Sara Haney, Fiber Network Inventory Specialist
Every organization and individual has an impact on the environment. Now more than ever, it is critical we all take responsibility for the part we play in global warming and Earth’s degradation. Raising corporate environmental sustainability awareness not only benefits the planet, but can also allow corporations to save money on resources, provide an exemplary image to other businesses, and highlight their values to stakeholders and employees.
My experience with Zayo’s Sustainability ERG has positively changed my experience as a Zayo employee in general. My background is in urban planning and environmental policy and the Sustainability ERG has provided me with an outlet to continue to exercise my interests and education – something that I missed as a newcomer to the telecommunications field. Through the ERG, I have been afforded the opportunity to meet many incredible, hardworking people who are creative and collaborative, and who challenge me in ways that are unique to my day-to-day responsibilities.
There are so many effective and creative ways Zayo employees can practice sustainability in the workplace and personally. I believe the first and most important step is to always stay informed. Stay educated on the local and national environmental news and talk about it. Have conversations with your coworkers, friends, and family members about what’s happening at home and around the world, how we/you are contributing to these events, and then make plans to do something about it! Volunteer with your friends at a local nonprofit, hold your partner and kids accountable for taking long showers or leaving lights on around the house, choose to carpool or bike to work once a week, watch that environmental documentary tonight instead of Love Is Blind (*cough cough*… @ myself).
You have to make the choice to be more conscientious and keep such issues at the forefront of your mind and the people in your life that you care about. We in the United States are extremely fortunate to live in a country where most of us do not have to directly experience the adverse effects of climate change. It’s easy to turn a blind eye to the unfortunate reality, which is why I think action and education is a choice you have to consciously make for yourself. Although, it’s not just for you, but for everyone else you share this planet with, and for the generations yet to come.