Awareness-raising posters “Eco-friendly aid organizations raising our game !”, REH, November 2020

For several months now, members of the Humanitarian Environment Network have been working on awareness-raising posters for international aid organizations. Four posters have been designed that aim to both inform and mobilise.  This project was led by Groupe URD with the support from CARE International and the Joint Unit Environment Unit.

International aid actors are on the front line of the climate emergency. Based on our humanitarian principles, each of us should be doing what we can to protect our common asset: the planet. Everyone has a role to play in the fight to preserve the environment, which is why these posters are aimed at everyone. The posters address 4 broad subjects: ‘transport’, ‘project management’, ‘energy’, and ‘purchasing and services’. They are relevant to all aid professionals at headquarters or in the field, and are available in French and in English for free The aim was not to make them exhaustive, which would have been impossible, but rather to suggest a number of actions to get started.

Different ways to use these posters

These posters were designed to reach as many people as possible and to encourage action at both the individual and organizational level. They can be displayed in offices and shared in different formats. Here are some ways that they can be used:

• Display the posters in A3 format in areas such as the entrance hall of your organization, in cafeterias, in meeting rooms or at events.  
• Print some for your office (headquarters and field) and provide a few copies for your colleagues.
• Relay them via your newsletter (internal and external), internal mailing lists, discussion groups (e.g. pinned at the top of a discussion or group) or via your green team if you already have one.
• Share them on social media on your professional or personal accounts (Twitter, Linkedin etc.).
• Talk about them! Start a discussion with your colleagues with the aim of taking action collectively.

What else can you do?

The REH posters are a first step towards promoting new practices. The environment is everyone’s business, so don’t hesitate to try to motivate those around you.

• Get involved! Create a green team with your colleagues to promote the implementation of these eco-friendly actions.
• Join us! Join the REH and take part in future meetings – individuals or organizations – everyone is welcome.
• Find out more ! Follow the REH on social networks and subscribe to the Newsletter to keep up to date with environmental news in the aid sector.