The online dictionary defines conservation as “prevention of wasteful use of a resource.” On July 28th we join others around the world in raising awareness about conserving Earth’s resources and ecosystems. At AMS as we practice conservation of resources and we commit to continuous improvement in support of World Conservation Day.
There is no doubt that human beings have exploited the Earth’s resources and polluted the ecosystems. We, the people of the Earth, are becoming aware of changes we need to make, and environmental repair we need to engage in. AMS is dedicated to being a positive force in conservation and environmentalism, and we have been so since the company was formed.
AMS became a Certified B Corporation in 2017, and that means that the environment is now a stakeholder in our business decisions.
World Conservation
Quoting from National Day Calendar [LINK] we offer the following:
“Our planet’s natural resources consist of air, sunlight, soil, minerals, fuels and water. All of these things are found in nature and used by people. Currently, there are nearly 8 billion people that populate the Earth. This number is expected to exceed 9 billion by 2037. All of these people use the earth’s natural resources every day. Because these resources are getting used up so rapidly, many people are concerned they will become depleted. For this reason, many individuals and organizations stress the importance of conserving our natural resources.”
The article offers some ways to conserve our natural resources. As readers will see, AMS does engage in these conservation practices.
#1. Plant trees to reduce soil erosion: At AMS we have not only planted trees on our own grounds but we have annually donated financially to the Rainforest Trust to help preserve the rainforests so vital to the atmosphere.
#2. Reduce, reuse and recycle: In addition to curbside recycling, we recycle stretch plastic, we donate or reuse materials, we have reduced the use of single use plastics by installing multiple water dispensers at each facility, and we provide employees reuseable drink containers.
#3. Carpool with co-workers: Several years ago, AMS partnered with a Vanpool service for our CA employees who commute, and we also encourage carpooling whenever possible.
#4. Shut off lights when leaving a room: AMS has motion generated lighting in its warehouses. We also use energy efficient lighting and natural lighting.
#5. Go digital instead of printing things on paper: We have an in-house IT team, fully developed digital client portal, communications with our clients are digital, online or by phone, and the use of paper documentation is very limited. We partner with a shredding company for our confidential documents which are repurposed into new paper products.
#6. Volunteer for community cleanups: AMS has a very dedicated and active passionate Activities Committee, and our employees have participated in a number of community cleanups, led by our Activities Committee members. The Committee also does fundraisers and makes local charitable donations, the most recent being a fun and tasty Chili Cook-off!
#7. Use non-toxic cleaning supplies: Our Purchasing Department has done a great deal of research on non-toxic supplies, and we purchase and use only products that are not damaging to the environment. We also purchase and use sustainable packaging. Our AMS Green Team has developed a purchasing catalog with recommendations of earth-friendly packaging choices for our clients.
#8. Make your own compost: Our CA facilities are required by our municipal waste company to dispose of compost in a separate waste container for pickup. Our Green Team monitors proper disposal and engages employees to recycle right.
In addition to the above recommendations that we found in the article, we are proud to add a few more recommendations of our own.
#9. Carbon Neutral: AMS used carbon offsets by funding projects that reduce or remove emissions elsewhere to achieve carbon neutral status. Our goal is to further reduce our emissions and move towards being net-zero. We understand offsetting really needs to happen in conjunction with reduction: it should not be a free pass to just continue emitting.
#10. CDP: AMS annually reports to CDP where we have to answer a questionnaire about our environmental impact and actions taken to reduce them. In 2023, AMS reached the Management Level Band.
#11. Memberships: AMS is a member of The Sustainable Packaging Coalition and The Climate Registry (TCR).
A Little History
An excellent website called Universe Public School [LINK] tells us about the history of this day. They refer to it as World Nature Conservation Day.
“At the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972, World Nature Conservation Day was formally established. The United Nations General Assembly formally declared July 28th to be a day to raise awareness of the value of safeguarding nature, acknowledging the critical need for international environmental action. The World Heritage Convention was adopted ten years ago on this date, which highlights the importance of protecting natural wonders even more.”
The article goes on to say, “Today, World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated worldwide with diverse activities and campaigns. It is an essential reminder of our duty to preserve the environment and create a sustainable future. The significance of this day is further highlighted by the persistent problems of resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Future developments are expected to see World Nature Conservation Day take on new forms, addressing fresh environmental issues and encouraging creative fixes for a cleaner Earth.”
We also are encouraged by a timeline they provide:
2018 (A Buzzing Victory): The E.U. completely restricts the outdoor use of three neonicotinoids (a type of pesticide).
1995-1996 (Gray Wolves Return): 40 years after being wiped out by humans, thirty-one gray wolves from western Canada are released into Yellowstone National Park.
1973 (A Law to Protect Threatened Species): Encouraging the preservation of habitats that are vital to the survival of threatened and endangered species is the goal of the Endangered Species Act.
October 5, 1948 (The Establishment of Nature’s Conservation Body): The International Union for Conservation of Nature is founded in Fontainebleau, a small French town.
Respect the Earth – our beautiful shared Earth. Today we are called upon to correct the exploitation, waste of resources and environmental pollution of the past and find ways to care for and preserve the environment from this day forward. The foundation for a stable and healthy society is a healthy environment, and we encourage everyone to make the environment a stakeholder in their business and personal decisions. Here’s to Mother Nature!!
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to People and Planet before Profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
