Every year, Itron celebrates Earth Day as a way to bring our communities together for a fun day of volunteerism and community engagement across the globe. With nearly 8,000 employees spread around the world, our community champions enjoy leading Itron Earth Day activities and creating educational awareness with STEM education programs, tree plantings, trail clean-ups, and environmentally friendly practices in our buildings and communities.

While the chance to get out and volunteer may look a little different this year—with shelter in place and social distancing guidelines in place worldwide—the planet, and our communities, could use our help more than ever. Here at Itron, our mission and vision are founded on purpose. We know that the way we manage energy and water will define this century and believe that as global citizens, if we work together—even from a distance— we can improve energy-water literacy, encourage conservation and inspire future innovations to shape a more resourceful world.

As we all distance ourselves to “flatten the curve,” we can still stay connected in purpose and support the planet from home together. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Get outdoors and enjoy a nature walk on a local trail or around your neighborhood. Pick up trash along the way.
• Look for ways to conserve energy and water while working from home.
• Mentor students with educational resources made available by Itron.
• Plant a tree or garden, with honeybee-friendly flowers.
• Build a birdhouse or bird feeder.
• Have a car-free day.
• Look at ways you can reduce single-use plastics in your day to day.
• Share your stories of #resourcefulness at: https://poweroverenergy.org/contest/

How do you plan to celebrate Earth Day this year? Share your ideas in the comments below #earthday2020.