With the recognition of Earth Day 2025 ‘Our power, our planet’, it’s easy to get swept up in the swirl of alarming headlines – melting ice caps, vanishing forests, fragile ecosystems slipping through our fingers. But buried beneath the bleak statistics lies a quiet, powerful truth: we still have a choice. The future hasn’t been written yet, and the actions we take today will shape the world of tomorrow.

Long-time advocate for sustainability in the cleaning industry, Ashkin Group president and CEO Steve Ashkin agrees. “While we can’t make it perfect, we can make it better.” That mindset, hopeful, determined, is what Earth Day is really about. It’s not just a moment of reflection. It’s a call to action.

This shift in thinking is already underway. Innovations in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and circular economies are no longer fringe ideas. They’re real solutions, gaining momentum. “Companies in the cleaning industry should be watching three key technologies,” Ashkin says. “Electric vehicles, renewable energy with battery storage and sustainability reporting tools. These aren’t just good for the planet – they reduce operational costs and drive real business value.”

It’s this intersection of environmental responsibility and economic practicality that’s fuelling change. Businesses are recognising that sustainability isn’t a sacrifice – it’s a smart investment. At the same time, government policy is beginning to align with long-term climate goals, and consumers are voting with their wallets, demanding better from the brands they support.

Still, the scale of the challenge can be paralysing. Climate anxiety is real, especially for younger generations. But Ashkin believes the antidote to fear is action, no matter how small. “One day we’ll need to look our children and grandchildren in the eye and explain what we did. Even small acts matter, because they show who we are.”

And those acts extend beyond individuals. Ashkin encourages industry professionals to get involved: “Join ISSA’s Sustainability Committee. Let’s shape the trainings, policies and programs that actually work for our sector,” he says.

So with the passing of Earth Day, let’s reframe the conversation. Less about loss, more about opportunity. Less fear, more resolve. The power to shape the future hasn’t slipped through our fingers — it’s right here, in every decision we make.