This year, as we observe Earth Day on April 22, our nation will see a renewed commitment to sustainability priorities. According to Earth.org, the United States is the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world. In 2019, the Sustainable Development Report ranked the U.S. 35th out of 162 countries in terms of sustainable development and among the worst across the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development with a sore of 74.5 percent. And while Americans are said to constitute only 5 percent of the world’s population, we consume 24 percent of the world’s energy. Something must be done to change all of this. MSP Design Group is here to help.
WHY TAKE ACTION NOW?
It is said that there is little time left before the world takes a dangerous and potentially catastrophic climate trajectory. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), everything we need for survival and our well-being depends on our natural environment. If our environment and climate is in danger, so are we all. We must, as the EPA puts it, pursue sustainability and “create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.”
MSP Design Group understands this and works with our vendors to provide promotional items to our clients that are reusable and environmentally friendly.
According to the EPA, there are four areas we can work on in order to deliver sustainable results. Here they are, along with everyday actions we can take to make a difference.
Energy efficiency
- Swap out your old light bulbs for LED or CFL bulbs. Traditional incandescent bulbs use 25-80 percent more electricity than LED and CFL ones and burn out three to 25 times faster.
- Unplug things when they aren’t in use and use smart power strips. It’s estimated that 75 percent of the energy used to power household electronics is consumed when they are switched off. Smart power strips shut off the power to electronics when they are not in use.
Green infrastructure
- Make tree boxes and tree trenches a part of your office and home landscapes. These such bioretention systems collect and filter stormwater through mulch, soil, and plant roots, where pollutants can be retained, degraded, and absorbed.
- Collect water in rain barrels and cisterns. This system of collecting water from the roof prevents runoff and allows the water instead to be used through our landscaping.
Sustainable materials management
- Recycle both at work and at home. Recycling decreases pollution while producing positive economic benefits.
- Try composting at home. Composting enriches soil, suppresses disease and pests, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi.
Sustainable purchasing and products
- Purchase that are made from recycled content, bio-based, energy- and water-efficient, or void of hazardous and toxic chemicals.
- Go green for your business. Sustainable procurement can help you improve your reputation among staff, customers, and the public. It also helps save you money and reduce your materials, equipment, and running costs. From reusable straws and utensil lunch sets to water bottles and bags, MSP Design Group offers such promotional items your staff and clients will appreciate.
MSP Design Group is doing our part in offering recyclable and reusable promotional products all year round. You can do your part by promoting the products you buy that have sustainable packaging. Are sourced from sustainable means. Use water-based products. You can make difference.
