Earth Day – It’s not only about 24 hours

Earth Day has come and gone but its focus shouldn’t be a mere 24 hours. Attention to the earth, ecology, environment, sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals should be a lifelong endeavor.

I spoke with a former colleague of mine from the United Nations Department of Public Information / Non-Governmental Organizations section (now called Civil Society Unit), Amanda J. Nesheiwat, who today is the environmental director and recycling coordinator for the Secaucus, NJ, Environmental Department, about the meaning of Earth Day in society and she pointed out that Earth Day is a celebration of planet Earth and it raises awareness about the importance of protecting our local environment.

“It’s a day when communities think globally and act locally. For Earth Day, Secaucus has community volunteers – mostly from large businesses in the area – participate in clean-ups and environmental projects such as completing a new community garden,” she said.

Nesheiwat stated emphatically that small businesses have a major place in community and general sustainability awareness efforts. For that reason the town created a Green Restaurant and Business certification program.

“We created it to highlight the many ways our small businesses participate in our sustainability and community goals. We also think it’s important to educate residents on the collective impact of shopping local, especially on our carbon footprint. As a municipality, we understand that we can achieve much more with public-private partnerships,” she explained.

Nesheiwat went on to say that small businesses understand how indispensably they are connected to their community.

“As the community demands that local governments do more about climate change and plastic waste, small businesses have taken a step back to rethink how they can reduce their negative impact on the environment, and people in the community respond positively to that because it shows that the business cares about the community. People notice when businesses provide paper straws, or give discounts when you bring your own reusable cup or bag. In general, people want to support businesses they feel welcome in and would rather give their money to places that care about the environment or human rights,” she elaborated.

Small businesses can participate in community activities on Earth Day and beyond by sharing with their customers and vendors what they do to help the environment and the community.

“Small business can also help support initiatives that youth want to create in their communities, whether that means donating wood or time to create a community garden, or participating in community clean-ups or school led Earth Day events,” Nesheiwat suggested.

Her thoughts are something that small businesses can file for Earth Day 2020 or anytime of the year to promote sustainability for the good of the planet.

Don’t forget to share your interest and activity with your community as well as business trading partners, government officials and news media. An extra amount of outreach will only help your business.