submitted by April Tawney, Director of Facilities and Surveillance, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
When you think of a casino, sustainability is not usually what comes to mind. But for Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, it’s a top priority. And thankfully…why I have my position.
As a facilities and surveillance director and head of our property’s Code Green program, I spend a lot of time
thinking about things most people don’t—like how much energy those always-on office lights are burning, how many paper towels mysteriously vanish daily and why people treat the recycling bin like a second trash can. (Seriously, who keeps putting half-eaten sandwiches in there?)
The CodeGreen program is a reflection of employee passion and enthusiasm for green issues that can have a lasting impact on the community. It is a public pledge that our organization and the people who work here explore and implement ways to reduce the property’s environmental footprint. I know…nerdy stuff but I love it.
Earth Month in April is a great reminder to be a little kinder to our planet, but why stop there? What if we treated every month like Earth Month? No, I’m not suggesting you sell your car and live off the grid (unless that’s your thing, in which case, respect). I’m talking about simple, everyday changes that add up in a big way.
For local businesses: Let’s swap out those energy-guzzling lightbulbs for LEDs. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use (yes, your coffee maker is secretly sipping power all night). And let’s get serious about waste — if your recycling bins are just for show, it’s time for a rethink.
For community residents across the Valley: It’s the little things—turning off the tap while brushing your teeth,
saying no to plastic bags or remembering to bring that reusable coffee cup instead of adding another to-go lid to the landfill. And if you must print something, maybe don’t immediately crumple it up and toss it (I see you).
As a global corporate citizen, our property is dedicated to collaborating with other organizations to advance
industry-wide and overall corporate climate leadership. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino participates in a variety of global climate awareness activities including Earth Day and Earth Hours events, Adopt-A-Highway Clean Up efforts and hosting educational activities for members of the Pinal County community. If businesses out there want to join us, I would love to give you some ideas of where to get started.
Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. If we all do a little, we achieve a lot. So, let’s make every month Earth Month — because, frankly, we don’t have a backup planet. And if you do feel compelled to hug a tree, I fully support it. Just, you know, ask permission first.
Photo courtesy of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino.
