Earth Day

Another Earth Day is upon us and it’s no surprise… We're so excited!! Here at Ethos we wholeheartedly believe that everyone should celebrate our home planet each and every day, however, this is a special occasion to reflect on how this holiday came to be and what we can all do to get in the spirit!

Earth Day History

Did you know that before 1970 there were no US laws in place to protect our environment? The recognition of environmental issues had yet to reach a political level and toxins ran rampant without any consequences. That is until the first Earth Day was created by Senator Gaylord Nelson, otherwise known as the birth of our modern day environmental movement! On April 22,1970 over 20 million Americans demonstrated their eagerness to bring this issue to light through protests around the country. Impressive turnout, right? Right! It was (and still is) the biggest secular protest turnout in the world. The day is remembered for its rare political unity between parties and the direct creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency later that year. Now, fast forward 55 years, we continue to fight for protection of both our Earth and its inhabitants and we are eternally grateful for the creators of a movement we love to be a part of. 

Getting in the Spirit!

Things to do today (and everyday)

• Shop small
• Supporting small/local businesses that source locally reduces our carbon footprint and decreases the demand of mass consumerism
• Get involved
• There are always opportunities to volunteer in events such as beach clean ups, tree plantings, and more! This is a great way to see and feel the change you’re making while helping out your community
• Expand your knowledge 
• Educating yourself and others on conservation efforts and our impact on the environment is the one of the most crucial steps to take in participating in the movement 

Stay Curious

It is extremely important to revive our childlike curiosity from time to time and see the world around us from a new lens. It’s our adoration and wonder that keep us passionate about protecting our home. Can you remember a time you first found something completely absurd in nature? Maybe watching caterpillars hide away in a cocoon and emerge with wings! How about a time you felt the true power of nature like a sunburn or riding a wave all the way to shore. These moments of discovery keep us in tune with our environment. In honor of our outrageous and mystifying planet, I want to share some of my favorite unfathomable facts to keep the novelty alive. 

• Hummingbird’s wings “flap” up to 80 times per second
• Coral reefs (animals, not plants!) can live for 5,000-10,000 years. They also support more than 25% of all marine life!
• The carrion plant, stapelia gigantea, secretes the scent of rotting flesh to attract flies for pollination 

Let’s Talk About it!

Change starts with awareness, and awareness starts with conversation. Having conversations with your friends, family, and community about the environment is a gateway to shared understanding and responsibility. From talking about our own personal low-waste tips and tricks to debating the very systems that are hurting sustainability efforts, communication sparks thought and thought sparks action! We encourage you to hold conversations with those around you and continuously share and consume knowledge around the topic. Each opportunity to do so is a step towards a healthier future. 

Remember to Smell the Roses

Perhaps the most traditional way to celebrate Earth Day is to show extra appreciation for the planet we love. I hope you all take a moment out of your day to smell the roses, say hello to the bees, and find the hidden shapes in the clouds. There’s so much to see.

Final Thoughts

What an incredible place to call home! We want to wish you a very happy Earth Day and remind you to celebrate this planet not only today but everyday.

Author: Jessica Simms

Hi, I’m Jessica! I worked at Ethos Los Gatos as a shop associate for over a year and now I’m sharing my newfound knowledge with you in our Ethos blog! I’m a passionate artist with a love for sustainability and protecting our incredible planet.