5 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Earth Month

As the weather gets warmer and spring blooms, it's important to take the time to recognize the amazing planet we inhabit and how our actions shape it. 

Now that Earth Month is here, businesses like yours have the opportunity to take action and inspire meaningful change that goes beyond the standard yearly requirement. And what better way than by empowering your team with engaging eco-friendly activities? 

Whether it be a tree planting challenge or finding innovative ways to reduce plastic waste at work, there's no shortage of meaningful things businesses can do to commemorate Earth Month. Read on below for some fun ideas on how you can make your business more sustainable while celebrating in style!

1. Grow an Office Community Garden

Let the healing benefits of nature bloom by starting an office community garden! Not only does it reduce carbon emissions and create a healthier environment, but it also encourages team collaboration, reduces stress, and creates a place everyone enjoys.

Start by picking a spot outside of your workplace that gets enough sunlight (e.g. courtyard, rooftop, near the entrance). Once the spot has been chosen, decide what types of plants you want to grow, such as herbs, vegetables, and flowers. If possible, try to select plants that are locally grown, organic, and easy to maintain.

From there, you and the team can work together and help with the planting, weeding, and watering of the garden. You can even turn it into a fun team-building activity by giving teams a designated section of the garden to care for!

This fun project is a great way for everyone to enjoy the fruits (or veggies!) of their labor! Staff can pick fresh produce for their lunches or create a relaxing space near the garden where people can socialize during breaks. No matter how big or small, an office community garden is a great way to bring the joys of nature into your workplace. 

2. Host a Composting Class

Have you always wanted to compost but didn't know where to begin? Taking a composting workshop is the perfect way to start! You and the team will learn composting basics, like what materials to compost, how to make your own at-home bin, and how the process makes a positive impact on the environment. 

This activity is excellent for teams that want to learn a new skill and develop new sustainable habits. The knowledge you'll gain will enable you to make eco-friendly decisions in the long run, reducing your household's impact on the environment and helping to create a better future for everyone. Plus, you won't have to feel guilty about leaving leftovers in the fridge ever again! 

Great for in-person and remote teams, there are plenty of ways to get creative and make the most of your composting workshop, like having a competition for who can create the most productive home compost bin or giving out awards for those who come up with the best ideas for reducing waste. The possibilities are endless!

3. Provide Clean Water to Communities In Need

Give your team a life-changing experience that'll stick with them for years to come with Clean Water Connection, a hands-on approach to providing clean water access to people in the most difficult and remote locations around the world. 

Throughout the experience, your team will get to engage in fun activities that will teach them about how water filtration works, the importance of having access to clean water, and how small actions can make a big impact. Each person will have the opportunity to:

• Build a clean water filter that will help provide families, schools, healthcare facilities, women, and children with clean drinking water for 10+ years. 

• Take a water walk, a simulation of the long distances women and children in developing countries must travel just to access clean water. 

• Transform dirty water into drinkable water with the filter they’ve built. 

• Write a note to the recipients of the water filters, providing a direct connection between team members and those whose lives will be changed.

In the end, your team will have gained a deeper understanding of what they can do to make a difference. With Clean Water Connection, your team will be gifted with a unique and meaningful experience that will inspire action!

4. Take a Nature-Oriented Day Trip

Escape the office for a day and take your team on a nature-oriented adventure! You could either visit a local wildfire refuge, tour a botanical garden, or explore one of America's magnificent national or state parks for a trip full of outdoor activities and experiences. 

Wherever you decide to go, take advantage of the tours and ranger-led talks that many of these places offer. You can learn more about the local environment, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices while marveling at Mother Earth's natural wonders. 

This unique team-building experience will demonstrate your commitment to the environment and inspire your team to take part in its protection. What's more, you'll come away with a greater appreciation for nature, a deeper understanding of climate change and its effects on ecosystems, and a newfound connection to the natural world. 

5. Organize a Community Cleanup

As aware as we are of the plastic waste crisis, not many of us get the motivation we need to take action. This Earth Day, why not rally your colleagues and organize a cleanup at your local park or beach? You could even make it into a team outing and set up an outdoor picnic afterward to celebrate the difference you made together! 

According to National Geographic, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations every year. A few hours of your time can help reduce this number significantly. Not to mention, it’s a great way to bond with the people you work with and build a sense of community. 

Start by creating a plan for action. Determine the area you’d like to clean, get safety equipment and supplies ready, and assign tasks to each member of your team. Then, use social media or group chats to spread the word about your initiative, so that more people can join in! A few hours of hard work and dedication can really make a huge difference.

Goin’ Green With the Team

With Earth Month kicking off, leaders like yourself have the perfect opportunity to inspire their employees to make a positive and lasting impact on the environment that goes far beyond the month of April. 

Encouraging your team to be mindful of their ecological footprint can impact not just the workplace, but the world as a whole. There are so many fun and engaging ways to contribute to a sustainable future, and our list just scratches the surface. 

Ready to empower your team for Earth Month? Start with us at Happied! 

Our expert planners design revolutionary events that perfectly align with your company's brand and culture, all while inspiring your team to do their part in protecting the environment!

Unlock your team’s full potential and start planning today!