Earth Day (22 April) 2025: A greener path forward

Our mission is about hope, healing, and second chances - and that applies just as much to the planet as it does to people. This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” is a powerful call to action. Plastic pollution is everywhere, from oceans and rivers to the food we eat and the air we breathe. This makes this year’s Earth Day more urgent than ever.

he 2025 Earth Day campaign is pushing for a 60% cut in plastic production by 2040.

This matters to us because:

• Plastics break down into microplastics that we ingest and inhale.
• Plastic waste especially affects vulnerable communities.
• Much of the plastic used in healthcare and prisons ends up as clinical or hazardous waste.

At Forward, we serve people in settings that intersect with these issues every day, which makes it even more important that we take action.

What are we doing at Forward?

We’re proud to share just a few of the ways we would be reducing our footprint and building sustainability into our operations, including:

• Conducting a clinical waste review to cut down on single-use plastics.
• Exploring greener purchasing policies with more eco-friendly suppliers.
• Auditing energy and waste efficiency across sites like Cloud House.
• Have a staff engagement campaign on recycling and reuse during Recycle Week 2025 (22-28 September).

We’re not perfect—but we’re making progress. And Earth Day is the perfect time to celebrate that.

How you can get involved

Here are 5 easy ways you can make a difference this week:

1. Use reusable coffee cups or water bottles.
2.  Switch off lights and electronics when not in use.
3. Choose to walk or cycle short distances.
4. Sort your recycling carefully.
5.  Share your Earth Day photos or green tips with us at adejoke.idowu@forwardtrust.org.uk.

Every small action adds up and your effort matters.

The bigger picture

The Forward Trust is working toward a Net Zero future by 2045 by cutting our carbon emissions, reducing waste, and making smarter environmental choices, because a greener organisation is a healthier, more resilient one for everyone we serve. Let’s build a culture where doing right by the planet is simply part of how we do things.

Happy Earth Day, and thank you for helping us build a greener path forward!