On Earth Day 2024, BG&E Resources (BGER) is celebrating the individual contributions that our employees are making to help conserve our natural resources and environment.
At BGER, we recognise the need to accelerate conservation to ensure we live, work, and play within our planetary boundaries.
From proactively recycling, composting organic waste, conserving water and energy, investing in renewable energy sources, reducing single-use plastics and supporting sustainable food sources, hear about how our staff and their families are implementing sustainable practices.
Reducing Plastic Pollution
This year the theme for Earth Day is focused on plastic pollution, with an ambitious goal to eliminate single-use plastics by 2030 and to reduce plastic production by 60 per cent, by 2040.
Research from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicates one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide, while up to five trillion plastic bags are used every year. Moreover, approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually. The impacts of this on our global ecosystems and planet are not sustainable.
Chris Janas, Marine Structural Engineer at BGER says, “At home, we have the three bins from the local government area, and we’ve taken it on board as a family to ensure that we actively sort our recycling, landfill, and organic matter. It’s a small step but each action makes a difference.”
Containers for Change
The Containers for Change initiative targets the 10¢ beverage containers that are commonly littered or end up in landfills, these include plastic and glass bottles, cans, and drink cartons.
This initiative encourages people to save their containers from landfill and recycle them. Containers for Change has created lots of local jobs and the money from the exchanges goes back into the pockets of those who participate.
Tiana Andreello, Marketing and Communications Advisor at BGER says, “I’ve been collecting the Containers for Change, with my partner for more than 16 months. We collect from our own home and from our families and friends too, which has also encouraged them to get involved. The compounded impact of more people contributing to this sustainable recycling practice is great news for the environment.”
Sustainable Food Practices
From composting to growing your vegetable garden or a weekly trip to the farmers market, eating local is one of the best ways to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food across long distances. Eating local sustainable produce has a direct impact on reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions.
Nat Horsfield, Lead Hydrologist at BGER says, “I was previously involved in the City of Gosnells Transition Town program, which helped to raise awareness about reducing and reusing household items to reduce overall waste. We implemented this at home, where our food waste goes to our chickens, and our chickens lay eggs for us.”
Hashim Hashim, Mechanical Engineer at BGER says, “In our household, we have a small, raised garden bed where we plant local seasonal produce and herbs. The best part of engaging in sustainable practices is the feeling that what we are doing is having a positive impact on our environment, for today and future generations.”.
Sustainable Engineering Solutions
In the workplace, we recognise the compelling need to reimagine value creation, foster long-term resilience and where possible, apply a regenerative approach.
In some cases, our teams assist clients by developing efficient designs that reduce waste and minimise infrastructure footprints.
Brad Thomas, Discipline Lead – Civil at BGER says, “We collaborate with others to minimise the environmental impact of civil works through clever design, innovation and careful consideration of materials reuse. This focus extends through each stage of our projects, from concept through to construction.”
After being in the industry for more than two decades, Alan Fitzmaurice, Lead SMP Designer at BGER, adds, “Sustainability and environmental responsibility are important to me, as I believe that doing what’s right now will yield lasting benefits for the planet and community, in the future. I prioritise sustainability in the same way that we prioritise safety, accessibility, maintenance and operability and the results provide lasting value for clients.”
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This Earth Day, we aim to raise awareness, inspire meaningful change, and foster a deeper connection to nature and our planet.
#EarthDay #thinkBGER #Sustainability #PlanetVsPlastics #EndPlastics
