Shoosmiths supports Earth Day 2021

Thursday 22 April 2021 marks international Earth Day co-ordinated by the Earth Day Network with more than one billion people in 192 countries making it the largest civic observance in the world.

The theme this year is ‘Restore Our Earth’ and focuses on natural processes, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems.

As the world returns to normal, we can’t go back to business as usual and Shoosmiths is on a net zero emissions pathway as one of our key sustainability priorities. We aim for our operations to become net zero by 2025, we have committed to the Science Based Targets initiative to set science-based emissions reduction targets across the entire value chain that are consistent with keeping global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and we have established a sustainable travel policy statement.

We are also proud to be part of @BITC’s #Challenge2030 campaign to make the climate crisis history. Businesses must accelerate the transition to climate resilience and net zero carbon as close to 2030 as possible. Whatever stage you’re at now is the chance for business to step up: https://bit.ly/2PDDS2x #EarthDay2021 #BuildBackResponsibly

In promoting Earth Day to staff we suggested a number of ideas to ‘Restore our Earth’:

• Undertake pro bono legal advice to environmental charities.
• As we begin to emerge from lockdown restrictions choose how you want to use your annual one day a year volunteering in the community allocation.
• Check out what we are saying on the New How: Green recovery section of our website here
• Talking to others about climate action? Check out Business in the Community (BITC) to find its ideas on how to create a positive action plan here and details on BITC climate action events and resources here
• Check out the WSP produced 'Home Guide: how to achieve a sustainable home life'. WSP provides environmental support to Shoosmiths including carbon footprint measurement and our net zero emissions strategy. Check out the guide here
• Out for a walk or run? Pick up litter (safely of course) and dispose of correctly. You could take part for instance in the Great British Spring Clean to clear litter from our streets, parks and beaches. More details here

We also asked staff to share stories and tips about what they have done to live more sustainably over the last 12 months.