By Chibuzo Ihegboro
In celebration of World Environmental Day (WED), leading brands across various sectors have revealed how they champion environmental action by adopting eco-friendly practices in their daily operations. From launching recyclable packaging and introducing energy-efficient solutions to cleanup campaigns, these companies say they have designed innovative programs and products to reduce their carbon footprint and support ecological conservation.
The brands leading this charge on environmental sustainability are One Million Tree Initiative (OMTI), a non-governmental organisation, LG Electronics Inc, CE Power Solutions, SMP Media Group, and GSR 360 Ltd. These companies are also championing tree planting campaigns, not only to combat climate change but also to support local ecosystems.
WED is celebrated annually on June 5, aimed at encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
This year, the theme – ‘Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience’ was coined by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. This is because up to 40 per cent of the earth’s land is degraded.
Hence this year’s celebrations did not only show a diverse array of actions aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices, but it also witnessed a seamless partnership of top brands and environmental groups to amplify their awareness efforts on the need to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
Speaking at the WED tree planting event held at Omole Phase One in Lagos, Josfyn Uba, co-founder of OMTI said that they have been at the forefront of environmental stewardship, implementing projects that aimed to transform the way people think about the environment. “Our group is focused on planting one million trees to preserve the earth”, she said. “Various acts of pollution and degradation have exposed our planet to dangers. Destroying the earth is like destroying your lungs, so we must create awareness on the impact of trees on the environment for people to understand and support the initiative for earth preservation.”
Also, Washington Uba, OMTI founder, affirmed that planting trees plays a crucial role in regulating regional and global climates by influencing patterns. Uba also disclosed that his organisation has embraced the usage of only eco-friendly materials in its work.
He said, “Using Polystyrene (single-use Styrofoam packs) is very bad for the environment. It is slow to degrade, and if disposed of improperly, the foam can leach dangerous chemicals into our water sources. Polystyrene creates an enormous hazardous waste and contributes to global warming. And that is why we have switched, and calling on everyone to switch to eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable plastics, aluminium foil,
wooden cutleries, and brown paper bags.”
Electronics giant LG Nigeria also highlighted its consistent drive to plant trees. Moses Osime, the brand’s Public Relations Officer assured that environmental sustainability is a topmost priority to them. “At LG Electronics, tree-planting is one of our major CSR projects. It’s an initiative we started in 2011 at Alausa, where we planted over 200 trees. That project got us great recognition from the Lagos State Government and they gave us an award. We have not rested since then and have continued to plant more trees to save our environment.
“The health of the nation is important, so we plant trees because of the huge benefit to the people. We have planted trees at Magodo, Maroko and also at Pan-Atlantic University, in the Ibeju-Lekki Area of Lagos State. And we want to assure Nigerians that LG is not resting because we will continue to support the campaign to plant more trees to protect our humanity,” Osime said.
Another partner, CE Power Solutions, also backed moves to reduce carbon emissions which destroys the ozone layer and environmental degradation,
Executive Director – Legal, ESG, HR & Admin, Lady Cheta Nwabuike said that her company is spearheading the use of eco-friendly power-generating solutions that run on solar, and compressed natural gas (CNG).
“In CE Power Solutions, we use solar and compressed natural gas to generate power because it is cleaner and more environmentally friendly. We also believe in the land restoration drive through tree planting. That is why we appreciate the opportunity to partner in the WED tree-planting event with OMTI. One of the benefits we derive by planting trees is that we’ll have a lot more oxygen to breathe in,” Nwabuike said.
For GSR 360, a business conglomerate involved in engineering, media and brand development, the quest for zero carbon emission in their operations has led them to switch to CNG-powered engines in their operations.
The company’s representative, Mr Misty Uba, also urged all hands to be on deck to ensure that the dignity of the earth is restored through tree planting. “In GSR 360 our corporate social responsibility has always been focused on environmental projects. In 2010, we worked with the Lagos State Government to monitor waste from industries. It was on until 2016 when we teamed up with Reggae Republic on a tree planting project, and from there we moved on to join the OMTI.
“Also we are moving forward to adopt CNG in running the engineering section of the company. Presently we already have two CNG machines in our lagos and Port Harcourt offices. And I urge everyone to join the effort in restoring the dignity of the earth because we have nowhere else for humanity to live in,” he said.
Executive Director, of SMP Media Group, Emeka Ikade also encouraged organisations to go green in their operations. “If we don’t take care of our environment, it will not take care of us. The only way to protect the environment is to be involved in tree planting. The message is clear because we now experience unusual heat, and rains at unusual times. This shows that something is happening to our environment, so every little thing we need to do, must be done,” he said.
In the same vein, Kingsley Uranta, a media practitioner and co-founder of OMTI tasked the media to also champion environmental sustainability and Climate Change awareness through consistent storytelling and highlighting news reportage on the matter. He also expressed delight at the keenness exhibited by OMTI along with their partners to save the earth.
“As we celebrate World Environment Day, let us remember that our actions today determine the future of our planet. So as individuals, communities, organisations and nations, we have a shared responsibility to take action against climate change and protect our land,” Uranta added.
The WED event at Omole Estate saw the planting of over 50 tree saplings in major areas of the community. The newly planted trees will not only enhance the beauty of the estate but also help to improve air quality, provide habitats for local wildlife, and combat the effects of climate change.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Honourable Bimbola Osikoya, Chairperson of the Omole Housing Estate, expressed joy at the successful event, saying that it has inspired residents to continue their efforts in promoting environmental sustainability in their community.
She said, “I know the role tree planting plays in the environment. The benefits are much and we are ready to support it because it’s a good course. So we urge other communities to embrace the tree planting initiative because it would help protect the earth, and create a cleaner and healthier environment for us city dwellers.
“Tree planting remains a veritable and age-long means of fighting desertification and reforestation. Trees provide enormous benefits to our everyday lives. They filter the air, prevent erosion, provide fresh drinking water, and create homes for thousands of species of plants and animals. Trees serve as windbreakers and help insulate homes as well as reduce heat,” she said.