L et's assume that all the companies in Israel would offer all their employees (4 million people, according to data from the Bank of Israel) to clean the beaches and forests simultaneously. Where would we dispose of all the trash that would be collected? Not to mention the “secondary damage” that such an event would cause, considering the employees would be equipped with water bottles, disposable utensils, etc. So what can we do? And how? First of all, it is important not to give up on the thought that volunteering significantly helps improve the quality of our environment. Companies have an essential part in the matter, and it mainly comes down to accessibility: how accessible is it for the employee to protect the environment? Putting aside the various online resources listing life hacks for making the office space greener - I will recommend ways that will actually help us all make volunteering a greener experience. First and foremost, volunteering opportunities should be made a permanent, convenient, available and easy activity for male and female employees. For example: 1. I invite you to take part in the following circular projects: - 'Play It' and 'A Hug for Winter'. Two ventures which were started during the Coronavirus outbreak, but have been running successfully abroad for years, are designed to collect toys and coats from employees which are then sorted and delivered to organizations that distribute to those in need. According to Nature Magazine, the textile industry is responsible for 10% of global emissions and is
the second largest polluting industry (following aviation). So what can we do? Reduce consumption and make reuse available! Once a quarter, join a ‘give-and-take’ market in the office, or initiate one yourself! Organize a garage sale, get some cool branding and bring everything that’s been lying around in your closet or at home. You can either donate or sell - thereby joining circular economy initiatives. You don't have to stop at just clothes, collect and recycle batteries, glasses, plastic bottles, and much more... 2. Organize a quarterly tree planting day, or help construct an urban garden at a school- introduce a culture of growth (literally) in the employees’ voluntary activity, include employees’ children, parents and grandparents, retirees from the company, your suppliers, and you’ve suddenly multiplied the power at hand to save the planet. If we want to reduce the environmental damage on the planet, help nature regenerate itself and make it a safer place for future generations to live in. We all have to play our part - there are many volunteer opportunities in this field – and we will be happy to coordinate your next volunteering activity. Keren Lavi, Manager of the Business Volunteering Department Ruach Tova
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