On April 22, 2025, Earth Day will celebrate its 55th anniversary: a milestone in the global movement for environmental change. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day has sparked collective action worldwide. It has demonstrated that when people come together, they have the power to drive positive, lasting change.
Earth Day 2025, with its theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasises the role of businesses in driving sustainable progress – a theme that speaks to the continued need for collective action in policy and practice. Let’s look at Earth Day’s global significance and why you should support it within your corporate strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Earth Day is a chance to recognise the connection between sustainability and business success.
- Consumers and employees increasingly favour companies with strong environmental commitments.
- Investing in sustainable practices can drive profitability, efficiency, and long-term growth.
What’s the history of Earth Day?
Earth Day began in 1970 when student activist Denis Hayes organised a series of campus teach-ins to raise awareness about environmental issues. What started as a day of action on college campuses quickly became a national movement, inspiring 20 million Americans and drawing attention to the environmental crises of the time, such as oil spills, toxic chemical dumping, pesticide overuse, and wildlife habitat destruction. This day spotlighted a sense of urgency and united people to demand a cleaner, healthier planet.
The first Earth Day laid the foundation for global action; today, it remains a central platform for advocacy, education, and environmental policy change.
What is Earth Day, and why should businesses care?
Earth Day is an annual global celebration and a not-for-profit organisation that raises awareness of environmental preservation and celebrates the achievements of this environmental movement. It’s also a yearly reminder of the importance of sustainability, calling upon individuals, communities, and businesses to preserve our planet for future generations.
For businesses, Earth Day represents more than a one-day celebration; it’s an opportunity to align with the growing global movement toward sustainability. By supporting Earth Day and adopting sustainable practices, businesses play a key role in helping mitigate the climate crisis while also enjoying commercial benefits.
As noted by Earth Day, changing global perspectives mean it’s no longer a choice between going green and long-term profitability – businesses of all sizes must act now.
Earth Day 2025 theme: What does “Our Power, Our Planet” mean?
The theme for Earth Day 2025, “Our Power, Our Planet”, is a call to action for large and small businesses to recognise their influence in shaping a sustainable future. The theme highlights our collective power in addressing climate change, conserving resources, and building a greener economy. It emphasises the need for businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact and act in ways that benefit the planet and their bottom line.
As Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG, says:
This Earth Day, communities worldwide will be holding vital conversations about renewable energy implementation, not only as an essential lever in addressing climate change but also as a key step towards a resilient and prosperous future.
By adopting sustainable business practices, companies can contribute to environmental improvements. What’s more, they can position themselves as leaders in the global drive for change.
Why is Earth Day important for business owners?
Businesses with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agendas are helping combat climate change while reaping financial and operational benefits. For example, it strengthens the brand’s reputation and attracts consumers and top talent.
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Here are five reasons why business owners should embrace sustainability on Earth Day and beyond this date:
1. Enhances brand reputation and attracts conscious consumers
Consumers are increasingly aligning their purchasing decisions with their values. A 2025 report from The Round Up has revealed that 78% of consumers consider sustainability an important factor in their purchasing decisions, while 55% are willing to pay more for eco-friendly brands. This trend will only intensify as Millennials and Gen Z gain more purchasing power. By prioritising sustainability, businesses can enhance their brand image and increase consumer loyalty.
2. Boosts profitability and efficiency
Sustainability isn’t just about environmental responsibility – it’s a sensible move for your business. Energy-saving technologies, waste reduction, and resource efficiency can significantly reduce costs.
Take FedEx as an example. It aims for its entire parcel pickup and delivery (PUD) fleet to be zero-emission electric vehicles by 2040. So far, FedEx Express Europe is saving up to 11.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide per vehicle annually by switching diesel vans to Mercedes-Benz eSprinters.
3. Improves employee retention and satisfaction
Sustainable companies are more attractive to top talent, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. These groups comprise the largest global workforce segment. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, two in 10 Gen Zs (20%) and millennials (19%) have already changed jobs or industries due to environmental concerns – and another 25% plan to do so in the future.
A strong commitment to sustainability can boost employee morale and retention while attracting skilled professionals who value ethical business practices.
4. Helps prepare your business for future regulations
Governments worldwide are implementing stricter environmental policies. This means businesses adopting sustainability measures will be better positioned to comply with regulations and avoid costly penalties. Early adoption of green policies can also provide a competitive edge, future-proofing operations against evolving industry standards.
How to celebrate Earth Day at work
Earth Day is an excellent opportunity for your business to showcase its commitment to sustainability through meaningful activities. It’s not about Earth Day as a one-day event but about long-term actions to reduce your business’ environmental impact.
Here are some actionable ways to celebrate Earth Day at work and show your commitment to sustainability:
- Hold an Earth Day event: Host workshops, speaker sessions, or green challenges that engage employees and raise awareness.
- Reduce your office waste: Launch a recycling programme on Earth Day or introduce a ban on single-use plastics in your workplace.
- Encourage sustainable commuting: Provide incentives for employees to bike, carpool, or use public transportation to reduce their carbon footprint on Earth Day – and ideally beyond.
Long-term sustainability efforts for your business
After the Earth Day celebration, consider integrating sustainability into your long-term business strategy. Here are a few ways you can ensure your company remains committed to sustainable practices all year long:
- Use energy-saving technologies: From smart thermostats to energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, plenty of technologies can reduce your business’ energy consumption and lower utility bills.
- Work towards zero waste: Develop strategies for reducing waste, such as ordering lunches with minimal or no packaging, having recycling and food-waste bins, or exploring plastic-free delivery or refill services for hygiene products.
- Aim for environmental accreditation: Show your customers and employees that your business is committed to sustainability by aiming for certifications such as B Corp. These credentials validate your efforts and help distinguish your brand as an environmentally responsible leader.
The B Impact Assessment (BIA) is a free online tool used by over 150,000 businesses to help them measure, monitor, and improve their environmental impact. Additionally, Green Mark provides a step-by-step approach to businesses looking to develop a fully documented Environmental Management System (EMS).
How 1st Formations is celebrating Earth Day
At 1st Formations, Earth Day is a chance to reflect on our sustainability journey and build on our progress. We are proud to be a certified carbon-neutral business. And we’re proud of being committed to further reducing our emissions by implementing a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP).
Start your business’ sustainability journey today
As Earth Day approaches its 55th anniversary, it’s clear businesses have the power to make a difference. Why not start contributing to a greener future for your business and the planet today? Consider adopting sustainable practices, celebrating Earth Day, and committing to long-term environmental improvements.
Join the global movement today and explore the 1st Formations blog for more insights and strategies to drive positive change. Don’t forget to leave a comment with questions or ideas for celebrating Earth Day.
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