Take the day off – so long as you use it to save the planet

While in most workplaces the extra day in the leap year is simply a day when employers get a free day’s work from their staff, the trust wants its workers to use it to reflect on their environmental footprint and look at ways of reducing it.

It is also encouraging other employers to follow suit and take part in its Great Green Leap Day.

Employees are being told to take small steps like switching to energy saving light bulbs, digging their bike out of the shed or establishing compost heaps or taking the message to a wider audience by giving talks on the environmental in their local schools or community centres.

“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.”

Those outside the trust who decide to dedicate the day to environmental activity are asked to email greenleap@nationaltrust.org.uk to tell the trust what they will be doing to make a difference.

Sam Bond