World Environment Day 2023 – How can we contribute?

5th June 2023 marks World Environment Day – the United Nations Day for encouraging worldwide awareness and protection of our environment. This year, the theme is centred around ecosystem restoration with a focus on reducing plastic pollution.

There are many ways we can help save the environment as both individuals and organisations. One of these ways could be implementing company wide changes and increasing awareness of our own contribution to climate change. Our Renewable Energy Consultant Expert Certificate is a great starting point for understanding your role within the climate change crises and how you can help.

Here at the Renewable Energy Institute, we aim to be as environmentally friendly as possible and contribute as little as we can to carbon emissions. With all our classes based online, our certificates issued electronically and our team working remotely, our carbon footprint is the lowest it has ever been. However, there is always more we can do as individuals to contribute to a greener world.

Gabriella, Business Development Manager at the REI, is passionate about spreading the word of sustainable living. “I aim to educate myself and others: when you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.” When asked about what the average person could do to help tackle climate change, Gabriella suggests, “A very simple change is to walk or cycle short journeys instead of taking the car. Not only does this lower your carbon emission output, but it is also great for your health.”

Michael, IT and Communications Manager at the REI, gets his inspiration for a greener lifestyle from nature, ensuring that he limits the damage done to the planet as much as he can. “I am obsessed with David Attenborough shows, nothing makes me sadder than when he talks about the damage being done to our planet.  I use this to remind myself to reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible.” Michael also tries to ensure his carbon footprint is reduced as much as possible in other ways, “I also try to shop locally, avoid ‘fast fashion’ and walk/use public transport whenever I can. I find that this is not only better for the environment, but also my health and often, my bank balance.”

Ben, Customer Service and Course Advisor at the REI, ensures that he is active in his day-to-day life in contributing to a lower carbon footprint. “I try my best to avoid anything that can contribute to climate change – I do not use a car, avoid products that do not have recyclable packing and conserve energy within my apartment as much as possible.” Like Michael, Ben is spurred on by nature as his motivation. “Seeing the natural world disappear over the decades is what motivates me – the planet is a beautiful place and the more we can do to preserve it then the better future we can secure for everyone.”

So, how can we all contribute to the greater cause of preventing climate change? It all starts with small changes in everyday life, like:

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Practice the three R’s by reducing consumption, reusing items when possible, and recycling materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
2. Conserve water. Be mindful of water usage by turning off taps when not in use, fixing leaks promptly, and using water-saving appliances and fixtures.
3. Conserve energy. Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and take advantage of natural light and ventilation.
4. Choose sustainable transportation. Opt to walk, cycle, or use public transportation whenever possible.
5. Practice responsible consumption. Make conscious choices when purchasing products. Consider the environmental impact of items, such as their production, packaging and lifespan.

It’s a long path to correct the world’s reliance on unsustainable energies and reduce carbon emissions. However, if we all work together as individuals as well as apply sustainable methods to businesses, we can make sure that the world we leave behind is one that we are proud of. World Environment Day is the perfect starting point to get more involved and make sure you are doing all you can for that greener future.