Menu

The Great Big Green Week: Insights from a Dedicated Green Ambassador

  • Homepage
  • News
  • The Great Big Green Week: Insights from a Dedicated Green Ambassador
This week is The Great Big Green Week

As we dive into the Great Big Green Week, we are excited to share the thoughts and experiences of one of our passionate colleagues, who has recently taken on the role of a Green Ambassador. Robert Beard, a Service Advisor in Peterborough, has shown a tremendous commitment to sustainability, which has already inspired our existing Green Ambassadors. Here are some of his reflections on what being a Green Ambassador means, the changes he hopes to see, and his insights on promoting a greener workplace.

When asked what inspired Robert to become a Green Ambassador, he shared, “As a 60s child and a 70s teenager, I grew up in an environment shaped by the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, which was started in 1954, but as the campaign lost momentum I became aware that the amount litter on the streets was increasing again, spoiling the appearance of communities and making people feel less pride in their surroundings and themselves. Much later, I came to understand this as an aspect of ‘social capital’, the shared values that enable people to live and work positively together.”

Robert Beard

If there was one small, eco-friendly habit he would encourage everyone to adopt is the proper disposal of cigarette butts. “I would urge people to dispose of them in a bin to prevent the plastics and toxic chemicals they contain from poisoning plants and animals,” he says. Toxic substances are released from the filter and tobacco residue that pollute waterways, and the butts may cause physical harm when ingested by animals. So, as well as being able to take more pride in cleaner streets, acting on this change would also contribute to a healthier ecosystem and protect wildlife from unnecessary harm.

In his daily efforts, Robert strives to make a positive impact in the workplace. “I promote our green initiatives and remind colleagues of our green policies with courtesy and good humour,” he noted. It’s encouraging to see how a light-hearted approach can motivate others to embrace sustainability. Looking to the future, if Robert could implement one immediate change to make the workplace greener, it would be straightforward: “I would make it a policy that computers are turned off when they’re not being used. An idling computer and monitor waste more than 400 kilowatt-hours or over £100 a year!” Simple policies can lead to substantial savings and a reduction in our carbon footprint.

Throughout his journey as a Green Ambassador, Robert has learned an essential lesson: “Changing behaviour takes time… and repetition!” It’s a reminder that while we aspire to create a greener world, it often requires patience and persistence. This Great Big Green Week, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on our commitment to sustainability. Join Robert and the rest of the Green Ambassadors in making a difference. Every small action counts, and together, we can pave the way to a greener future!