Earth Month: Why businesses need to prioritize the planet

Since its conception in the 1970s, Earth Day has grown into a global phenomenon. Celebrated throughout April, over 190 countries take part in activities such as tree plantings, beach cleanups, recycling drives, environmental workshops, and advocacy campaigns. 

While dedicating a single day to environmental awareness is important, Earth Day—and the whole of Earth Month—must extend beyond April, because our planet is in dire need of year-round care. Improving biodiversity through rewilding projects and sustainability initiatives all take time and investment to enact at scale, which is why companies should take a leading role in bringing us towards a wilder, greener, and more sustainable planet. Earth Day should serve as a catalyst for businesses to adopt sustainable practices and maintain them throughout the year.

When is Earth Month?

You’re probably more familiar with Earth Day, observed every year on April 22nd. Earth Day is the brainchild of US Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Dennis Hayes, who were moved to action following a devastating oil spill off the Santa Barbara coast in 1969, which killed thousands of seabirds and countless more marine species. Modeled after the anti-war student movements of the era, the first Earth Day engaged 20 million Americans, which was roughly 10% of the country's population at the time. 

But real change doesn’t happen in a single day—it’s the result of sustained efforts over time. That’s why Earth Month, celebrated throughout April, is so much more impactful. It’s more than just a month of the year; it’s a movement that builds awareness, inspires action, and creates lasting momentum for environmental progress. The real power of Earth Month lies in its ability to spark meaningful, long-term change.

Why should companies care about protecting the planet?

There are several reasons why businesses should care about our planet and its biodiversity, beyond the obvious. While on an individual level we can lower our impact, it pales in comparison to the kinds of action businesses can achieve by taking action. This is why it is more important than ever that all levels of economic activity take the environmental crisis seriously.

Stewardship of the Planet

It goes without saying, businesses have a moral obligation to protect the natural world and ensure its health for future generations. The unwelcome truth is that we are living through an extinction event, which is entirely driven by human overconsumption.The destruction of habitats from agriculture, climate change from fossil fuel exploitation, and the spread of invasive species have reduced the planet's biodiversity by 69% in the last 50 years.

It’s been reported that just 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. Therefore, the enterprises that benefit the most from exploiting the planet’s resources, should play the biggest role in protecting them. Sadly though, that’s not often the case, so it’s up to the rest of us to be responsible for the planet’s future, and for all types of businesses—from start-ups to large corporations—to set an example. 

Consumer demands

Studies consistently show that consumers want to spend their money with companies that care about the environment and social responsibility. Climate change and biodiversity loss affects us all, and one of the few things individuals can do is support companies that share their environmental concerns—and are doing something to offset their impact.

The problem with this is that it can lead to greenwashing—misleading or deceptive actions or statements made by companies to make their products and services seem more environmentally friendly than they actually are. Earth Day and Earth Month aims to unite individuals, organizations, and governments under one mission. Using Earth Month as the catalyst for meaningful action shows your businesses' commitment to protecting the planet in a way your customers can resonate with. 

Global responsibility

There is now more international pressure on businesses to care about the biodiversity crisis and changing climate. Lots of countries have introduced measures in the past decade that businesses now need to comply with. Examples include the European Union Air Quality Directive, Packaging Waste Regulations, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) which requires large companies to disclose their environmental impact, including carbon emissions. 

International agreements like the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encourage all businesses to take action on biodiversity loss and its impact. The Paris Agreement encourages countries and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. It was signed on Earth Day in 2016. Keeping up-to-date with global regulations guides companies towards sustainable business activities and avoids issues down the line. 

Earth Month: Inspiring action for year-round change

For all these reasons and countless more, businesses should use Earth Month as a starting point to spread awareness and provide lasting momentum for change. Earth Day is now recognized as the planet’s largest annual civic event, and has been the starting point for a number of key environmental legislation such as the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Earth Month can kickstart long-term initiatives that align with global frameworks, involve the community, and lobby for change. While it sometimes feels a bit hopeless, there have been plenty of positive actions that have taken place since Earth Month 2024. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. It mandates that businesses be held accountable for their impacts on biodiversity, and for resources shifted from subsidies that are harmful to nature to projects that restore it.

However, just as important as global mandates is awareness and commitment. Businesses can use Earth Month and Earth Day as a starting point to pledge their commitment to environmental action—and there are many ways to make real impact. 

Planet Wild For Business

One of the most impactful ways to meet your biodiversity goals is to partner with Planet Wild. We provide numerous ways for companies of all sizes to take a leading role in rewilding our planet.

From custom missions to corporate membership, your work with Planet Wild will fund groundbreaking rewilding missions, showcase your environmental leadership and create real impact. Want to take the next step? Book a call with us!