Tree-hugging not required: How everyone can make a difference during Earth Month and beyond

April Tawney

Submitted photo

When you think of a casino, sustainability is not usually what comes to mind. But for Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, it’s a top priority.

As a facilities and surveillance director and head of the property’s Code Green program, I spend a lot of time thinking about things most people don’t — like how much energy those always-on office lights are burning, how many paper towels mysteriously vanish daily and why people treat recycling bins like trash cans. Seriously, half-eaten sandwiches don’t belong with the recyclables.

Code Green is a reflection of employee passion and enthusiasm for green issues that can have a lasting impact on the community, a public pledge to explore and implement ways to reduce the property’s environmental footprint. It’s nerdy stuff, but I love it.

Earth Month in April is a great reminder to be a little kinder to our planet, but why stop there? What if we treated every month like Earth Month? I’m not suggesting you sell your car and live off the grid, unless that’s your thing, in which case, respect. I’m talking about simple, everyday changes that add up in a big way.

What businesses can do

Businesses that want to make a difference can:

• Replace energy-guzzling lightbulbs with LEDs.
• Unplug appliances when they’re not in use (yes, your coffee maker is secretly sipping power all night).
• Get serious about waste — if your recycling bins are just for show, it’s time for a rethink.

What individuals can do

For community residents across the Valley, it’s the little things:

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Say no to plastic bags.
• Bring a reusable coffee cup for your morning joe instead of adding another to-go lid to the landfill.
• If you must print something, don’t immediately crumple it up and toss it.

As a global corporate citizen, our property is dedicated to collaborating with other organizations to advance industry-wide and overall corporate climate leadership. We participate in a variety of climate awareness activities including Earth Day and Earth Hours events, Adopt-A-Highway Clean Up efforts and hosting educational activities for members of the Pinal County community. If businesses out there want to join in, I would love to share ideas of where to get started.

Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. If we all do a little, we can achieve a lot. So, let’s make every month Earth Month — because, frankly, we don’t have a backup planet. And if you do feel compelled to hug a tree, I fully support it. Just ask permission first.

Editor’s note: April Tawney is director of facilities and surveillance for Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. She lives in Chandler. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.