Capgemini colleagues pledge to Restore Our Earth

Big initiatives at an organizational level are great, but it is the small day-to-day actions of people that form the building blocks for a more sustainable future.

Every year on April 22, Earth Day is observed to work together to make our world a better place. We’ve collected pledges from our colleagues across our Business Services global business line worldwide to showcase how we’re helping to Restore Our Earth.

Go meatless and reduce food waste

Veganism is on the rise. According to a recent study presented by Carbon Brief, the meat and dairy industries create 7.1 gigatons of greenhouse gases annually, which accounts for 14.5% of total man-made emissions. What’s worse, methane (a by-product of the animal’s ruminant digestive process) is 34 times more potent than CO₂. As a result, animal-based foods generally have a larger carbon footprint.

Cutting down on or omitting meat altogether and growing your own fruit and vegetables are two small but effective ways to help the environment. They also help cut down on waste and encourage companies to invest more in the production of meatless alternatives.

Vanessa Tullio, Human Resource Manager at Capgemini Brazil, has pledged to do her part by going meat-free and growing her own food: “I’ve been collecting knowledge on seasonal produce, natural pesticides, and organic recipes, which has boosted my personal commitment to this journey, and made me feel more connected to our planet!”

Environmental awareness is driving organic initiatives

Deforestation is a huge driver of climate change, destroying biodiverse ecosystems that are essential if we want to rehabilitate our climate. Apart from dietary changes to help curb deforestation, planting trees and keeping nature clean can help counter climate change.

Jason Tadena, Process Associate at Capgemini Philippines, has pledged to keep the mountains clean and green, and teach the youth to do the same. He says: “My love of hiking has helped me realize that humans are responsible for maintaining nature’s cleanliness. We’re not the only ones benefiting from nature’s gifts – animals also rely on a clean habitat. Restoring some of the practices our ancestors once used is also something we should consider.”

I pledged to help the environment by planting trees and teaching others to do the same. My children and I plant small saplings as well as acorns and chestnuts in our garden. We have the ambition to grow an apple tree from the seeds of a wild one beyond our garden – it has some beautiful fruit! If everything goes well, we will be able to plant it in the spring of next year.

It’s not a difficult task to plant a tree, and yet we lack this basic knowledge because we are deeply estranged from the natural world due to the fast-paced, technological landscape. Technology needs to be used to enhance climate initiatives and not break them down.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

More people are becoming minimalists as they become aware of all the “stuff” they throw out which is then sent to landfill sites. These sites produce CO₂ further contributing to climate change if left uncontrolled. Upcycling is a brilliant way to reduce waste, and the need for natural resources in the production process.

Aileen Chatterjee, Communications Specialist at Capgemini India, came up with a genius idea to reduce waste. She pledged to help the environment by renting her wedding dress rather than buying it. Wedding outfits in India are so elaborate that brides can’t re-wear them for other occasions. By ditching these traditional practices, more brides are shifting their mindset to reduce the waste that comes along with a once in a lifetime event!

Aileen says: “While I may not be able to enjoy the sentimental value of keeping it for generations after, I still get to wear my desired outfit at a fraction of the cost. It won’t end up occupying space at my home thereafter and someone else can reuse it. The dress is temporary, while the memory lasts forever!”

Our children’s future is in our hands

Now more than ever before, we need solutions that need to come from the ground up. For the sake of the planet and the generations to come, our children must learn that not everything needs to be bought but that some things can be grown or reused. Our evolution as a species depends on it.

If we work together, we can truly drive positive change for our planet. A brighter future for our children and ourselves is in our hands.

Katarzyna Zolna-Boron

Business Services Comms Lead, Capgemini’s Business Services

Katarzyna Zolna-Boron is experienced and accomplished in managing marketing processes. She is a highly motivated and dedicated leader in her field.