HP employee explores Antarctica

For centuries, Antarctica has attracted only the hardiest explorers, adventurers and scientists to its remote and pristine shores. Starting March 3rd, 2011, HP’s Janet Morris joins an international expedition to Antarctica comprised of students, business leaders and environmentalists led by famed polar explorer and environmental leader Robert Swan OBE.

Janet’s participation in this expedition is sponsored by the Corporate Eco Forum (CEF). CEF’s mission is to help accelerate sustainable business innovation by creating the best neutral space for business leaders to strategize and exchange best-practice insights. HP is one of 80+ companies that are members of the organization.

In November, CEF announced a contest in which an employee from one of its member companies would win an all expense paid spot on Swan’s “Leadership on the Edge” Antarctica Expedition. Janet was one of more than 100 people who submitted applications—and in early January was selected as the winner.

For Janet, who serves as the Americas Small Medium Business (SMB) Market Lead for the LaserJet and Enterprise Solutions (LES-A) organization, this is just the latest example of her ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. Among her accomplishments was the co-founding of the HP Business Advocate Program, which connects HP employees with small and medium companies to help them build more sustainable work environments. In addition, Janet recently represented HP at the COP16 event in Cancun.

The “Leadership on the Edge” program will challenge expedition participants to take personal responsibility for their own actions and prepare them to return home with the tools needed to contribute to a more sustainable future on a personal and professional level. Experts on the environment, climate change, sustainable development, and outdoor leadership will also be on hand to host presentations, debates and other sessions throughout the expedition.

Janet will share her experiences with others during the expedition via her Twitter account (JanetATHP) and her blog, "Antarctica Expedition 2011 Transforming Footprint to Fingerprint".