Microsoft believes that technology can empower people and organizations to achieve a more sustainable future for our planet. From our devices to our cloud, we’re using the power of technology to minimize the environmental impact of our products and improve the efficiency of our global business operations.
Although Microsoft has been a carbon neutral company since 2012, sustainability is a choice we make every day. As Earth Week kicks off today, here are a few ways you can learn more about, and even participate in, Microsoft’s new and ongoing sustainability programs and initiatives:
Visit Our New Website
In order to showcase our growing environmental investments, we’ve relaunched our sustainability website. We hope you’ll stop by to discover how our company-wide carbon fee has financed significant investments in renewable energy to power our data centers, improved the operational efficiency of our buildings and facilities, and helped reach more than six million people through the purchase of carbon offsets from community projects around the world. These projects focus on low-carbon economic development and providing opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
Support Sustainable Devices
On our new website, you’ll also find useful information about Microsoft’s efforts to green the lifecycle of our products from start to finish, including a robust program for refurbishing and recycling Microsoft devices. We manage the complexity of the return and recycle phase by partnering with recycling organizations, joining forces with collection schemes, and working with retail stores and other partners to facilitate the return and recycle process for consumers. Our Refurbished PC Program, for example, helps reduce e-waste by encouraging the purchase of certified used products through a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. It’s an economic and environmentally-friendly solution that we’re proud to offer for our customers and the planet, and it now offers Windows 10 devices.
Celebrate Earth Day
In addition to our year-around commitment to sustainability, business teams across Microsoft will be taking extra steps to commemorate Earth Day. Here are a few places you can engage with Microsoft on environmental topics this week:
- Follow us on Twitter: Stay in touch with Microsoft Green and get the latest updates from our Microsoft Green Blog by following @Microsoft_Green on Twitter. You can also learn more about how Microsoft is helping to build safer, smarter, healthier and more sustainable cities by following @MSFTCityNext; or tune in for news and perspectives on broader legal, public policy and citizenship topics by following @MSFTissues.
- Check Out Bing: The Bing Homepage will feature the Florida Everglades as part of National Park Week (April 16-24) and Earth Day. Don’t miss the reference list of worldwide Earth Day celebrations accessible via the Bing hotspots.
- Chit Chat with Cortana: Cortana will share a variety of fun facts about Earth Day and the environment via Chit Chat on your device. Go ahead and ask a question!
- Go Underground: On April 21-22, Microsoft will feature “Growing Underground,” a story about reimagining the way we grow food, sustainably. “Growing Underground” is about a team of innovators, empowered with Microsoft technology, who transformed an abandoned underground WWII bunker into a farm. Watch the ad here or tune in Thursday to CBS This Morning 2 and Friday to Good Morning America on ABC to see the :30 story. Additional :15 versions will be featured in paid social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. See our longer story in U.S. theaters starting on Earth Day, this Friday.
• Join a Hackathon: Earth Day also marks the start of the 3rd Annual “Fishackathon” April 22-24th, a global effort to address overfishing in our oceans. Microsoft is an organizing sponsor for the Seattle-area Fishackathon, bringing together volunteers from the University of Washington and local companies who will study technology-driven approaches to sustainability.
Earth Day is an important reminder that we all have a part to play in creating a more sustainable future. We look forward to connecting with you this week and sharing more about Microsoft’s environmental commitment. And check back here on Friday for a special Earth Day post about how protecting the world’s forests fits into Microsoft’s holistic sustainability strategy.