For the past 46 years, the Earth Day Network – a collection of dedicated and passionate individuals – have pursued a mission to educate, inspire and motivate others to “go green.” Here at BRW, we design architecture with a focus on sustainability – but we wanted to do more.

This year, our Sustainability Team began this task by taking a second look at everyday operations.  “Many people were using their private trash cans for paper only. The difference between a trash can and a recycling can is only a label, which we were able to make in-house,” said Alexis Flores, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, “It was an easy way to make a big impact without any effect on people’s daily work habits.”

The news spread, we shared our labels with neighbors, and now every business in our building – not just BRW – has properly labeled recycling cans that would otherwise be considered trash.

Our efforts didn’t stop there.

Once a month Sonya Shah, Associate AIA and member of our Sustainability Team, organizes a group of BRW volunteers for the Adopt a Shoreline program. The volunteers gather to participate in keeping White Rock Lake beautiful and clean.

“We have a designated area off of Northwest Highway and Lawther where we spend roughly two hours picking up trash along the shoreline and the trails,” said Shah. “It’s a great opportunity for us at BRW to get together with our families and give back to the community.”

You can make a difference too! For more information regarding Earth Day and how you can get involved, please visit http://www.earthday.org.