Throughout April, people all over the world will join together in celebration of Earth Month. At Cox, driving positive environmental change is one of the most important things we do (in fact, it’s why we’ve invested over $100 million in sustainability and conservation projects since 2007). It’s part of a global environmental mission we work toward with local actions. That’s why we partner with environmental impact organizations in Santa Barbara and across the country to make a difference. You could say every month is Earth Month at Cox. 

This month, Cox will partner with the City of Santa Barbara’s Environmental Services Division on its Neighborhood Clean-Up Day, where Cox employees and hundreds of other volunteers from across the community will lead clean-up efforts to transform neighborhoods along the waterfront. Our team’s participation in this event speaks volumes about the commitment of our company and our employees to ongoing conservation efforts, especially in an area that is frequently subjected to the repercussions of climate change. Cox is also a sponsor of the Community Environmental Council’s annual Earth Day Festival and proud to support this important day and celebrate our Santa Barbara community, the founding place of Earth Day.  

This Earth Month, we celebrate our community partners and environmental leaders working toward positive environmental impact. In that spirit, here are some ideas for how to show our planet some love during Earth Month (and all year long): 

Explore Your Environment 

Pick a nearby natural area to explore – in our area, there are many to choose from! Make note of what you observe and how you feel while you’re there. It sounds simple, but appreciation for our Earth starts here. 

Sort Household Waste 

Earth Month is a great time to try sorting household waste more intentionally. For instance, commit to sorting your organic waste for an entire day or week for an eye-opening look at the organic waste generated by your household. If organic recycling is not offered by your waste hauler, there may be a community group in your area that will recycle it for you. 

Volunteer Your Time 

Did you know that, in addition to celebrating Earth Month this month, April is also Volunteer Month? Contact a nearby environmental organization to see if there are any upcoming events or projects you can assist with. One such organization is Looking Good Santa Barbara, which organizes clean-ups through its Adopt-a-Block program. 

Conserve Home Energy 

There are several ways to conserve energy at home. For instance, opt to do chores the old-fashioned way now and then to avoid using heavy-duty appliances. Or try out home automation, so you can breathe easier when you’ve already left home and remember you accidentally left the AC on. 

Here at Cox, driving positive environmental change is one of the most important things we do. Cox met its Cox Conserves goals to send zero waste to landfills by 2024 and are on track to be carbon and water neutral by 2034. With more than $100 million invested in sustainability and conservation projects, we’re on track to meet our aggressive goals. Happy Earth Month! 

Kirsten McLaughlin is Market Vice President for Cox Communications in Santa Barbara.  McLaughlin is also the co-executive sponsor of the California Cox Conserves Council.