As we are celebrating Earth Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past two editions of Green Month, an initiative close to our hearts here at threon. In this blog post, we’ll take a journey through the inception of Green Month, its evolution, the struggles and the positive impact it has had on our company and beyond.
Two years ago, threon made a conscious decision to amplify its commitment to corporate social responsibility. While we were already engaged in various philanthropic activities, we knew it was time to elevate our efforts. We identified four pillars – Employee Well-Being, Diversity & Inclusion, Community, and Environment – as focal points for our CSR initiatives. Each pillar developed a three-year strategy and an annual activity calendar to increase awareness amongst our colleagues.
For the Environment pillar, March emerged as the ideal month for Green Month festivities. With the arrival of spring and a renewed energy among colleagues, we embarked on a journey to raise awareness and inspire action. The goal? To highlight the countless ways individuals can contribute to reducing our ecological footprint.
Our approach to Green Month has always been inclusive and celebratory. We understand that behavioral change takes time and is a collective effort. From promoting greener transportation options to encouraging recycling and reducing meat consumption, our activities have resonated with colleagues at every level.
While Green Month has been a success, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges we faced during the planning and execution phases. One of the most significant hurdles we encountered was finding the right balance between engaging our colleagues without overwhelming them, and educating them without resorting to finger-pointing.
During the first edition of Green Month, our primary focus was on experimentation and finding our footing. We wanted to introduce the concept of sustainability gently, without coming across as preachy or demanding. However, in our attempt to find this balance, we took a cautious approach which resulted in low attendance and small impact. We realized that while subtlety has its benefits, it also runs the risk of being overlooked in the daily hustle and bustle of work life.
Armed with the lessons learned from our first undertaking, we approached the second edition of Green Month with renewed energy and determination. This time around, we adopted a more proactive approach, actively engaging with our colleagues on an individual level and sparking conversations during lunch and coffee breaks. We wanted to demonstrate that sustainability isn’t just about grand gestures but also about the cumulative impact of small, everyday actions.
Central to our approach for the second edition was the idea of leading by example. We understood that actions speak louder than words, and by visibly incorporating sustainable practices into our daily routines, we could inspire others to follow suit. Whether it was taking the bicycle to work, diligently recycling, or opting for vegetarian options during lunch, we sought to showcase the simplicity and feasibility of sustainable living.
We have remarkable individuals among our top performers who demonstrate exceptional dedication, such as those who commuted 30 kilometers to and from the office, even braving pouring rain. Others showcase their culinary skills by preparing delicious Italian lunches, successfully persuading colleagues to consider vegetarian options as excellent substitutes for their usual meals. Additionally, some of our toppers exceled in recycling quizzes, and the ones who didn’t, promptly adapted their behavior in the workplace to implement better recycling practices.
Our efforts to increase visibility and involvement during the second edition of Green Month have yielded visible results. By sparking conversations and fostering a sense of community around sustainability, we saw increased participation and enthusiasm among our colleagues. The buzz surrounding the Green Month extended beyond national borders and led to engagement from colleagues in the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
While our visible activities during Green Month spark conversations and foster change, we’ve also been hard at work behind the scenes. Collaborating with our building owner to maximize solar panel usage, advocating for expanded vegetarian options at our local eatery, and optimizing recycling processes within our office are just a few examples of our ongoing efforts.
As we look back on the past two editions of Green Month, we’re filled with pride at how far we’ve come and excited for the journey ahead. Each small step we take brings us closer to our vision of a more sustainable future. As we look ahead to future editions of Green Month, we remain committed to refining our approach, amplifying our impact, and inspiring positive change, one green initiative at a time.
I have been CSR ambassador for ‘Environment’ since 2022. The call for this role During that transformative time, I delved into sustainability, eager to make a difference not just in my personal life but also within our company. The call for CSR ambassadors was coincidental, and I eagerly stepped up to the challenge.
