5 Ways to Help the Planet on Earth Day
A few easy ideas for getting involved this year
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Earth Day is upon us once more. Ahead of the big day tomorrow, brands small and large across the industry are spreading the word about ways to get involved. As outdoor enthusiasts and businesspeople, our home planet, as Patagonia calls it, supports us in everything we do. Consider taking a little extra time tomorrow to look after that planet in whatever way you can. If you need some inspiration for doing good this Earth Day, here are five ways you can pitch in.
Donate Shoes to Divert Them from the Landfill
Footwear is notoriously under-recycled and terrible for the environment when it ends up in landfills. Outside, our parent company, has launched a shoe drive in cooperation with the Tennessee-based organization Soles4Souls this Earth Day to collect used footwear and make sure it doesn’t end up in the dump. Each pair donated will either be recycled or shipped to micro-enterprises around the world with the aim of alleviating poverty in developing countries.
Give Your Old Socks Second Life
While you’re at it, you might as well deal with all those ratty, worn-down socks taking up space in your dresser drawer, too. Smartwool has launched an initiative called the Second Cut Project that takes old socks and upcycles them into new products like dog beds.
Starting today through May 2, consumers can celebrate Earth Day by recycling any brand or material of sock in any condition (as long as they’re clean) at drop-off bins at more than 250 participating specialty retailers nationwide. A pre-paid postage recycling bag that fits ten to 15 pairs of socks is also available through the Smartwool website when a purchase is made.
Go Earth Day “Plogging” with Fjällräven
Plogging is the Swedish activity of picking up trash while walking or jogging. It’s a great way to get out of the house with a purpose tomorrow. To celebrate Earth Day this year, Fjällräven will be offering plogging kits free for pickup at any North American brand center. Anyone who picks up a kit will also get a coupon for $50 off their next in-store purchase.
Shop Online to Support Wild Spaces
Starting today and running through April 27, the Conservation Alliance’s annual #WeKeepItWild campaign is bringing together outdoor brands that will donate five percent of online sales to support wild spaces. Participating companies this year include Backpacker’s Pantry, Gregory Packs, Helly Hansen, Royal Robbins, Ruffwear, Toad&Co, and more. If you’re planning some online shopping this week, make sure it’s with a brand that has signed up for the campaign.
Make a Pledge to Clean up Public Lands
#PickUpAmerica, an initiative from the RV brand Thor, is challenging outdoor lovers to hold themselves accountable for cleaning up public lands. The campaign includes a pledge measured in garbage bags: “I pledge to be the difference and clean up: X garbage bag(s) of trash from public lands,” the promise states, asking users to fill in a number of bags. Participants are prompted to give their name and email address to hold themselves accountable.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the planet and make our shared spaces a little cleaner this Earth Day, head over to the website and commit yourself to a few bags.