pollution. By raising awareness of the environmental consequences of consumption and production habits, organizations can inspire employees to make more sustainable choices.

Fostering Collective Action and Community Engagement

April is National Volunteer Month. Organizing team-building activities that support Earth Day initiatives is a powerful way for organizations to foster belonging through collective action and community engagement. Whether through local clean-up efforts, tree planting activities, or volunteering with environmental organizations, these initiatives promote connection to the earth and strengthen employee bonds. By providing opportunities for employees to participate in meaningful environmental projects, HR can enhance employee engagement and contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship within the organization.

Modeling Sustainable Practices

Leading by example is crucial in promoting environmental sustainability within organizations. Organizations can model sustainable practices by reducing the use of plastics in the workplace and promoting eco-friendly alternatives. Earthday.org  is on a quest to reduce plastics. Providing reusable stainless bottles or bags as staff swag items, for example, reduces single-use plastic waste and promotes brand awareness aligned with environmental values. By integrating sustainable practices into everyday operations, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and inspire employees to do the same.

“Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere, is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea.” —Dr. Sylvia Earle

Let us seize the opportunity presented by Earth Day to redefine our role in promoting environmental stewardship within our organizations. By embracing hybrid work policies, promoting conscious consumption, fostering collective action, and modeling sustainable practices, we can create a more environmentally conscious workplace and positively impact our planet. Together, let us work towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Share Your Thoughts 

Join the conversation on the transformative power of environmental stewardship. Let's reimagine people-centered workplaces where everyone profits - personally and professionally.

Considering Robert Swan's insight, how does your organization engage in responsible environmental stewardship?