Earth Day 2020 marks 50 years since it began. Earth Day was started as a response to an environment in crisis; and to think that now, 50 years later, the Earth is in even more of a crisis is quite alarming. The theme for Earth Day this year is climate action. Climate change is hot topic, (when we aren’t talking about Covid 19) it represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life support systems that make our planet habitable.
So what can you and I do to show our support for this cause? The one thing that we can all do, even in isolation is to use our voices to demand a new way forward. Start conversations, raise awareness, share your thoughts and get involved. I thought I would take this opportunity to share some easy ideas for celebrating Earth Day and showing planet Earth that we love her.
- Plant a tree – and if you don't already, use the Ecosia search engine instead of Google. They use the ad revenue from your searches to plant trees where they are most needed.
- Go for a walk or a bike ride instead of using the car. One of the things that has been a positive to the current covid crisis is the reduction in pollution and carbon emissions. I have certainly enjoyed walking more than using the car.
- Hold a scavenger hunt, get your children to go out into the garden or a park area to search for specific items on a list you have made.
- Go litter picking.
- Recycle as many of your household items that you possible can and begin to look for alternatives to materials such as plastic. Many shops now offer a refill service, take containers with you to put items such as cold meat and cheese in. Alternatives to plastic food containers such as beeswax wraps are now more readily available and can be found here at Sustainabe. Other swaps that can be made include reusable face wipes which can be found here at My January Baby.
- Switch off lights and appliances when they aren’t in use.
- Make a pledge with your family. Write down a commitment and make a plan you can stick to as a family to help climate change.
- Make compost – An easy way to prevent biodegradable waste from entering landfills. The waste then turns into a natural fertiliser which you can use in your garden.
- Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth to conserve as much as you can.
Here at Gooseberry Fool, I am constantly seeking ways to make my brand even more sustainable and environmentally friendly. For those who don’t know, my cotton yarn is sourced locally to me, each item is made by hand and therefore does not require electricity. Items are sent out in sustainable cotton bags and wrapped in recycled brown paper and all waste is kept to a minimum and recycled where possible. There are many small brands who have sustainability and the environment at the heart of what they do and in the products they produce or source, here are some of my favourites:
- Cissy Wears – A curated edit of the worlds most beautiful, unique and sustainable brands for babies, kids and home. So many gorgeous wooden toys, bamboo and natural products.
- Little Jagger – Luxury bespoke children’s bedding, lighting and accessories, including the most gorgeous bamboo tableware.
- Organic Zoo – 100% organic cotton clothing produced in Europe with a commitment to quality, fair trade and the environment.
- South Hammam – A wellness store selling ethically made and eco friendly towels with 5% of profits donated to Marine Conservation Charities.
- Wunderlang – Handmade clothing for children of Mother Earth. Sewn exclusively from natural reclaimed materials and knitted with responsibly sourced wool.
- Dawn and Day – A lifestyle concept store specialising in natural and organic products.
I hope that this may have provided you with some inspiration, and you can find some time today to connect with the Earth and be thankful for all that she provides. Despite the difficulties we are currently encountering it is truly amazing to see the Earth beginning to heal itself, to hear birdsong, butterflies fluttering, plants blooming and skies clearing. My hope is that, as life returns to normal at some point, we can all remember these changes and how they made us feel so that the Earth will continue to heal.
With my love,
Rachel x
