The COVID-19 lockdowns have brought about a greater appreciation for nature, and it's crucial that businesses, as well as individuals, take advantage of this opportunity to make a positive impact.

One significant way companies can reduce their environmental impact is by adopting sustainable practices and promoting a healthy lifestyle for their employees.

Here are some tips to get started:

• Reduce meat consumption: Encourage plant-based diets in the workplace by offering plant-based meal options that everyone can try, or by organise meat-free days, such as “meat-free Mondays”. Not only will this help the planet, but it can also have a positive impact on employees' health and wellbeing.

• Create a sustainability committee: Establish a committee dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and identifying opportunities for improvement.

• Use eco-friendly products: Consider switching to eco-friendly products such as recycled paper, biodegradable cleaning supplies, and energy-efficient equipment.

• Implement a green purchasing policy: Create a policy that prioritises purchasing from environmentally responsible suppliers and encourage the use of sustainable products.

• Reduce waste: Implement recycling and composting programs in the workplace and consider reducing the amount of single-use plastic and paper products used. Promote the usage of reusable coffee cups and food containers and avoid single-use plastics.

• Optimise energy use: Consider installing solar panels where possible or ensuring buildings are well-insulated to minimise energy consumption. Additionally, encourage employees to switch off lights and unplug devices when not in use.

• Promote sustainable ways of transportation: Encourage employees to walk, cycle or use public transportation to get to work or consider offering incentives for carsharing. Alternatively, you can also encourage employees to work remotely when possible, to reduce commuting and the associated carbon emissions.

• Support local farmers: Purchase seasonal and locally sourced food and beverages for company events and meetings and provide employees with resources to find sustainable food options near their workplace.

In addition to these tips, promoting a sustainable healthy work-life balance can greatly improve employees' overall wellbeing and productivity. Consider implementing flexible work arrangements, promoting physical activity and mental health initiatives, and providing healthy snack options in the workplace or in company events.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of taking care of our planet and each other. While individual choices can only go so far, they are an essential starting point for shifting towards a more sustainable future. Companies can play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and healthy practices, and it's time for all of us to act. Let's use Earth Day as an opportunity to make a difference and emerge from the pandemic with more fruitful solutions for our planet.

By Ligia Flor Oliveira. Check out her blog.