Written by Jillian (Digital & Event Coordinator)
This year, Earth Day is on the 22nd April, with the powerful theme of OUR POWER, OUR PLANET.
From the very beginning, YOURGB has held a deep commitment to giving back with every event we bring to life. This quarter, in recognition and celebration of Earth Day, we’re proud to announce that a portion of our profits will be donated to support crucial global advocacy and education efforts dedicated to protecting the beautiful planet we call home.
While we believe that financial contributions are important, we also feel a strong pull to do more, to connect directly with our local environment. That’s why, for the next three months – April, May, and June – the team will be setting aside one day each month to volunteer and engage in cleaning up a space within our local community.
This month, our efforts took us just a short five-minute journey from our office to the banks of the Water of Leith. This vital waterway and its surrounding woodlands hold the designation of Local Biodiversity Sites, highlighting their significant role in supporting a rich tapestry of plant and animal life. It was truly inspiring to witness firsthand the natural beauty thriving so close to our bustling city.
We also want to shine a light on the fantastic work of the Water of Leith Conservation Trust. Their tireless efforts in protecting and enhancing the river’s natural environment through clean-ups, habitat improvements, and vital educational programs are making a real difference. Their dedication has contributed to the welcome return and increased sightings of species like otters and dippers, which serve as wonderful indicators of a healthy river ecosystem.
So, the next time you find yourself near the Water of Leith, we encourage you to pause for a moment and appreciate the diverse natural life that flourishes along its banks and within its waters. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s incredible resilience, even within an urban landscape.
Taking Action Together
In these times of political and economic uncertainty, often accompanied by a constant stream of social commentary, it can feel overwhelming. However, it’s crucial to remember that even the smallest individual actions can collectively create significant change.
Here are a few ways you can get involved and make a positive impact:
- Tackle Trash – Join A Cleanup: The Great Global Cleanup Movement, another key EARTHDAY.ORG campaign, aims to empower environmental leaders globally by providing the resources needed to organise and host community clean-up events. So check out the link to find your local clean up event! And if there are none in your neighbourhood, why not start one yourself?!
- Make Climate-Conscious Food Choices: What we eat has a significant impact on both our personal health and the health of our planet. For your next meal, consider opting for a plant-based option. Our global food system accounts for over a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, with animal agriculture being a major contributor to climate change.
- Host a Clothing Swap with Friends: This is a fun and earth-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe while diverting waste from landfills. Swapping encourages a shift away from fast fashion and towards a more sustainable mindset by keeping clothes in circulation. The vast majority of manufactured garments end up in landfills or incinerators, wasting precious natural resources. Clothing swaps are not only enjoyable but also a great way to save money!
Individual actions, when multiplied, have the power to spark a larger cultural shift. So, let’s all strive to be the change we wish to see and lead by example in our daily lives.
At YOURGB, we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing education and action for the sake of our planet. We understand that we have only one Earth, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact in everything we do. We are proud to be a certified Carbon Managed Company and are deeply committed to sustainable event planning. Through the consistent use of our Event Carbon Calculator, we are actively reducing our carbon emissions and continue to pursue our ambitious goal of reaching Net Zero by 2030. To learn more about our ongoing sustainability efforts, we invite you to visit our dedicated sustainability page.
