The ‘Great Green Leap Day’: a day off to combat climate change

The National Trust has told all of its volunteers and workers to have a day off on 29th February, and to use the day to do something to help the environment.

Most businesses use the extra day of the leap year to get a free day’s work out of their employees. The National Trust, however, wants its workforce of over 50,000 to spend the day thinking about their environmental footprint and the ways in which they can reduce it.

The trust is encouraging other employers to follow their lead and take part in the Great Green Leap Day.

Employees are being asked to consider taking small steps such as switching to energy saving light bulbs, beginning to use their bike to commute, starting a compost heap, or giving a talk on the environment in local schools and community centres.

In a statement, the trust said: “The National Trust believes that small steps by thousands of individuals are of infinitely more value than millions of words without action,” said the trust in a statement.

“We want to lead by example and encourage others to do the same - starting at home.

“Imagine how much of a difference could be made if other companies across the UK joined us in devoting the day to making the world a healthier place.”

Any businesses and organisations who join the trust in the Great Green Leap Day are being asked to email greenleap@nationaltrust.org.uk, and tell the trust what they are doing to use the day to make a difference.