Today, April 22, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Normally, it is a day celebrated by planting trees, advocating for the environment, or helping clean up neighborhoods –this year we will all have to find unique ways to celebrate the planet earth.
Earth day is also a day to reflect on the connection our Gurus had to the environment around us and support what gives us all life:
Air is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Great Mother of all.
-Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
We can all make an effort to help support the wellbeing of the earth in a variety of ways. In 2019, SALDEF made a concerted effort to reduce our waste and emissions through better business practices. Here are 5 changes we implemented.
- Langar on the Hill was plastic-free –we used paper plates and cups, bamboo spoons and forks, and we encouraged carpooling or the use of public transportation by staff and volunteers.
- We allow for remote work to reduce emissions caused by commuting.
- We encourage all staff to bring reusable items into the office including straw and cups.
- We use online platforms to store documents instead of printing.
- Our offices all have motion-activated lights and smart thermostats.
Share with us how you will be spending earth day or special ways that you help protect our planet earth –you can do this by emailing media@saldef.org or tagging @sikhamericans on Instagram, @saldef on Twitter, and @saldef Facebook to participate.
Happy Earth Day!