Our Opinion on Sustainability

Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility

On 22 April 2012, it was the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day. In 1970, after the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, Earth Day celebrations were initiated to raise awareness of environmental degradation and challenges facing humanity. Fast forward to the future where we celebrate a number of environmental awareness days including the Green Office Week and World Environment Day.

Today, the level of environmental awareness has increased among the general public. There are more civil society groups involved in environmental activities and business has changed its approach to environmental management by integrating sustainability within processes.

Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa recognises a healthy environment as a basic human right. Despite this, we continue to experience a decline in environmental quality. The 2012 Environmental Performance Index conducted by Yale University reported that South Africa's environment has deteriorated in the past decade, ranking it at 128 of 132 countries.

Everyone has a role to play in improving environmental quality, preserving it for future generations. Events like Earth Day and World Environmental Day give us an opportunity to take action towards a sustainable future by adopting a sustainable lifestyle. The theme for Earth Day 2012 is “Mobilise the Earth”, presenting us with the challenge to take action that will last beyond the day.

What are your plans? Let the IMPERIAL Logistics sustainability team know at sustainability@il.co.za