On our fourth day of Ethics Week, we’re focusing on “Our Value in Action,” Environmentally Responsible – We take action to improve our environment. We connected with VIP Award Winner and Ethics & Compliance Specialist Krista R., to understand what it means to her to put our value into action.
“To me, being environmentally responsible means taking ownership of our everyday actions that impact our planet and being curious when you don’t know how things impact the environment.
One way I take ownership is to clean up trash in my community. I do this solo, with friends, and even during cleanups sponsored by a local organization. It’s a simple, effective way to help be environmentally responsible.
Taking ownership of helping to keep my community clean is one small step that I hope has a larger impact. If a few neighbors see my example and think twice about stepping over trash on the ground and throwing it away, that’s progress.
I think it can be intimidating and confusing when you hear things like ‘sustainability’ or ‘environmentally friendly.’ Not everyone is very familiar with those terms or understands what they mean, but don’t let that stop you! If you don’t know, ask. If I don’t know, I’ll ask an expert or check out resources, such as our Recycling Basics.
Lastly, I would say share your knowledge when people show their interest. I had a friend ask me once if a certain item could be recycled. When I explained to her it couldn’t be and why, she was grateful for the clarification and started recycling the proper way. The important thing is asking, learning, doing, and sharing.”
This is just one of many ways you too can put our value of being Environmentally Responsible into action.