Saturday, 25 March 2023 marks Earth Hour, which encourages cities, companies, organizations, and each of us to spend 60 minutes with something – which can be anything – to positively contribute to our planet. The idea is to raise awareness for protecting the world we live in; this hour shall remind us to make all other hours count.
Since our beginnings in 2007, Earth Hour has been known for the “lights off” moment – a symbolic event to show our collective support for the planet. Usually, there are many events – globally or locally, that people can attend on Earth Hour Day to make their contribution.
Here is what our Sustainability Team Members and our Swedish offices (one of our leading offices when it comes to Sustainability Initiatives) recently did for their individual Earth Hour:
Here is what our Sustainability Team Members and our Swedish offices (one of our leading offices when it comes to Sustainability Initiatives) recently did for their individual Earth Hour:
Therese Strootmann, Bertling Hamburg HQ
Sustainability and environmental protection are very important topics these days. I also try to do my bit and cycle to work whenever possible.
Cycling itself does not emit any greenhouse gases and thus gets us from A to B in a climate-friendly way without causing harmful exhaust fumes.
The comparison of modes of transport by the Federal Environment Agency shows that cycling and walking can save 139 grams of CO2 equivalents per person-kilometer.
In doing so, I not only protect the environment but also do something good for my body. Everyone can contribute to the preservation of the planet even with such small things. Every action helps.
Kara Murphy, Bertling Middlesbrough
For earth hour this year, as well as switching off the lights for an hour, I will be taking some time at the weekend to plant ‘BeeBombs’ in the garden and in pots. These little clay ‘bombs’ contain British wildflower seeds which are specifically selected to encourage and support bees and other pollinators. In the UK 97% of wildflower habitat has been lost since the 1940’s and this has had a direct impact on pollinator populations.
The great thing about the BeeBomb is it, thankfully, requires no gardening skill at all, just a patch of open ground to scatter them on. It’s a really simple way to improve local biodiversity and hopefully brighten up the garden a bit.
Ella Cederstav, Bertling Sweden
I believe it’s important to remember that making small changes in our daily lives can have a large impact on the environment. Choosing to eat more sustainably by opting for organic, seasonal, locally grown, and vegetarian options may seem like a small change, but it can have a significant impact on the food industry and the environment.
By being mindful of the food I eat and where it comes from, I can contribute to a more sustainable future. Look for food with a smaller ecological footprint the next time you go grocery shopping and try to eat a couple of vegetarian dishes each week.
Markus Huewener, Bertling Hamburg HQ
Installed back in 2003, it was the first of its kind in my neighborhood and critically viewed by the neighbors – my own photovoltaic system.
“The UFO has landed!” and “Disfigurement of the house” were the most harmless descriptions.
20 years later most of my neighbors have a PV installation and are proud to contribute to the fight against climate change.
Stephanie Luening, Bertling Hamburg HQ
Last weekend our daughters and I participated in the local “Clean Trittau” action, which takes place in our town several times a year. We got a bunch of classmates of my older daughter together (she just started school in summer last year) and cleaned up on their way to school, nearby bus stops, and around the school – all these places, which get crowded during the week and where lots of garbage is left – unfortunately.
In total, we walked about 6km and collected several kgs of garbage. My girls were quite proud that they contributed to a “Cleaner Trittau” and for us, it is important that they learn already now that we all must contribute and keep raising awareness for a clean environment.
Earth Hour is so much more than just switching off the lights for one hour. It is a symbol of hope, a joined action, and a demonstration of the power of collective action for our future and the planet’s – and this is what we will all continue to strive for at work at Bertling Logistic and at home in our private lives on our joined Road to Zero.
