Earth Day - is every day
By the time you’re reading this, it will be two weeks since Earth Day. The aim of Earth Day is to raise awareness towards environmental protection and at the same time encourage a rethinking of consumer behavior. While on this day over a billion people around the world turn their attention to the beauty of nature and the protection of it, many return to their habits the day after.
Environmental protection and the climate crisis are such incredibly broad and complex topics that even the most educated scientists are still struggling to understanding the crisis completely. So, as average human beings without five doctoral degrees in environmental science, political power or weather-controlling powers, can we help the cause? Is it even worth us as individuals making changes?
The answer (with overwhelming scientific proof) is YES. We as individuals can move mountains by making consistent small changes during the other 364 days acting collectively! The next question people ask is usually “Where can I start?”. Below I have added a few easy tips based around our basic needs as human beings, which when practiced throughout the year, make the difference for the environment.
FOOD: We can buy regional, organic and seasonal food directly from the producers at the weekly market near us - instead of from the discounter. Not only are these foods fresher, richer and tastier, we also support our farmers, who receive a fair price for their products.
WATER: We all know the necessity of drinking plenty of water. If we also have a reusable bottle with us as soon as we leave the house, we will always have fresh water at hand. I always have a second bottle with me for coffee to go. In some cafés you can even get a credit towards your purchase for bringing your own.
CLOTHING: Honestly, most of us actually have enough clothes in our closets. But when we do need or want something, we can shop from independent designers who make timeless, sustainable and high quality pieces. In theBook of Kin you will find many great brands! Shopping at flea markets or second-hand shops is also an option.
TRANSPORT: Slowness allows us to experience the environment more intensely. On vacation we can skip the plane and use public transport instead - there are enough beautiful places close to home. We can also move more slowly in everyday life, ideally by bike, especially if we live near a city.
