Earth Day: What does your company have to do with it?

April 22 marks Earth Day, a date created to remind us of something essential: the planet is our common home — and it is in crisis. But anyone who thinks that this crisis is only environmental is wrong. It is social, economic, ethical. And it is knocking on the door of all sectors... including the business one.

The first Earth Day celebration took place in 1970 in the United States, proposed by Senator Gaylord Nelson as a response to growing public concern about pollution and environmental degradation. The mobilization brought together about 20 million people and was a milestone for the global environmental movement. Today, more than 190 countries celebrate the date, reminding us that preserving the environment is a collective — and urgent — commitment.

In a world where resource scarcity, climate change, and social expectations are growing, sustainable companies are not only welcome. They are necessary.

Environmental impact and the role of companies

According to the International Energy Agency report, more than 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from industry and the energy sector linked to productive activities. In addition, problems such as excessive water consumption, waste generation, and irregular disposal directly affect biodiversity and the quality of urban life.

But it's not just about preventing damage.

The private sector has a key role in leading solutions. Innovative companies are driving real change by rethinking their business models, their value chains, and their relationship with the community and the environment.

Sustainability as a strategic Advantage

More than an environmental agenda, sustainability is a smart business strategy. According to research by the Harvard Business Review, companies with consolidated sustainable practices have better financial performance in the long term, as well as greater resilience to crises.

Implementing sustainable practices can generate:

• Reductio of operating costs (with energy efficiency, reuse of materials, etc.)

• Enhancement of the brand and institutional reputation

• Attracting consumers and talent with purpose

• Ease of access to investments and credit (ESG)

  In addition, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) guidelines is now practically a prerequisite for operating in large markets and international chains.

Where does sustainable consulting come in?

Many companies recognize the importance of sustainability, but don't know where to start. That's where specialized business consulting comes in — with tools, diagnosis, and an action plan adapted to the reality of each business.

Helping your business grow with purpose means:

• Integrating sustainability into strategy

• Identify risks and opportunities

• Engage teams and stakeholders

• Measure and communicate impact clearly

In practice, sustainability is no longer a discourse and becomes a concrete and strategic action.

Conclusion: Growing, but with a legacy

On this Earth Day, an honest question is worthwhile:

Your company just wants to grow... Or also leave a legacy?

As Mahatma Gandhi said:

"The world has enough for the needs of all, but not for the greed of a few."

Transformation starts with a decision.

And it can start today.

Referências Bibliográficas

1. International Energy Agency (IEA) CO2 Emissions in 2022 – Global Energy Review

2. Harvard Business Review. Eccles, R. G., Ioannou, I., & Serafeim, G. (2014). The Impact of Corporate Sustainability on Organizational Processes and Performance. Harvard Business School Working Paper.

3. United Nations (UN) Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS)

4. Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Sustainability Reporting Standards

5. Earth Day Organization. History of Earth Day

6. Gandhi, Mahatma. Quote: "The world has enough for the needs of all, but not for the greed of a few." (Attributed in several records of discourses on consumption and social justice)