Earth Day: what is it?

‍Created in 1970 by an American senator, Earth Day makes it possible to become aware of the negative impact that human activity generates on the planet and the need to adapt our behaviors.

This is an opportunity for the various actors in the protection of the environment, in particular associations and NGOS, of sensitize as many people as possible with environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, resource management, deforestation or even the loss of biodiversity.

During this day, numerous ecological initiatives are put in place, sustainable consumer alternatives are highlighted and several solutions for a more virtuous lifestyle are shared.

Of course, it is important to point out that Earth Day alone is not enough and the mobilization in favor of the environment must be continuous!

Also to read: How to engage your employees in favor of the environment?

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Environmental protection: an important cause for employees

In recent years, environmental protection has become an important cause for many company employees. Environmental concerns have taken a growing place in society in general, and more and more people consider it essential to take environmental impact into account in all aspects of one's life, including in the world of work!

In this way, businesses are becoming aware of the importance of protecting the environment and integrating environmental practices into their strategy and daily operations.

This transformation is essential for attract and retain employees.

Indeed, for 77% of French people, a company's commitment to environmental and social matters is a priority criterion in their career choice (Harris Interactive & Mouvement Impact France, 2022).

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4 actions to mobilize your teams on Earth Day

‍ Earth Day is the ideal opportunity to make your employees aware of environmental issues and to implement concrete actions in favor of the environment.

Discover ideas for actions to be carried out in collaboration with environmental associations!

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1. Organize a “Clean Up”

In the office, an employee uses more than 2500 sheets of paper each year, according to theInfographic of Lemon Tri : an actor offering incentive solutions to recycle more and better in business.

You can directly mobilize your teams to clean the streets around your offices, parks or even beaches thanks to Clean Up!

Many associations organize Clean Up events for businesses. For example, this is the case of:

• ‍Surfrider Foundation ;
• World Clean Up Day ;
• ‍ And 1 piece of waste per day.

Do not hesitate to contact them to find out how to organize them!

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‍2. Take part in a climate mural

La Climate fresco has become a must in recent years! This educational and interactive workshop aims to make your teams aware of the challenges of climate change and the importance of taking measures to reduce our impact on the environment.

During the session, participants reflect and work together to create a mural representing the different factors of climate change and their interdependence.

This fresco can be done in person or online!

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3. Offer ecological workshops with Zero Waste France

Zero Waste France is an association that works to reduce waste and promote a zero waste society. It offers several types of ecological workshops to make your employees aware of environmental issues and give them tools to take concrete action.

This is especially the case with DIY workshops to learn in a fun way how to make your own household products, cosmetics and others from natural ingredients. The association also organizes waste awareness workshops to better understand the different types of waste and their impact, while putting forward solutions to produce as little as possible!

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4. Set up a donation campaign in favor of an association

You can submit an association yourself or launch a voting campaign so that your teams themselves choose which association to support through a donation campaign!

Some ideas for associations to support:

• All4Trees aims to promote and support actors involved in the field for the preservation and restoration of forests, while raising awareness and mobilizing citizens around the challenges of the fight against deforestation.
• Surfrider Foundation Europe is an association responsible for the protection and development of lakes, rivers, oceans, waves and coastlines.
• The League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) works every day for the protection of species, the preservation of spaces and for environmental education and awareness.
• The association False-Rest Environment aims to defend biodiversity in the Fausses-Reposes forest. She sets up nature outings, participates in forums, discussions and local actions and organizes projects to fight against an invasive plant that destroys forest biodiversity.

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To maximize your impact, it is also possible to match the donations of your employees: a practice that consists in paying an additional euro for each euro donated by one of your employees.

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Also to read: 15 actions to mobilize your company for the environment

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Operation “The Call of the Forests”: Komeet helps businesses commit to Earth Day

At Komeet, on the occasion of Earth Day 2023, we have chosen to deal with the theme of forests. While essential at several levels, our forests are now in danger. Every minute, the equivalent of 30 football fields of forest area disappears.

Destroying forests means impoverishing soils, endangering biodiversity, increasing global warming, risking increasingly violent natural hazards, but also depriving indigenous populations of their resources.

We are all responsible at our level and we have the power to turn the tide. This is why, during the months of April and May 2023, Komeet offered its partner companies to mobilize their teams alongside associations in favor of forest protection.

Discover 2 flagship actions of the highlight: Call of the Forests!

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1. A webinar between colleagues

Our interactive webinar “1 hour to calculate your forest footprint” with the association Envol vert allowed employees to:

• Understand the role of forests in the fight against climate change;
• Recognize and quantify its impact on deforestation;
• Discover ways of action to reduce its impact and preserve forests.

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2. A donation campaign to preserve the forests of Haut-Languedoc

Recognizing the richness of the forests of Haut-Languedoc, the Envol Vert association started its new project in 2021 SEVE (Forestry, Committed, Lively and Fair) In the heart of the Haut-Languedoc forest massif: one of the most important in France. This initiative aims to involve citizens in the sustainable management of forests, support forest owners and encourages the artisanal wood industry in Haut-Languedoc.

Komeet's partner companies organized a donation campaign in favor of the SEVE project, to:

• Say no to the exploitation and industrialization of forests, and yes to sustainable and committed management;
• Allow the development of a network of pilot forest plots with forest management that preserves biodiversity;
• Participate in the creation of a participatory citizen forest group for the acquisition and direct virtuous management of forests on the territory;
• And raise awareness among schoolchildren, students and citizens about the challenges of committed forestry.

Also to read: The CSR highlights guide

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Komeet helps you organize your highlight!

Easily mobilize all of your employees for Earth Day or other CSR highlights with Komeet. Thanks to our engagement platform, our animation kits and the support of our experts, create rituals and seamlessly integrate engagement into your corporate culture!

Explore the platform

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