Entrepreneurs, Earth Day, and ESG

Tips on Getting Your Team Inspired and Engaged

Earth Day serves as an important reminder for entrepreneurs. It reminds us that the health of our businesses is often inextricably linked to the health of our planet. It also reminds us that we are all connected in various ways.?

First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day is an annual event held on April 22nd to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage individuals and organizations to take action to protect the planet. Over the years, this annual designation gained enough momentum and additional support that the entire month of April is now considered Earth Month. During Earth Month, people around the world participate in various activities and events that promote sustainable living and environmental conservation, including recycling programs, tree-planting initiatives, beach cleanups, energy-saving campaigns, and more.?

It’s not a far stretch to go from thinking about Earth Day (or Month) to thinking about the workforce today and the increased focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. With climate change, other environmental challenges and social unrest posing increasingly significant risks to businesses and society as a whole, ESG has become a clear priority for organizations of all sizes. As we continue to work to incorporate ESG into business operations and strategies, Earth Day presents an opportune time to engage employees and take specific action to help move the needle. Specifically, entrepreneurs can use Earth Day as the impetus to get their teams excited about ESG and the overall organizational culture of sustainability.

Earth Day Activity Tips for Entrepreneurs and Their Teams

As entrepreneurs, we are always looking for ways to better engage our employees. We know that engagement means retention and retention means increased productivity … and profitability. Activities centered around Earth Day initiatives are an effective way to encourage employees to get more engaged with the organization and participate in the sustainability efforts that are increasingly important to it. This can be done by providing training, resources, and incentives, but also by engaging in one (or more) of the following team-building exercises:

• Host a cleanup event. Organize a cleanup event in the local community or at a nearby park or beach. This is a great team-building activity that also benefits the environment.
• Plant a garden. Plant a garden at or near the organization’s location (think vegetables, flowers, or native plants that attract pollinators)—a fun and rewarding way to celebrate Earth Day.
• Reduce waste. Encourage employees to reduce waste by bringing reusable cups, plates, and utensils to work. Providing recycling and composting bins also helps to remind everyone to dispose of waste in an eco-friendly way.
• Take a nature walk. Take a break from work and go for a nature walk with employees—not only is it nice to appreciate the natural beauty around us, but it also promotes a sense of connection to the environment … and to each other.
• Host a green product showcase. Invite local vendors who sell eco-friendly products to showcase their products at the organization. This promotes the use of sustainable products and encourages employees to make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.
• Educational workshops. Many employees truly want to learn more. As such, hosting educational workshops on sustainability topics, including composting, recycling, energy conservation, and sustainable living may be fulfilling a need they aren’t even aware they have.?

Benefits of Involving Teams in Earth Day Activities

Involving employees in Earth Day activities has numerous benefits for both the employees and the organization. Participating can be a fun and rewarding experience for employees, helping?boost their morale and overall job satisfaction. At the same time, these team-building activities encourage employees to work together toward a common goal, fostering teamwork and collaboration. Additionally, engaging employees in sustainability efforts can help them feel more connected to the company's mission and values, improving their overall engagement, motivation, and ultimately, retention.?

Participating in Earth Day activities and promoting sustainability also enhances the organization’s brand image by demonstrating an unwavering commitment to social and environmental responsibility. This enhanced image will then help attract and retain top talent, all while reducing the organization’s environmental impact and raising awareness of sustainable practices.

In these ways, when entrepreneurs engage employees, they are not only positively impacting the environment and society, but also promoting a culture of environmental responsibility, teamwork, and sustainability. As with most components of business (and life), this is all about having the right synergy. And there is no doubt there is ample connection between entrepreneurs, Earth Day, and ESG.?

By: Dr. Shakenna K. Williams

Photo by Amy Shamblen on Unsplash