UN staff make a pledge for WED2012

Over the last four months UN staff from around the world have been making pledges for World Environment Day.   So far over 400 people have signed up to more than 460 actions which will help to reduce their daily greenhouse gas emissions.  

Pledges are pouring in from across the world, from Norway to Argentina and from Liberia to the Philippines. 

The heads of some UN entities are leading the way.  Pledges have already been made by Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of IFAD who has pledged to “continue using my refillable IFAD water bottle instead of plastic water bottles, and provide only water pitchers and glasses at the meetings that I host”.  

Ertharin Cousin the new Executive Director of WFP has made a pledge on behalf of herself and also the WFP Deputy Executive Directors to “downgrade travel entitlements , in line with those of all other WFP staff.  Specifically, I am requiring our use of economy class tickets for short-and medium-haul flights.  I am also encouraging staff to use travel alternatives such as video conferencing services.”

There has been no shortage of innovative ideas, here’s just a few:

“I pledge to buy and eat local, in-season products as much as possible, carry a textile shopper at all times and avoid buying packaged goods.”
Sabine, IFAD, Italy

“I will help save electricity by having the office door closed when the aircon is on.”
Cayetano, UNDP, Cuba

“I will only use one paper towel to dry my hands in future.”
Mandy, UNFCCC, Germany
 
Those who make pledges will be entered into a draw for one of five fabulous prizes – a box of Fair-trade chocolates, a box of renewable light blubs, a bicycle bell, a top of the range water-bottle or a vegetarian cook book.  Anyone who promotes the campaign via Twitter using the hashtag #letsgreentheblue will also be included in the draw, as well as anyone who shares it via Facebook.

You can make a pledge by visiting the Pledge Page and telling us what you’re planning to do.

Take a look at who’s been pledging so far.