Celebrating Earth Day through the lens of industry and nature

Brianna Hintz A Tadano ATF2206-5 is on the move amongst the mountainous landscape in Cottonwood Pass, Colorado. The photo is a testament to industrial capability and environmental harmony. (Photo: Austin K)

Earth Day, on April 22, 2025, serves as a reminder of the planet’s incredible evolution – its progress, landscapes and the industries that shape the modern world. Sterling Crane USA, based in Thornton, Colorado, USA, recognises the vital connection between infrastructure development and the natural environment, operating its cranes in some of the most remote and visually stunning locales across the country.

A Tadano ATF 90G-4 travels along a beautiful pass in Telluride, Colorado, USA. (Photo: Austin K)

Every job site presents unique challenges, but Sterling Crane USA’s fleet is equipped to handle demanding conditions. In recent months, Sterling Crane USA has been running an employee photo contest, encouraging team members to capture beautiful moments from their job sites. The result is a collection of breath-taking images that highlight both the company’s expertise and the landscape in which it operates.

“As Earth Day encourages reflection on the relationship between industry and nature, Sterling Crane USA emphasises the importance of appreciating the environment while being mindful of the impact left behind.”

Earth Day was founded on April 22, 1970, amid growing public awareness of environmental issues like pollution, oil spills and pesticide use. Events such as the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring fuelled activism, alongside broader social movements of the time.

A reminder of the ever-changing environments where infrastructure work takes shape. Sterling’s Grove GMK 5250L is rigged for work on the outskirts of a scenic town in Vail, Colorado, USA. (Photo: Doug Lekang)

Senator Gaylord Nelson, inspired by student-led protests, organised the first Earth Day as a nationwide “teach-in” on environmental issues. Millions of Americans participated, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and landmark laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

Green technology

Earth Day also spurred innovation in green technology, including fuel-efficient cars, advancements in solar and wind energy and the rise of recycling programs. Industries began adopting cleaner practices, and individuals embraced more sustainable habits.

Sterling Crane USA’s photo contest produced images that reflect the balance between progress and nature. Pictured is a Tadano ATF110G5 in route to a project in Lake Powel, Utah, USA. (Photo: Austin K)

Since then, Earth Day has grown into a global movement, continuing to drive awareness and action against climate change, pollution and environmental degradation. Its legacy remains a foundation for ongoing advocacy, shaping policies and innovations that impact our world today.

It’s remarkable how resourceful humans are – building the infrastructure that surrounds us, all originating from these natural landscapes. The images submitted by employees for the photo contest have been nothing short of breath-taking.

Showcasing how human ingenuity adapts to the landscape in all conditions, Sterling Crane USA’s Liebherr LR1300 working at a wind farm in Idaho, USA. (Photo: Doug Lekang)

Shawn Byrd, Sterling Crane USA’s operations manager for the state of Colorado, reflects on Sterling’s photo contest and the images submitted.

“With some of the world’s most stunning landscapes as a backdrop, Earth Day carries extra meaning in the Rocky Mountains,” Byrd said. “The Sterling Crane USA team in the Rockies is both a leader in progress and a committed partner in supporting sustainable and renewable energy.”

Existing within nature

As Earth Day encourages reflection on the relationship between industry and nature, Sterling Crane USA emphasises the importance of appreciating the environment while being mindful of the impact left behind. When industry and nature work in harmony, they create a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.

Advances in green technology, such as renewable energy, eco-friendly manufacturing, and sustainable agriculture, show that industry can thrive while preserving the environment. By balancing progress with environmental responsibility, we can build a world where both nature and industry flourish together.

Sterling’s Grove GMK 5250L is rigged up to stack a cell tower in Wyoming, USA. (Photo: Doug Lekang)

Brianna Hintz is the marketing and communications specialist at Sterling Crane USA, managing cross-company internal and external communications and community involvement initiatives across Texas, Colorado, Montana and Nevada.

She is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities and is based in Houston, Texas, USA.