“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
- Howard Zinn
Sustainability lies at the core of ELGi’s business. Whether it is developing energy-efficient products or creating eco-friendly green hubs for workspaces, sustainability is integral to the corporate identity and is actively advocated by employees.
This is why, to honour the 50th Anniversary of World Earth Day on 22nd April 2020, ELGi launched the ‘Steps For Change’ programme, a purpose-driven engagement activity. Through the initiative, employees across the globe were encouraged to take small, yet significant measures and make a difference towards the environment.
In an effort to help minimize the carbon footprint, I have started decreasing my usage of one-time-use items, like plastic bags, sandwich bags, water bottles, and straws. Switching to reusable items is such a little change, but has a huge impact on our environment.
I am not buying water in the store anymore to avoid plastic waste. I installed a filter on my tap for filtered tap water and bought a sparkling water maker (since I love sparkling water – as almost all Germans!). This small change generates no plastic or glass waste and is a healthy alternative for the environment.
I minimize my usage of a personal vehicle to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment. This is my personal commitment to reducing air pollution.
I’ve made use of natural light as much as possible, just by shifting my work bench to a nearby window. The breeze is especially refreshing in the early mornings and late evenings.
While my new work desk set up maximises my use of natural light, I have also increased the height of my desk so I can stand and work, or move around especially when taking calls.
This small change reduces electricity consumption, and also boosts productivity, creativity and overall well-being!
We capture rain water in a 75 gallon rain barrel to use for watering our flowers and vegetable garden. At about 75 gallons a week, we save 3900 gallons of water a year and our plants are bountiful.
I do not turn on lights after sunset. I do my chores in a 0 Watt red bulb light room or a table lamp light room, when required. This not only helps in maintaining the natural circadian rhythms of my body but also helps in conserving energy and thereby reduce the carbon footprint. I love to do my bit.
My family is trying to limit our use of plastic. My daughter and I especially tried to tackle our beauty routines. We bought reusable tins and have switched to shampoo and conditioner bars eliminating the huge plastic bottles. As a family, we also switched to bamboo toothbrushes, in place of the plastic ones!
There are plenty of biodegradable alternatives to everyday objects that won’t harm our planet. We can all join in and take our first steps for change!
I am very proactive when it comes to recycling clothing. When the lockdown was enforced in Europe, my flatmate and I donated used clothing to a student from the University of Brussels who then launched an initiative to reuse clothing.
The majority of textile waste comes from household sources. Reusing and reprocessing clothes is an effective way to achieve sustainability.
DIY face masks reduce my waste generation. They are reusable and are a sustainable option.
Washable masks from cloth are easy to make at home! You can stay safe and do your bit for the environment.
Cycling is one of the best decisions you’ll ever take! Whether you choose to hop on a bike for health reasons, or for the environment, or even to supplement another sport, cycling is a ton of fun. The only downside is that it can be addictive!
Even a short commute of around 5 miles to work each day can quickly add up to more than 100 gallons of gas over a year, and correspondingly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions and global climate change. Biking to work doesn’t require fossil fuels and can help to reduce your personal contribution to climate change.
I harvest apples from the three apple trees in my garden and make wonderful apple juice! It’s natural, healthy and there’s no added sugar.
The apples are pressed and conditioned locally in boxes of 3 litres each, which last more than 2 years! This is economical and you’re saving on the unnecessary use of plastic & wastage from retail.
I’ve tried to implement resource saving methods into everything I do. I moved to LED lighting for lower electricity consumption, recycling and composting, and organic fertilizers for the garden.
Making a few changes into the little things that we do everyday, will contribute in a big way towards the benefit of the environment.
I have eliminated all single-serve products from my daily routine. By following a “reduce-reuse-recycle” mantra, we can reduce packaging waste and its effect on the environment.
I always carry the same bag(s) while shopping and don’t accept plastic bags. Also, I store any bags I receive for re-use.
These habits make the most of the resources, reduce waste generation and the usage of plastic bags.
By replacing my ordinary study table lamp with a solar one and using my cycle for short distance travels, I strive to reduce carbon emissions by saving fuel. These practices also keep me fit and healthy!
I collect and segregate organic waste & use it to nourish the soil for my home garden.
This small change helps me protect the ecosystem, and move away from using artificial pesticides and fertilizers - for a healthy thriving environment
16+ years and over 130,000 kms later, I have been using my Honda City for inter and intra city travel since 2004. This decision to use my car longer has helped me and the environment too.
Studies indicate that the process of car manufacturing results in carbon dioxide emissions. For instance, the carbon footprint of a small new car could be as much as six tonnes of C02! If I were to change my car every 4-5 years, I would have bought about 4 cars since then.
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From making healthier lifestyle changes to taking actions against pollution, ELGians came together to leave a positive impact on the environment.
As the New Year arrives, let’s pledge to create the positive change through small acts to see in the world transform, one step at a time.