NoJos Promote Eco-Friendly Practices In and Outside the Office

Sustainability is a way of living and operating that considers the planet’s finite resources and seeks to minimize the negative impact that human activity can have on the environment. Without sustainability, we risk depleting natural resources, damaging ecosystems and contributing to climate change. By promoting sustainable practices, we can create a better, healthier and more equitable world for ourselves and future generations.

Northrop & Johnson has made sustainability one of its top priorities. We have a dedicated sustainability pillar focused on reducing yacht charters’ environmental impact and encouraging sustainable practices throughout the industry.

One of Northrop & Johnson’s key initiatives is promoting eco-friendly yachts and encouraging clients to choose sustainable options. We also encourage all company members to practice sustainable efforts in their daily lives to enhance their efforts further. Our team showcases the daily actions they take to contribute to the protection of the planet.

NoJos Eco-Warriors across every department have come together to show off their at-home eco-friendly efforts.

Growing your own fruits and vegetables has numerous benefits, such as providing a source of fresh, nutritious produce, reducing your carbon footprint by decreasing the need for transportation and packaging, and promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Janine St. Denis made the switch this year in an effort to reduce waste. “My family is being eco-conscious this year by planting and growing our own fruits and vegetables,” says Janine. “The photos show our seedlings, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and a variety of herbs. We also will be planting these seedlings and direct sowing zucchinis, squash and some other types of herbs after the threat of frost has passed – usually Mother’s Day weekend. We are excited to learn how to garden and teach our girls how to grow their own food to reduce waste.”

Easy household changes are a fantastic way to take the initiative toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Aileen Ott explains how she took a simple switch a step further. “A few years ago, I made the switch to Seventh Generation’s Free and Clear Laundry Detergent. Although it’s designed with both people and the planet in mind, I was bothered by the fact that it came in a plastic bottle, which wasn’t as eco-friendly as I had hoped,” says Aileen. “In celebration of Earth Day this year, I’ve decided to take things a step further by switching to Ecos- a plant-powered laundry detergent that comes in a recyclable box.”

Whitney Diedericks also keeps conservation in mind, from refraining from taking plastic bags from shops to collecting paper and cardboard from the office to be recycled. “My family and I also collect all vegetable and fruit waste from our house and make compost out of it in the garden by burying it,” says Whitney. “With the amount of veggies and fruit we eat as a family, I have the richest soil in our town. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it, especially in teaching the next generation to do the same!”

“I’ve always been committed to taking eco-conscious measures at home,” says Ann Avery. “All my bed and bath linens I’ve purchased in the last 15 years have been organic cotton or linen and fair trade certified. I believe in supporting sustainable practices like this.” Ann also makes a point to buy organic food for both her own health and the health of the planet. “Organic food is not only better for my body but also for Mother Earth,” she says.

To reduce single-use waste, Ann uses foldable personal straws. “Small actions like this can make a big difference in reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans,” she explains. Another cause that is particularly important to Ann is saving bees. “I’ve had five beehives removed from my property by a company that rescues the bees and takes them to an apiary,” she shares. “It’s so critical to save our bees, as they play an essential role in pollinating and maintaining our food sources.”

In February 2023, Amanda Thompson took matters into her own hands, removing discarded fishing nets from the beach on the Atlantic Coast of France. “It was very heavy, much heavier than it looks,” says Amanda. “There is what can only be called a crisis happening with fishing on the west coast of France, with hundreds of dolphins drowning in fishing nets every year. This number is believed to be the tip of the iceberg as often when a dolphin is found entangled in a net by the fisherman; it is gutted so that its body will sink and not wash ashore to be found.”

Fiona Maureso poses during the end of a beach cleanup in Indonesia last summer. Beach cleanups offer numerous benefits, including reducing the amount of plastic and other debris that pollutes our oceans and harms marine life and creating cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable beaches for people to enjoy. Additionally, participating in beach cleanups can raise awareness about the impact of human activity on the environment and inspire individuals to take action to protect our planet.

Through these initiatives, both in and outside the office, we can do our part to help protect the planet which we inhabit. The team at Northrop & Johnson is dedicated to working to positively impact the environment and create a more sustainable future.