Rush Street Interactive Actively Celebrated Earth Day in Nature
Earth Day is a worldwide event celebrated annually on April 22nd, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of environmental protection and inspiring individuals and organizations to take action for the well-being of our planet. Various activities are organized on this day, ranging from trash clean-ups and tree planting to promoting eco-friendly habits. In Estonia, companies can participate in Earth Day celebrations in many ways. A great example is Rush Street Interactive (RSI), which engages its international team in nature-related activities every spring. We organized a hike for them at the Äntu lakes, where they also helped clean up a campsite. We asked RSI to share their experiences with these sustainable team events. Read on to find out what Ann-Marii Reiväli, RSI Employee Experience Specialist, had to say.
Environmentally conscious hikers from RSI arrived in buses
1. You hiked with us at the Äntu lakes to celebrate Earth Day. Do you celebrate Earth Day every year? Why is it important for your team?
As an international company, it’s important for us to celebrate diverse and enriching events, including Earth Day. At RSI, raising awareness about nature and the environment is crucial for both our employees and our followers and partners. We only have one planet to live on, so we should all do our best to care for and love it. Additionally, such nature days offer a wonderful opportunity for our employees to take a break from their screens and recharge in the fresh air while hiking. These activities are highly valuable for our team at RSI.
2. Why did you choose the Äntu hiking trail for your team day? What made this trail stand out from other options you considered?
We trusted Wanderlust 100% on this choice. Our main criterion was that the location be conveniently located since we have offices in both Tallinn and Tartu. We can confidently say it was a fantastic choice because Äntu is an absolutely amazing place!
The hiking guide Tõnis introduces the hiking trails of the Äntu lakes before setting off
3. You experienced both rain and sunshine on the hike. How did the weather affect your team day, and what memorable moments did you have related to the weather?
The rain didn’t bother us at all; our team dressed wisely. At times, it rained and shone simultaneously, offering a stunning view of the Äntu lake!
4. You helped clean up the area around the Äntu lakes and brought new firewood to the shelter. What were your team’s emotions and feelings after the cleanup efforts? Was there a particular moment or emotion you’d like to highlight?
I can confidently say that everyone was genuinely happy because the sun was shining, we were well-fed, and we were enjoying nature. However, it was disheartening to see how irresponsibly some people still dispose of their trash in the forest. We did such a good job that the locals, who planned to clean up the area as part of the “Teeme Ära” campaign, were worried we had cleaned everything up!
A four-legged friend watches over that the work is done properly
5. What beneficial team activities have you undertaken on Earth Day in the past, and how do these collaborations affect you?
Last year, we planted trees and hung birdhouses, followed by another hike. Such collaborations are always very positive because Estonian forests have a remarkable ability to relieve stress and make people happy.
6. How do you think such team events affect employee motivation and productivity? Have you noticed any changes in the work environment after these events?
The atmosphere is always noticeably more positive and relaxed. People are more open and at ease, often forming new connections with colleagues they might not interact with daily.
After the hike, lunch was waiting for the participants
7. You enjoyed pea soup made by a local kitchen at the end of the hike. How important is it for you to use local service providers when organizing events, and why?
Whenever possible, we prioritize using local service providers to support their businesses. This time, our caterer received high praise for serving the best pea soup in the world.
8. What are your recommendations for other companies considering organizing similar team events? What should definitely be taken into account and where should they start?
There’s nothing to consider 🙂 just start doing it! What could be better than a day in nature, being active, and doing good for our environment? It’s a win-win situation 🙂
At the end of the hike, the campsite was equipped with new firewood
9. How do you plan to continue contributing to environmental protection and sustainability in the future? What do you do daily to achieve these goals?
At our events, we always try to be as sustainable as possible. For example, we avoid using paper when games can be conducted virtually using QR codes or apps. We have almost completely stopped using disposable utensils and use reusable cups at events. We certainly plan to continue in this direction.
10. How do you think such activities can help raise broader environmental awareness? How can we motivate more people to protect and value nature?
Each target group has its own channel where their attention can be captured. For companies, it’s likely LinkedIn, while for young people, it’s easier to reach them on TikTok. Ambassadors are also important—well-known people with a positive image who can engage and educate people on such topics through their platforms. An honest and sincere approach is crucial, as well as knowing who you want to convey your message to.
RSI left the trail much cleaner than when they arrived
In Estonia, companies can participate in Earth Day celebrations in various ways. For example, you can organize a trash clean-up hike for your team or department with our help. This way, you can do good for our nature and spend time together in the fresh air.
We believe that giving back to nature doesn’t have to wait for a specific day on the calendar. We organize trash clean-up hikes year-round.
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