Social distancing is in full force this Earth Day, the 50th anniversary of this environmental celebration, But just because we can’t come together physically, doesn’t mean we can’t honor the 50th anniversary of this environmental celebration and participate in some unique opportunities to show our love for the Earth.
Our desire to do our part to make the world a better place goes beyond our company. According to Sean Kinghorn, Intuit’s sustainability leader, “We all have an opportunity in our personal lives, particularly as we are at home social distancing, to make a critical impact to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lead more sustainable lifestyles.”
Here are 5 ways that we can all be more sustainable while spending time at home
- Support small businesses focused on sustainability and helping the planet
Supporting small businesses is more important than ever. While it may be difficult to shop in person, shop online or give your favorite small business a call. From coffee mugs, beeswax wraps, shampoo bars, handmade body care and more, it’s the perfect chance to stock up or even try new items to support a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Update your technology to conserve energy
Not only will you be able to easily conserve energy when at home, but you may be able to lower your utility bill as well. Did you know that not all light bulbs are created equal? One of the least energy-efficient types of lighting is an incandescent light bulb. By choosing light emitting diodes (LED) bulbs, you can conserve even more energy. These light bulbs last longer, and you may even be able to utilize sensors to help automatically switch them on and off to make life easier.
- Save water by being mindful of your dishwasher and toilet water
We all need water to survive but clean, fresh water is a limited resource and we must play our part in using the water supply wisely. By practicing basic water conservation tips, we can ensure water is available for generations to come. Additionally, similar to conserving energy, you may also be able to save on your water bill.
- Try incorporating more meatless or vegan meals
Eating less meat is crucial for a healthy planet and can also lead to a healthy lifestyle. Raising livestock generates greenhouse gases that are harmful to our planet and by shifting to a more plant-based diet, you can help combat climate change, soil, air, and water pollution. Try starting small and go one day without eating meat. You can explore new recipes and have some fun adding in more vegetables, legumes and nuts into your meals. By deciding to eat more meatless or vegan meals each week, we can all have a significant impact on the collective health of our planet.
- Create a eco-friendly garden wherever you live
Have you heard of a victory garden? Introduced in World War I, victory gardens encouraged people to grow their own food to minimize demand for food while also boosting morale. Growing fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables is a great way to involve your kids and the entire family! From a kitchen window herb garden to a backyard victory garden, there are options that fit any home. Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, resulting in clean air for you and the environment. Growing your own garden can lead to less food waste and is an easy, and delicious way to support a healthy planet.
At Intuit, we believe in giving back to our planet as part of our mission to power prosperity around the world. From using LED lights in our workplaces, to providing meatless options in our cafes, our community gardens and our dedication to supporting small businesses, we want to do our part and inspire others to make the world a better place.
As of April 2020, we’ve reduced our operational footprint by over 50% and 100% of our electricity comes from renewable sources. We accomplished this 10 years earlier than what climate scientists recommend. But we know we can do more, so we’ve set a new goal we call 50 x 30. We’ve declared a climate positive “50 times by 30” target that will ensure that we surpass carbon neutrality to make a positive impact on the planet by 2030.
While COVID-19 has shifted emphasis on what we can do this Earth Day, Kinghorn stresses that the global pandemic “has created a unique opportunity for us to educate ourselves and our children to understand the benefits of recycling and other activities to take care of our Earth – and it’s a nice respite from school work and a great way to stay connected as families.”
Great things are still possible when we come together, even remotely, and take action to create a more sustainable world.