Pictured above is a glimpse of the photos submitted in the 2021 Earth Day Photo Challenge. These photos were submitted by: Top row, left to right: Luke Evancoe, NOAA; Brenda Altmeier, NOAA; Bottom row, left to right: Joyce Hill, PTO; Marifrancis Hardison-Moschopoulos, NOAA; and Nhan Dang, NOAA.

The Office of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Programs (OSEEP) is excited to bring back its virtual Department of Commerce Earth Day Photo Challenge!  Last year, the Commerce community submitted more than 200 inspiring photos, many of which were featured in Department communications ranging from OSEEP newsletters to the Department’s Federal Climate Adaptation Plan.

This year, the Photo Challenge will focus on how we as Commerce employees collectively honor our Earth.  Have someone snap a photo of you as you plant your home garden, hike a local trail, or simply admire the beauty of the great outdoors.  Selected photos will be highlighted in Department communications, including in a special edition Earth Day newsletter. Submissions are due April 8, 2022. Please read the submission instructions below before submitting your photo.

Submission instructions:

• Select a photo of yourself (family and friends may be included too) engaging with nature. Whether you’re in the foreground planting a home garden or off in the distance enjoying a beautiful landscape, we want to see YOU engaging with the natural world around you.
• Complete the participation form below and save both your signed participation form and photo in the following format: Name_Bureau (ex: John Smith_NOAA)
• Send your completed participation form and photo to syardley@doc.gov with the subject line “Photo Challenge Submission” by April 8, 2022.

The Earth Day Photo Challenge is open to all Department employees and onsite contractors. Limit one photo submission per employee. Last year’s participants are encouraged to participate again with a new photo. If you have questions, please contact Sarah Yardley at syardley@doc.gov.

Download Participation Form