April 23, 2026

This piece is sponsored by POET.

At POET, Earth Day isn’t confined to a single date on the calendar. It’s part of how the company operates year-round. That mindset was on display this week in Sioux Falls as nearly 100 POET team members stepped out into the community for the company’s sixth annual Earth Day cleanup.

Coordinated in partnership with the city of Sioux Falls, this year’s volunteer effort focused on several well-traveled public spaces, including the bike trail near the Caille Branch library, Tomar Park and Falls Park.

After wrapping up their regular work responsibilities, employees spent the day picking up litter, clearing debris and helping beautify some of the city’s most visible outdoor spaces.

“Being good stewards of the Earth is core to POET’s mission, and so we treat every day as if it’s Earth Day,” said Erin Branick, media manager.

“Our team members are passionate about giving back, and this annual cleanup is one of the many ways we strive to make a positive impact on this city we’re proud to call home.”

The Sioux Falls cleanup is part of a broader, companywide initiative. All 34 of POET’s bioprocessing facilities, along with its two corporate locations, also participated in Earth Day activities ranging from park cleanups and tree planting to school visits and environmental education efforts.

Environmental stewardship is one of POET’s three community-impact pillars, alongside strengthening local communities and investing in the next generation. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, POET is a global leader in sustainable biofuels and bioproducts, focused on converting renewable resources into energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible.

As the event wrapped up in Sioux Falls, the effort left behind more than cleaner parks and trails. It reinforced a simple idea at the heart of POET’s approach: that caring for the Earth is not a once-a-year event but an ongoing responsibility.