HOW BAY AREA COMPANIES HONORED EARTH DAY 2021
We’ve been highlighting Bay Area companies and their sustainability efforts for the past six months. Now is a great time to check in and see what these companies did for Earth Day 2021.
We began our series with Cisco Systems, Inc., recently ranked the #1 place to work by Fortune and Great Place to Work. One of the many reasons employees love Cisco is that it stands by its mission statement: To Power an Inclusive Future for All.
Over the past year, Cisco has helped health workers, hospitals, governments, companies and schools to quickly meet their technology needs during the pandemic. They also made a pledge to fight for a more equitable and just world for all.
As we noted in our first blog on Cisco, the company uses 100% renewable energy in the US, and is well on the way to the same commitment globally.
For Earth Day, Cisco announced a $100 million commitment over 10 years to help reverse the impact of climate change. The funding, coming from the Cisco Foundation, will support nonprofit grants and investments in climate solutions, community education and activation.
“Putting the planet first” is HP’s rallying cry, with a vision to create technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere.
For Earth Day, HP announced cutting emissions across their value chain. They tout “some of the most aggressive and comprehensive climate goals in the technology industry.” By 2040, HP is aiming for net-zero GHG emissions across their value chain. The supply business is up first, with plans to become carbon neutral by 2030.
As the president and CEO says, the targets “will advance HP’s aspiration to become the world’s most sustainable and just technology company.” He understands that this is the time for bold moves that affect the climate.
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, The Gap Inc. continues to make progress with purpose-led, lifestyle brands that “help enrich and protect natural resources and ensure healthy communities for future generations.
The Gap continues on its progress towards bold sustainability commitments. Some of these include:
Eliminate plastic shopping bags by 2023 in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Improve access to drinking water and sanitation for 2 million people by 2023 in India’s textile manufacturing communities.
Expand more sustainable product and practices across their lifestyle brands. This includes using solar, incorporating water-saving techniques, using organic and recycled fabrics and more.
Building a circular economy.
Eliminating single-use plastics by 2030.
With headquarters in Oakland, CA and facilities throughout the state, Kaiser Permanente continues to be leaders in environmental stewardship for the healthcare industry. Kathy Gerwig, Kaiser’s environmental stewardship officer, authored a book entitled Greening Health Care: How Hospitals Can Heal the Planet.
This Earth Day, Kaiser’s messaging told us all to look to nature. Being outside in nature has a positive impact on both mind and body. By looking to nature and the vital role it plays in our lives, we all need to appreciate and take care of our environment. When you are outside, Kaiser tells us to focus on the following:
Observe with your senses
Reconnect outdoors with friends and family
Share your love of nature with kids
Help the environment
By experiencing nature on Earth Day, people will be reminded to take action – local cleanup, planting trees, donating your time (think Climate Reality Project here!), and reduce your carbon footprint – reduce, reuse, recycle. Many of Kaiser Permanente’s medical centers hosted E-waste recycling events as well.
In the last installment in March of this series, we learned about Levi Strauss & Co.’s Climate Action Strategy 2025. The company acknowledges that businesses must play a larger role in fighting climate change, and is taking responsibility for their social and environmental footprint.
For Earth Day, Levi Strauss took an interesting path to helping the cause. They are “on a mission to change the clothing industry. For good.” Levi’s developed an ad that will make donations to eco-charities. The ad highlights Levi’s sustainability credentials, with a “Buy better. Wear longer.” campaign message.
If consumers view the complete Good-Loop video ad, they will have an option to donate money to eco-charities, including River Cleanup, the Jane Goodall Foundation, Viva Con Agua, Green Kayak and others.
Can’t wait to see how companies will honor Earth Day 2022!