Every April 22, more than a billion people around the world work to make meaningful differences at a global, national and local level, for what’s recognized as the largest secular observance in the world—Earth Day!

This year is the 50th anniversary of this one-day event, which is marked as a day of action and awareness dedicated to supporting environmental protection. While this year’s efforts have taken a different shape due to the measures in place to combat the coronavirus, there’s still work being done.

Today, we as an organization are proud to announce we’re implementing new procedures to reduce our carbon footprint at our campuses. We recognize that although we’ve been recycling for years and have put in considerable effort to protecting our local environment, we can do more to reduce, reuse and recycle. We all can.

Over the coming months, we’ll be introducing several new measures, including:

• reduction of Styrofoam in the cafeteria
• the addition of new recycling receptacles and enhanced labeling of existing ones
• creation of a Sustainable Movement Social Group
• installation of new electric car charging stations
• installation of a food-waste composter
• an increase in reusable plates and silverware
• and more!

Once the threat of the pandemic has passed and team members begin to return to the office, they’ll recognize some of these efforts immediately and some not-so-immediately.

Giving back and doing right by our members and our communities is in our credit union DNA. So, as we celebrate Earth Day here from home, take a moment to figure out ways you, too, can have a positive impact on a greener future. Every little bit counts!