Earth Day (It’s Every Day) Tips

April 12, 2023 | 0 min read

As we enter Earth Month (April), it’s a good time to reflect on all the amazing things the Earth shares with us, a reminder to reconnect with the incredible world around us, and to practice gratitude for all the beauty that the Earth provides.

The first Earth Day was created in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson because there were no legal or regulatory mechanisms in place to help ensure the environment was taken care of – there was no EPA, no Clean Air Act, no Clean Water Act. The day was created as a way to force the issue onto the national agenda.

Today, Earth Day has taken on many forms – often, it’s become another day/month to market products and try to get you to buy more things (whether they are more eco-friendly or just marketed to appear that way).

In today’s world, it can be easy to get caught up in all the *things* or pressure to constantly acquire more stuff. While we are a business that manufactures clothing, we believe Earth Day is about something far more important than just things.

Have you ever asked your friends how they feel after taking time for themselves outdoors in nature? Generally, people respond by sharing how being in nature makes them feel less stressed, more grounded, more peaceful and more fulfilled.

We often hear the statement that we should vote with our dollars – we agree with this, but also want to remind you that the most sustainable option is already in your possession.

Here’s a few tips on how we can live a lower impact lifestyle while honoring the natural world around us (not just during Earth month, but
throughout the entire year ahead) –

Go Outside. Whether you live in or outside of a city, going outside can do wonders. A 2019 study collected data from over 19,000 participants, spending at least 120 minutes in nature per week, and found that being outdoors can significantly boost health and well-being. Research suggests that being in nature can also help improve your mood and help you feel more relaxed.
Use What You Already Have. While you may sometimes need to buy something new, using what you already have is the least impactful option. We have been trained to think that when something breaks or tears, we should just throw it away and get a new one. This is a reminder to mend or fix things whenever possible – you can even take garments to a tailor to have them mended if sewing isn’t your thing.
Support Local.When you are looking to buy something, choose local first. Research suggests that buying from local businesses generates 70 percent greater local economic impact than buying from bigger box stores. It also reduces the carbon emissions associated with that product, by reducing the need for shipping or extra packaging.

Try Secondhand.
When you need something, searching for secondhand options is always a great place to start. Considering the overproduction in the fashion industry today, there are a plethora of clothing options in the secondhand market, and you can most likely find what you’re looking for.
Choose Organic When You Can.
When buying new, choose organic when you can. It will generally cost a bit more, but it helps support organic agriculture and ensures that the fiber in your garment was grown without toxic chemicals.
Search For Natural Fibers.
We are massive advocates of natural fibers. Natural fibers come from the earth, meaning that they come from plants or animals, and they boast an array of pros including: comfort, breathability, safer for sensitive skin, biodegradability, and moisture absorption.
When Buying Synthetics, Choose Recycled When Possible.
If you’re searching for a swim suit or something that is typically made with a synthetic fabric, we always recommend choosing recycled first. Either way, synthetics will contribute to the microplastics issue, so we also recommend using a Guppy Friend or Cora Ball in the washing machine to help catch the microplastics from your synthetics.

Trying to be a more thoughtful citizen often can feel overwhelming. Nowadays, we are constantly told what we should or shouldn’t be doing. Remember that every small step matters, and that you can take it as it comes.

If you choose just one change at a time, before you know it, these shifts will become an integral part of your everyday lifestyle and routine. Happy Earth Month!

Written by: City Threads Cofounders Shayna Samuels & Joe Willis, and Kestrel Jenkins, responsibility consultant & host of the Conscious Chatter podcast.