Earth Week 2022 is here! 🌎
Learn about AmpUp's environmental commitment and ways you can celebrate Earth Day 2022.
Happy Earth Week 2022!
It all started in 1970, spearheaded by a few visionary activists and politicians. There were many precipitating events at the time that inspired a closer look at the human impact on the environment, such as oil spills, Rachel Carson’s publication of Silent Spring, and an environmental movement through universities. On April 22nd, 1970, the movement spread beyond university teach-ins to large scale community action, culminating in the first Earth Day in 1970 that brought 20 million Americans together.
Earth Day has since become a global achievement, with non-profit Earthday.org prevalent in over 192 countries and reaching one billion people under the common goal of protecting the planet. The organization leads several efforts and projects throughout the year, such as The Canopy Project to combat global deforestation by planting trees in critical regions across the globe. In addition, Earthday.org manages programs and projects related to sustainable fashion, educational art, and regenerative agriculture, to name a few areas of focus. We encourage all our readers to learn how you and your local community can get involved in this year’s Earth Day.
AmpUp’s Environmental Commitment 🌲
Our passion for clean energy and environment stewardship is simple. AmpUp is committed to protecting both the environment and human health. We acknowledge the environmental impacts of our business decisions and strive to incorporate more sustainable practices in our daily operations and long-term objectives.
To better account for our own impact on the environment, AmpUp adopted a companywide environmental policy in 2021. Our policy serves as a standard by which we can actualize our values and commitment to the environment in the work that we do. We acknowledge the environmental impacts of our business decisions and strive to take a more sustainable and long-term strategy in our work by:
reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and solid waste to the best of our abilities
participating in working groups and public initiatives that advance for EV adoption and clean energy
sharing and educating on the importance of vehicle electrification
enabling our customers to reach zero emission goals through the use of our platform
Additionally, AmpUp joined The Climate Pledge in 2021, accepting the challenge to reach net-zero carbon by 2040 alongside Amazon and 300+ corporate signatories.
Helping Customers Achieve Net Zero ♻️
AmpUp software solution helps EV charging station site hosts understand their positive impact on the environment. We capture important energy metrics to help track and quantify the benefits of EV adoption, including the total energy (kWHs) of charge stations and CO2 saved per station.
We are the only EV charging network provider participating in carbon offset marketplaces on behalf of our clients to earn them more money for their charge station investment. These credits are calculated and assessed at regular intervals to determine the amount of carbon dioxide prevented from entering the atmosphere with the utilization of electric energy. The metrics can be shared with stakeholders and policy makers to enhance public health policy directed at reducing carbon emissions and providing healthier, cleaner, and safer environments in every community.
Rolling Up Our Sleeves 🌻
As a company committed to the environment, AmpUp is constantly looking for ways to make EV charging solutions even more sustainable. AmpUp employees have volunteered with conservation advocacy in their communities, including positions with the Somerville (Massachusetts) EV Advisory Group and GRID Alternatives solar installation for low-income housing. This year the AmpUp team is celebrating Earth Day by participating in local efforts to protect and better the environment. Several employees are participating in trash and litter removal in their communities, while another employee is working to conserve water by installing a drip line irrigation system for a local animal shelter.
As a company in the clean transportation sector, we develop and implement long-term sustainable goals internally and with our partners. AmpUp works with hardware manufacturers who ensure responsible sourcing and manufacture their hardware in the United States. Additionally, we work with renewable energy partners to bundle a solar plus EV charging solution for clean energy fueling. Better site management through AmpUp’s software solution can lead to infrastructure and system efficiencies that encourage increased transportation accessibility.
What Can You Do This Earth Week? 💡
There are many ways to get involved and countless opportunities to make a difference. Your company can develop an environmental policy to help codify your values and mission with respect to sustainability. Environmental policies should have clear and practical objectives that can be applied year after year and goals that encourage company-wide participation. Specific commitments and actions depend entirely on company resources. Start small and then grow your policy and its related sustainability programs as more employees get involved. Here are some great ideas upon which to build a company policy or program:
For company leadership:
Encourage a company team or committee to spearhead an environmental program, and one that meets regularly to set and analyze goals.
Allow your employees a day off on Earth Day to actively participate in community events.
Develop a corporate matching gift program that supports local conservation groups.
Consider remote work options to decrease carbon emissions associated with commutes.
Organize recycling at your office. Cardboard, aluminum cans, office pack, bottles, and even food waste can be recycled depending on your location.
Invest in transportation electrification by installing EV charging stations for employees (work hours) and the public (off hours).
For individuals:
Research the products you use every day and switch to more sustainable options if possible. From laundry detergent to shampoo to grocery sacks, many companies offer more eco-friendly options at a comparable price.
Contact your legislators and support campaigns and policies that advance conservation and sustainability.
Recycle at home. Depending on what your local facilities offer, organize a few containers in your kitchen or garage to sort different waste for reuse and recycling.
Above all, find your passion and pick a thing! Love sea lions and pelicans? Enjoy a quiet walk in the forest? Hate highway litter? There are hundreds of ways to get involved in your local community to support environmental conservation.
How will you be celebrating Earth Week? Find a virtual or in-person event near you at www.earthday.org.