by Gina Brennan
April 12, 2023
Earth Day is April 22, and now is the perfect time to initiate conversations about incorporating environmental sustainability efforts into your organization’s practices. We often hear the term “go green,” meaning embracing a way of life that helps us preserve the environment by reducing, reusing, and recycling items, but we are rarely given concrete ways of how to do so—especially in the world of associations. In order for your organization to actually achieve going green, you’ll need to engage fellow volunteers and staff. Start by facilitating and participating in conversations about why your organization should be incorporating environmental sustainability efforts into its strategic planning initiatives, and from there, you can solidify a plan to move forward. Here are five suggestions to help you get started:
Use virtual programming to your advantage
According to the Harvard Business Review, the benefits of virtual programming are abundant. Engaging in virtual programming for your members reduces emissions, and, if designed correctly-can be helpful in reducing your organization’s carbon footprint.
Keep green-friendly snacks around the workplace
Keep your organization’s kitchen stocked with sustainable, non-perishable snacks your staff will love. If you want to go a step further, your organization can invest in biodegradable water and provide staff with reusable coffee cups for the office kitchen, as they are far more environmentally friendly.
Establish a green committee
Identify a designated group of members that can meet on a regular basis to discuss environmental sustainability efforts, keep them moving forward, and provide sustainability updates to the remainder of your organization. Not only does this hold organizations and members accountable, but it ensures a consistent commitment to improving sustainability efforts well beyond the month of April.
Host a green-inspired event
Another way to improve environmental sustainability efforts is to host a green-inspired event. For in-person events, provide attendees with reusable water bottles and supply water-filling stations. To make an even greater impact, consider selecting a green-friendly organization or charity to support during your association’s annual conference.
Invest in sustainable swag
Purchasing sustainable gifts for your attendees is an excellent way to go green. Get gift cards to a local, sustainable restaurant to use during giveaways at your events. Invest in sustainable merchandise like t-shirts or tote bags, and use eco-friendly gift bags and recycled tissue paper when wrapping these gifts. You can even provide green-friendly snacks to your attendees, or include them in your gift bags.
Every organization has different and unique environmental sustainability needs, but all associations can take part in implementing green initiatives into their strategic planning efforts. As volunteer leaders, you play a pivotal role in guiding your organization to contribute to these efforts, as well as educating members on why it is important. You have the power to help these initiatives grow far beyond the month of April, and by doing so, you are investing in your organization, your staff and counterparts, and the Earth!
Gina Brennan is in Corporate Marketing at Smithbucklin.