Sustainability sounds great in theory—until you’re trying to figure out how to make it work in a corporate setting.
“‘Going green’ is one of those phrases that can make a business owner’s eyes roll—not because they don’t care about the planet, but because shifting a gas-run, paper-heavy operation into an eco-friendly one can feel like an expensive, complicated overhaul. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be,” said Emily Greenfield, Director of Ecommerce at Mac Duggal, a company that offers evening gowns.
Small changes add up, and there are plenty of ways for companies to make a real impact without completely shaking up how they operate. If you’re looking for practical ways to go green to make the most out of Earth Day without feeling overwhelmed, keep reading.
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What Is Earth Day?
Earth Day is an annual event that celebrates the world and pushes for ways to keep it healthy. People, businesses, and communities often take part in cleanups, sustainability pledges, and efforts to cut back on waste.
“Earth Day started in 1970 as a response to increased pollution,” explained Shaunak Amin, CEO and Co-Founder of SwagMagic, a company that offers print on demand services. “Millions of people took to the streets, and laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act came soon after. What started as a grassroots movement is now the biggest environmental event in the world.”
Earth Day falls on April 22nd annually. However, just because it rolls around once a year doesn’t mean sustainability should be a once-a-year consideration. Businesses that integrate eco-friendly practices into their daily operations can make a bigger impact than any single-day event ever could.
Why Should Businesses “Go Green”?
Between tight budgets and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to push green initiatives to the side, but sustainability deserves to be a priority in your business. Here’s why going green makes sense for any business.
Customers Care About Sustainability
People are more intentional about where they spend their money these days. They want to support businesses that align with their values, and sustainability is a big one.
“The shift in consumer buying, with more consumers willing to pay extra for environmentally friendly products, reinforces the need for companies to increase their commitments to responsible business practices,” said Jessica Long, Managing Director of Strategy and Sustainability at Accenture.
A company that makes real efforts to go green stands out, while those that ignore it risk looking out of touch. Of course, it’s more than just a branding win—it builds trust. When customers see a business making meaningful changes, they’re more likely to become repeat customers and spread positive word of mouth. That kind of loyalty turns into stronger relationships and a reputation that lasts.
Cutting Waste Means Cutting Costs
Wasting resources is basically throwing money away. High energy bills, unnecessary packaging, and outdated systems don’t just impact the environment—they drain your budget.
“Many companies are surprised at how much they save when they start paying attention to waste,” suggested Max Baecker, President of American Hartford Gold, a company that can help you invest in a gold IRA retirement account. “When businesses track where resources are going, they can find simple ways to lower costs without sacrificing quality or productivity.”
Determining where money is being used on unnecessary resources keeps budgets in check. Some businesses even qualify for tax breaks when they prioritize eco-friendly practices, turning sustainability into a boon for the planet and their bottom line.s
Employees Want to Work for Companies That Care
There are many potential hires out there, but attracting the cream of the crop can be difficult. Seeing a company that cares can sway some top candidates. More employees want workplaces that reflect their values, with sustainability being one of the biggest factors.
“Workplaces that prioritize sustainability often see higher engagement and better retention,” pointed out Daley Meistrell, Head of Ecommerce at Dose, a company that offers liver supplements. “Employees want to know they’re contributing to something meaningful, and companies that make real environmental commitments create that connection.”
If you’re in the market for top talent, improve your environmental initiatives all year. Whether it’s sustainability goals, ethical business practices, or giving employees a way to make an impact, businesses that take action build a culture people want to be a part of. When employees feel invested in a company’s values, they stay for longer, work harder, and bring more to the table.
How Can Companies Celebrate Earth Day?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to corporate sustainability, but the goal is the same: take meaningful action that supports the planet. Although there are countless opportunities to get involved, here are seven impactful ways companies can celebrate Earth Day.
1. Host a Company-Wide Cleanup
Trash is everywhere—on sidewalks, in parks, and piling up in places it doesn’t belong. Earth Day is the perfect excuse to get outside and do something about it. A company-wide cleanup gets teams moving, makes a visible difference, and reminds everyone how small actions add up.
“Spending just an hour picking up trash in your local area can have a bigger impact than most people realize. It’s an easy, hands-on way for companies to give back to their communities while reinforcing a culture of responsibility,” said Dr. Manjula Jegasothy, Co-Founder of MiamiMD, a company known for its crepe skin cream.
Pick a local park, beach, or even your office surroundings, and provide gloves, trash bags, and recycling bins. If possible, partner with local organizations to amplify the effort. Some companies even turn it into a friendly competition—whoever collects the most trash wins a prize. A little incentive never hurts!
2. Go Paperless for the Day (or Longer)
How much paper does your business use in a day? Between receipts, reports, and unnecessary printouts, it adds up fast. Earth Day is a great time to stop and consider how much can be done digitally instead.
“Going paperless, even for a day, opens people’s eyes to how much waste they create without thinking about it. It’s a small step that can lead to bigger changes in how businesses operate year-round,” pointed out Brianna Bitton, Co-Founder of O Positiv, a company that specializes in MENO menopause supplements.
Begin by encouraging employees to switch to digital notes, e-signatures, and cloud storage instead of printing. Disable default printer settings and let people know why. If going fully paperless isn’t realistic, try reducing unnecessary printing or excessive copies of documents.
3. Offer Remote Work to Reduce Commuting
Cars, buses, and trains keep businesses running, but they also contribute to pollution. One of the easiest ways to reduce emissions is to let employees work from home for the day in honor of the holiday.
“Transportation is one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions, and every car that stays off the road makes a difference,” explained Greg Hannley, Founder and CEO of Soba Mesa. “Allowing for hybrid work, even just as a benefit on special occasions, is an easy way for businesses to lower their environmental impact.”
If remote work is an option for your business, let employees know ahead of time so they can plan for it. If it’s not feasible for everyone, consider alternatives like carpooling incentives or flexible hours to avoid rush-hour traffic. Even small shifts in commuting habits can reduce emissions and make the workday more efficient.
4. Plant Trees or Support Reforestation Projects
Photo Source: Adobe Stock
A single tree might not seem like much, but trees absorb carbon, improve air quality, and provide essential habitats for wildlife. Companies looking for a meaningful Earth Day initiative can take action by planting trees themselves or supporting reforestation efforts.
“Reforestation projects help offset carbon footprints and restore ecosystems that have been damaged by deforestation. Whether businesses plant trees locally or donate to organizations that do, every effort contributes to a healthier planet,” suggested Justin Soleimani, Co-Founder of Tumble, a company that specializes in washable rugs.
Making this happen is easy. If your team is up for it, organize a tree-planting event in a park or local community space. If logistics make that tricky, consider donating to groups like One Tree Planted or the Arbor Day Foundation, which can handle the planting for you. Some companies even pledge to plant a tree for every product sold—it’s a simple way to make a lasting impact.
5. Make a Sustainable Switch in the Office
How much waste is happening in your office every day? Disposable coffee cups, outdated lighting, and single-use plastics all add up. Earth Day is a great time to swap out old habits for better ones.
“Making small, sustainable changes in the workplace can lead to long-term benefits, both financially and environmentally,” suggests Charlie Melvoin, Co-Founder of Zygo, a company whose swimming headphones can show you how to listen to music underwater. “Something as simple as switching to reusable supplies or upgrading energy-efficient equipment can have a major impact on your business over time.”
Pick one or two changes that actually make sense for your office. Swap old-school light bulbs for LEDs, upgrade outdated equipment, or ditch the disposable stuff for reusables. If your team runs on caffeine, get a solid coffee maker instead of burning through single-use pods. Set up a recycling station that people won’t ignore, or replace bottled water with a filtered dispenser.
6. Donate to an Environmental Cause
It’s okay if you don’t have time to plan a big sustainability initiative. Workdays get busy, deadlines pile up, and sometimes there just aren’t enough hours to go the extra mile. Fortunately, donating is a hassle-free way to support environmental progress without adding more work to your plate.
“Businesses don’t have to launch their own sustainability programs to contribute. Supporting conservation and clean energy organizations allows companies to drive real change without building an entire green department from scratch,” said Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies, a company known for their kids GPS watch with built-in safety features, the Bark Watch.
Start by finding a cause that aligns with your company’s values. Some businesses match employee donations, pledge a portion of sales, or sponsor sustainability initiatives within their industry. Even a one-time contribution to groups like The Nature Conservancy or The Ocean Cleanup Project helps push environmental efforts forward.
7. Audit Your Company’s Environmental Impact
It’s time to take a hard look at what’s working—and what’s not. An environmental audit helps businesses figure out where they’re wasting energy, overusing resources, or missing easy sustainability wins.
“Beyond reducing utility costs, energy audits help meet sustainability goals and improve a company’s market reputation, making it an excellent strategy for boosting both financial and environmental performance,” noted Dianne Plummer, Lead Consultant of STEM Spark Solutions, a consultancy firm that focuses on STEM-related solutions for businesses and organizations.
Check utility bills for energy spikes, track how much waste the office produces, or review vendors to see if they align with sustainability goals. Some businesses bring in a pro for a full audit, but even small steps—like swapping outdated equipment or cutting down on unnecessary shipments—can make a large impact. The goal is to spot what’s wasteful and fix it, one mindful change at a time.
Earth Day, Done Right
This Earth Day, forget the gimmicks and empty promises. Today, companies can prioritize smart, sustainable moves that help them step up for the planet while supporting their bottom line.
Although sustainability isn’t a one-time effort, Earth Day is an appropriate time to kick things into gear. Pick an initiative, get your team on board, and build habits that last beyond April 22. Small efforts stack up, and every step in the right direction makes an impact.
