FedEx Enchanted Forest
It is, of course, very popular to find fault with large corporations these days (very popular, and not an incredible challenge, actually…so many international companies make themselves easy targets). Since multi-nationals are a part of our universe, I am always pleased when I discover ways they get things right. A couple of large companies have recently come to my attention for their focus on climate change and their efforts to engage the public in environmental care.
HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial institutions, has partnered with volunteer service company Earthwatch, the Climate Group, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and WWF to inspire action and dig deeper into climate change with their 5-year Climate Partnership. The goal is to engage at least 100,000 of HSBC’s international workforce to take on decisive action for the environment. They have already set up regional climate centers in China, India, Latin America, North America, and Europe for local research programs and field work, since forests are so different from place to place. HSBC employees can elect to work in the Climate Champion program, working with the scientific community, to help monitor forests, and educate their colleagues, families, friends, and communities.
Federal Express has launched an online initiative (via facebook), called the Enchanted Forest, as a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and FedEx’s own eco-focused organization, EarthSmart (solutions for a more sustainable world). When you go into the animated Enchanted Forest and elect to plant a virtual tree, FedEx translates that action into planting a real tree, aiding reforestation projects in areas affected by wildfires and drought. Click to plant often, and encourage others to do the same, as large companies can put some focus on green that isn’t printed at the treasury.
Change by Doing 