Friday 22nd April is Earth Day, recognised around the globe to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.
The first Earth Day
The first Earth Day took place in 1970, during which 20 million Americans took to the streets to protest the impacts of 150 years of industrial revolution, which was leaving a legacy of serious health conditions on the population. By the end of 1970, the effects of the first Earth Day had resulted in the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as well as other new environmental laws.
Earth Day goes global
In 1990, Earth Day went global, mobilising 200 million people across 141 countries to highlight environmental issues. It played a major role in boosting recycling efforts worldwide and paved the way for the 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Since then, Earth Day has continued to grow and tackle the world’s biggest environmental issues. Today, it is one of the largest single acts of observance in the world, marked by more than a billion people every year.
The theme for Earth Day 2022 is Invest In Our Planet. As we push to achieve net zero, we need to protect, manage and restore nature. Earth Day 2022 is about encouraging businesses, governments and individuals to invest in our planet and preserve our future.
Earth Day at Ridge
At Ridge, we recognise Earth Day as a fundamental catalyst for change. Through our 360 Sustainability Framework – our bespoke environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy – we are drawing on the legacy and principles of Earth Day to make a positive impact on the environment.
Within our 360 Sustainability Framework at Ridge, our commitments include:
Achieve net zero carbon by 2030
Minimise our energy use
Reduce the ecological impacts of our offices
Waste management and recycling
Reduce potable water demands
Maximise sustainability of new and existing offices (green standards)
We also provide strategic sustainability services to our clients
360 Sustainability delivers bespoke targets to help organisations achieve their ESG goals. Applying this framework enables businesses to reduce their environmental impact and create positive change in their communities.
You can test your knowledge of environmental issues via these EarthDay.org quizzes. Do you know what ‘circular economy’ means? Or how many litres of water are used to make one pair of jeans? Test yourself and learn more.
