I wanted to share MSP’s Earth Day/Week activities and inquire as to what others may be planning or doing, and then share a few thoughts regarding sustainability.

Our organization decided to seize the momentum that has been growing related to our green movement and really make Earth Day/Week standout.  Obviously the goal is to raise awareness of the green initative, with our primary purpose this year of focusing our employees on the little things that each person does that can help the environment on a daily basis.  For example, we are sending reminders regarding recycling, encouraging the use of one papertowel instead of five, and just asking for the use of "Good Green Judgment." 

We are also doing the following activities:

• Sending a "Celebrate Earth Day with MSP" card with wildflower seeds for planting.  We ask our clients that we send this to, to please plant the seeds, and we share some other activities we are engaging in, as well as announce our FSC certification.
• Earth Day Slogan Contest.  We are offering a $50 prize for the best entry.  We ask our employees to suggest a slogan for the MSP Green Team which will be the motto for the team for the remainder of 2009.
• "Get Caught Wearing Something Green".  We picked a day to promote green awareness.  All those who are "caught wearing something green" are put into a drawing for two $25 gift cards.
• On Earth Day (April 22nd) we are giving a piece of fruit (apple, orange, banana, watermelon slice) to each employee.
• Seed packet giveaway.  We are putting together several baskets throughout the organization that are full of seed packets.  Employees are encouraged to take a packet of their choice for planting.
• Green Goes Red Blood Drive.  Tying the green initiative into the greater sustainability issue, we are conducting an on-site blood drive administered by the Red Cross. Our target is for 38 employees to donate blood.  Response has been strong.
• Additional activies occuring around Earth week include the planting of numerous trees on the MSP property, grounds clean-up (a daily/weekly iniative within MSP) and the exploration of new lighting options plant wide to reduce electrical usage and increase efficiencies. 

I’d love to hear what you are doing, or your comments on these activities.

One other thought I’d like to leave you with is encouraging you to reflect upon the whole idea of sustainability, which provides an even broader array in terms of making a difference.  As a Human Resources practitioner I am exposed to considerable information related to this growing movement.  In my opinion, sustainability encompasses green practices, but then takes them a bit broader.  Sustainability deals with ensuring the future survivial of our earth on a large scale, but there is the interesting component which focuses on the health of our organizations too -- making sure we have solid policies, procedures, management, fiscal responsibility, etc., in place to sustain the business, meet our customer needs, contribute to the community, the list goes on and on.  I guess the bottom line in my opinion is that being green (and expanding into overall sustainability) is not only the right thing to do - it actually makes sense in terms of the business model too!