For more than 50 years, we’ve been celebrating April 22 as Earth Day to celebrate the achievements and bring awareness to the modern environmental movement. Every year has a different theme, and this year's focus is “Planet vs. Plastics,” to end our dependence on single use plastics, get rid of plastic waste, and to reduce the production of plastics worldwide by 60% by 2040.
The PJ team took that message to heart and wanted to be able to make a difference in their neighborhood. “We decided to contact the city of Fort Lauderdale to see what volunteer opportunities they had available,” said Christine Conde, Phillip Jeffries South Florida Showroom Manager. “We thought this was a great opportunity for team building and doing something great for the environment.”
Phillip Jeffries showrooms across the world participate in the Great and Worthy Purpose initiative to create a more beautiful world by giving back to their local communities. On Saturday March 2nd, Conde, and the South Florida showroom team: Karina Tengo, Renee Indell, Daniella Quesada, as well as Claudia Caiazzo from the contract team volunteered at the historical home, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, where they helped clean up the mangroves on the estate.
Within a few hours, the team managed to clean up around 150 pounds of trash and debris.
“Those mangroves are endangered species, so it was very rewarding to clean,” said Christine. “We collected at least 12 bags of all kinds of trash from bottles to cushions, shoes, toys, food, tires, and even animal fossils and diving equipment. The team was very happy to accomplish it.”
Christine credits the Phillip Jeffries’ ethos and leadership team with setting a great example. “Our company is very strong on recycling and sustainability and giving back to the community. We plant trees for every order a client places all around the U.S. and Asia,” she said. “I don’t know if a lot of companies do what we do but it’s very fulfilling. They always do it, and they inspire us. It’s leading by example.”
The South Florida showroom team is already planning their next volunteering day. They are hoping for another clean up before the summer rains start and Conde said that they are working on participating in Feed America to help prepare food for the homeless towards the end of the year.