As environmental preservation has taken a leading role in the travel industry and companies are striving to “go green,” Earth Day, recognized annually on April 22, has more meaning to NBTA members this year than ever before. NBTA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee is encouraging NBTA members to educate their employees about what CSR means, and, in doing so, they have gathered to share with the membership some examples of ‘green” initiatives NBTA member companies are undertaking to encourage their employees to unite in protecting the planet on Earth Day and every day.

CooperVision, Inc.

CooperVision, Inc. has purchased reusable water bottles for all of their employees in the administrative offices and is doing away with disposable plastic water bottles. Brita is doing a campaign to reduce disposable water bottles and they are using the slogan “Refill Not Landfill” on these bottles, along with the company name.

Mannatech

Mannatech has sponsored a clean-up project in support of Earth Day & the Great American Cleanup project. To encourage employee participation the first 10 volunteers will receive a T-shirt.

Sabre Holdings

Sabre Holdings is promoting their global Give Time Together campaign the entire week of Earth Day. One of their many programs encourages spending time together as a family to make a difference in the community while passing on the tradition of volunteerism. Many free activities

will be incorporated, including kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, archery, air rifles, geocaching, obstacle course, remote control airplanes, outdoor cooking, scuba diving, fishing and more.

Timberland

Timberland is launching a two-year service campaign to promote Community Re-greening. To launch the campaign, the company sought employee proposals for Earth Day service projects that contribute to the re-greening of communities,  including the creation and/or improvement of public greenways or trail systems, community gardens, playgrounds, green roofs, or edible gardens for schools.

NBTA is curious to hear from its members what they are doing to help protect the environment and offset their carbon footprints as it relates to the travel industry. Are you seeking partnerships with vendors that offer green programs? Maybe you’re encouraging your staff to opt for hybrid rental cars? Are you incorporating environmentally friendly practices into your meeting planning? NBTA has adopted a new green policy for its meetings and events, which includes among many others the reduction of printed materials and examination of environmental policies and practices of all third-party vendors involved. read more about NBTA’s green efforts

Email to pr@nbta.org your company’s efforts and ideas to contribute to Earth Day and the preservation of our world.

Return to Connecting News April 2008