EARTH DAY’S HISTORY
Today marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, it was made official back in 1970 through efforts led by the late former Wisconsin senator, Gaylord Nelson. He was concerned about the deterioration of the environment long before the first Earth Day, such as the Santa Barbara oil spill and other catastrophes which threatened the preservation of the environment. Nelson was inspired by the anti-war movement at the time, and felt that this movement could be a promising model to help energize a campaign to educate the public about rising threats of air and water pollution.
Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, urban dwellers and farmers, business and labor leaders.
EARTHDAY.ORG
HOW CAN WE CELEBRATE EARTH DAY DURING THE PANDEMIC?
This Earth Day definitely hits differently as we endure the COVID-19 pandemic and find ourselves in more limited circumstances than years before. But there are still many things we can do to show the earth some love today, as well as make a lasting impact for tomorrow.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME FOR THE EARTH
- Switch up your cleaning products to more earth-friendly options. Check out Grove.co or Ecos Products
- Upgrade your lightbulbs to more energy efficient options
- Set up a simple recycling system for your household
- Cook plant based meals with local produce
- Do your part to reduce food waste by getting your groceries delivered from Imperfect Foods
HOW TO BE MORE EARTH-CONSCIOUS WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE
- One of the best options is buying second-hand clothing, not only does it keep thousands of pounds of textiles out of landfills, but it also gives gently used brand name clothing a second chance. Check out your local thrift store or buy second-hand items online.
- If you are going to buy new clothing, consider purchasing from companies that give back to the environment and pioneer sustainable practices:
Patagonia– The activist company donates 1% of sales to support environmental organizations around the world and focuses on providing funding at the grassroots level.
Allbirds–The footwear company plans to eliminate their products’ carbon footprint. First, they measure the emissions of everything from their raw materials to their end of life. Next, they reduce their impact by incorporating things like natural and recycled materials. And finally, we offset the little bit that’s left with carbon offsets, making Allbirds a completely carbon-neutral business. Their ultimate goal is bigger—emit no carbon in the first place.
Marine Layer– Made in small batches in California, the super-soft t-shirt company uses sustainable materials such as recycled plastic and up-cycled cotton to make quality clothing you can feel good about. Marine Layer partners with charities to make limited-edition, custom-designed, absurdly soft graphic tees. $15 from each shirt goes back to that organization.
PAST THE TIME WITH EARTH-FRIENDLY CRAFTS & ENTERTAINMENT
- Create crafts that promote zero-waste by using scraps and materials you already have around the house
- Plant a cute DIY indoor herb garden
- Take a hike and build a terrarium with the organic treasures you find
- Watch an environmental documentary to learn more about climate change and other threats facing the earth
- Relax to the soothing sounds of Sir David Attenborough as he narrates Planet Earth and other nature documentaries
- Take part in your own earth hour by turning out lights and electronics
“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard. Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures.”
Gaylord Nelson
Wishing you a Happy Earth Day from the 8bitstudio Team. Check out even more things to do to celebrate Earth Day!
