SoCal Region Green Team Shares Sustainability Tips During Earth Month

This Earth Month, Green Team members from the American Red Cross Southern California Region share simple steps that you can take to build a more sustainable future.

April 03, 2024

By Dana Maze, American Red Cross

April is Earth Month, a time when people around the globe commit to building a more sustainable future and raising awareness about the worsening climate crisis. The Red Cross is committed to doing our part to help mitigate the climate crisis and reduce our environmental footprint by implementing a multi-year plan to cut our emissions, reduce our waste and lower our water use.

Among many sustainability efforts, the Red Cross has Green Teams that engage employees and volunteers in advancing sustainability efforts at a regional level. Green Teams provide an opportunity to gather ideas and identify sustainability opportunities within regions and support regional leadership with local sustainability activities.

This Earth Month, Southern California Green Team members share simple steps that you can take to build a more sustainable future!

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“One of the simplest things to do is remembering to turn off the lights or turn down the thermostat when you leave a room. It's an easy thing to do and can make a big impact over time on our energy usage, especially if everyone does it!” - Becky Firey, Executive Director, American Red Cross Orange County Chapter

Amy Newell looking mirror while patting face with reusable wipe.

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“After a long day's work, I am happy to take my makeup off with reusable wipes with micellar water. These save me from using disposable ones every day, producing less waste!” - Amy Newell, Disaster Program Manager, American Red Cross San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter

Himne Dress holding up bamboo reusable utensils

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“It feels good to cut back on single-use utensils and it’s easy to do! I keep a set of bamboo utensils in my car, so I have it ready for lunch at the office and everywhere I go.” - Himne Drees, Volunteer Partner and Regional Volunteer Connection Lead (VCN).

Dana Maze holding up Red Cross reusable water bottle.

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“I bring a reusable bottle to the office and use the water refill stations rather than single-use plastic water bottles. Even small actions like this can make a big difference!” - Dana Maze, Regional Communications Manager, American Red Cross Southern California Region

Nearly a dozen individuals cleaning up plants at Orange County Red Cross office.

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“Last summer we converted the landscape at the Red Cross Orange County Chapter to drought tolerant plants. By making this switch, we will save 200,000 gallons of water each year.” - Becky Firey, Executive Director, American Red Cross Orange County Chapter

Ana Roberts holding white reusable water bottle.

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“Whenever I go somewhere, I use and refill my reusable water bottle. This way, I reduce plastic waste!” - Ana Roberts, Communications Intern, American Red Cross Southern California Region

Naomi Nolte Carroll holding reuseable baggy

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"I save my veggie scraps in food storage bags in my freezer. Bonus points for reusable food storage bags! Then, I use the veggie scraps to make vegetable broth. This helps reduce food waste AND saves me money on store-bought vegetable broth." - Naomi Nolte-Carroll, Marketing and Communications Manager, Red Cross Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program

Are you interested in joining the Red Cross Southern California Region Green Team? Contact Becky Firey or Dana Maze to join the team.