For countries across the world, the month of June is dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s 52nd Pride celebrations will be far removed from celebrations of years past. But people are planning to show their support in honour of the community nonetheless.
June was christened Pride month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots which took place 21st June 1969. Led by activists such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, the riots highlighted the severe lack of LGBTQ+ rights in America at the time. Now, thanks to the bravery and sacrifice of them and many others, June is dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating those in the LGBTQ+ community.
While Pride parades across the country have been cancelled or moved online, more intimate events that fall in line with restrictions are still expected to go ahead. But while we take this time to celebrate the amazing people within the LGBTQ+ community, we must do so greenly.
So, how can we utilise our environment whilst also looking after it this Pride month?
Reduce single-use plastics
Plastic pollution is one of the most harmful problems facing our environment. And big events such as festivals and parades are notorious for providing attendees with single-use plastics for food and drink. However, this year organisers are encouraging a greener approach to materials used during celebrations.
Across the world Pride parade organisers are encouraging vendors to reduce plastic containers where they can. As well as encouraging parade goers to bring reusable water bottles rather than relying on single-use plastic bottles. Green Peace is even suggesting a plastic free pride in cities such as New York and Chicago.
City Angels is an initiative working to reduce plastic use and keep streets clean during Pride month. Working alongside retailers, restaurants, hotels and other businesses, City Angels are supporting Pride by focusing on the community and social impact of such a large event.
Utilise natural resources
We have reached another British summertime, finally. Not only does the sun brighten everyone’s mood, it also allows us to embrace natural resources. Rather than using artificial light and heating, move your celebrations outside and save on both energy and costs.
Companies across the country are starting to realise the importance of utilising and harnessing elements such as sun to power the world around us. And our Pride celebrations should be no different.
Take care of parks and outdoor spaces
After being restricted to our homes for such a long time, it is only natural that people around the world are craving the outdoors. And with restrictions beginning to lift, people are taking advantage of local parks and green spaces. So, there is no doubt that these outdoor areas will become hubs for Pride celebrations.
Brighton’s Pride parade is one of the cities biggest events each year. In 2018, Brighton and Hove Council decided to increase rubbish bins around the parade trail and in the city centre. However, even with these precautions put in place, the seaside town was left covered in litter. At the end of the celebrations hundreds of people volunteered to help clean the city. Over the weekend more than 100 metric tonnes of rubbish and litter was collected, the equivalent of 10,000 full bin bags.
How can Monarch help?
At Monarch, we actively promote equality. Our promise for equal opportunity in employment applies to everyone, regardless of sex, age, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origins, sexual orientation, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity or political affiliation.
Throughout Monarch and its sister brands, we put our employee’s wellbeing first. We recognise that happy employees make for a better workspace, happier clients and higher productivity. While we work towards a sustainable energy future, we must also create a sustainable environment for ourselves and our workforce.
To hear more about how we can help your business work towards sustainability, get in touch today.
