When it comes to protecting the environment, Friends of the Earth (HK) believes everyone should play a part, no matter how small. It came up with the Earth Partner programme in 2005 to encourage corporations to devote serious efforts to bringing about environmental changes. Since then, the programme has been launched annually on April 22 to coincide with Earth Day.
Earth Partner has engaged the private sector in a variety of ways, mostly through education and activities to raise awareness while providing a platform for organisations to promote environmental awareness within their companies.
One of the consistent aims is to offer opportunities for companies and employees to work together in practical ways to improve their living and working environments.
The central theme of Earth Partner 2012-2013 is GREENABILITY 360?, which extends the programme to apply environmental awareness and low-carbon living to all aspects of life, says Janet Fok, development manager of FoE (HK).
'We have always focused on four areas - minimising air pollution, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, waste management and waste reduction, and water conservation. This year, we want to broaden the programme and incorporate these concepts into our daily living activities,' Fok says.
To help Earth Partners carry out their green actions, FoE (HK) has developed a list of 12 green deeds as practical guidelines for participants to follow. Participating companies are encouraged to support at least three green deeds throughout the 12-month period.
According to Fok, the more green deeds that a company supports, the more chances it has to be selected as Superior Earth Partner of the Year - the highest honour for the company that has demonstrated a great deal of commitment and effort towards the Earth Partner programme.