Earth Day

Earth Day is the best time for reflection on one’s ecological footprint. There are a lot of every day practices like recycling, carpooling, and conserving energy around the house that each person can do to help with sustainability. These efforts are all very useful, and it is especially important to remember that sustainable activities do not have to be contained within the household. Concern for the environment also involves supporting eco-friendly businesses and business practices.

It is highly encouraged to support local businesses as well as organic farms. It is important to protect natural resources, and by using organically grown raw materials, businesses are helping support the environment. Organic farms significantly benefit the environment. Since the industrial revolution, people have been looking for easier ways to farm. Unfortunately, a lot of these methods have inflicted harm upon the environment. The transition back to organic farming is an important and necessary step in sustainability. Organic farmers work with the land to care for the crop and avoid using harmful chemicals, as these are inexpensive yet detrimental shortcuts. The subsequent destruction and pollution of water, air, and soil greatly threatens the ecosystem.

Organic farms have made a lot of positive changes to conventional practices in order to protect natural resources. Crop rotation has been significant. Conventional farms plant the same crops over and over again on the same exact land. This repetition is not good for the soil, and the quality of the plants diminishes over time. Organic farms have put crop rotation into practice, as the change in produce keeps the soil fresh. Cotton is generally rotated with hearty plants like peanuts and corn. Another major change in protecting natural resources has been in irrigation. Conventional farms have a tendency to over-irrigate, thus wasting water and further harming the land. These sustainable farms use organic material to help retain moisture so the produce is hydrated without using too much water.

Organic farmers have also put into place a few important changes to reduce and remove harmful chemicals from the farming process. Conventional farmers are notoriously known for using genetically modified seeds and pesticides in the fight against weeds and pests. These chemicals are harmful to the entire environment, including the consumers. Organic farmers use untreated seeds, and they work closely with the soil to keep the pests away. They also introduce helpful insects in growing a healthy crop. The system of using trap crops is also beneficial. Trap crops are grown with the specific purpose of attracting destructive insects, thus deterring them from destroying the actual cash crop. One more major change in chemical use is in harvesting. Conventional farms harvest as soon as possible to get the produce to market. The tendency has been to use a lot of chemicals to ease the harvest. Organic farmers wait until after the first freeze to harvest because the plants are easier to remove afterward.

Organic farms are beneficial in many ways, and one more important factor is the human aspect. There is less of a dependency on massive machinery in organic farming, so there are more jobs for people. The energy created by manpower offsets the excessive use of fossil fuels in running the farming machines. Organic farming fosters a healthier environment by creating a natural and healthy work setting in addition to the natural and healthy crops.

These organic farms produce the whole range of crops, including the cotton used in making clothing. The cotton is cleaned then spun into yarn. After this, the yarn can become just about any item of apparel, ranging from t-shirts to polo shirts to tote bags. The cotton is knitted then dyed and sent to be cut and sewed into the intended product. As with all types of conventional cotton, the organic cotton is sometimes mixed with other cottons or fibers like polyester. The mixture with these other materials is also a solid use of the organic cotton, as it shows that just about any product can be created in a sustainable way.

The Anvil OR420 Men’s Organic T-Shirt is in fact made up of 100% certified organic cotton. The cotton has also been preshrunk to avoid reshaping. This t-shirt is essentially the same as any conventional cotton t-shirt, but it was made with the environment in mind. This terrific t-shirt has companion styles of Anvil OR428 for women and Anvil OR420B for youths. Each of the styles is available in fifteen colors in a wide variety of sizes.

Earth-friendly apparel does not end with t-shirts, high-quality polo shirts can also be made with organic cotton and other recycled materials. The Devon & Jones D153GR Men’s Recycled Pima Melange Pique Polo is the quintessential example of sustainable apparel. This polo shirt is a 55% recycled cotton and 45% recycled polyester blend. For a shirt that uses polyester for style and strength, it is made with recycled polyester. The women’s comparable style is the Devon & Jones D153WGR. In a wide variety of sizes and six colors each, this polo shirt makes a perfect example of style and sustainability.

Tote bags are also often made with organic materials. Use of reusable totes is another smart and simple way to reduce one’s footprint. Plastic bags are a huge source of waste, as they are made from fossil fuels which could be used on more important things. Carry a tote bag at all times in case an impromptu shopping trip happens. And plan ahead for the grocery store by bringing a few tote bags. A lot of grocery stores apply discounts for each plastic bag saved by a tote bag. One particularly smart tote bag is the econscious EC8005 Recycled Cotton Everyday Tote. It is 100% recycled cotton. Its 11.5”w x 14.5” h x 5”d dimensions with a 7 oz. weight and gusseted bottom make it a perfect size and strength for any shopping trip.

This Earth Day, it is especially encouraged to walk around wearing environmentally friendly clothing and spark up intelligent conversation about its natural origins among other important ideas about sustainability. Support of eco-conscious products and businesses goes a long way in the movement for a greener planet!

Here are some other great ways to celebrate Earth Day:

      Plant a tree or do some gardening.

      Leave the car at home.

      Buy energy saving light bulbs.

      Only purchase earth-friendly products all day.

      Use tote bags instead of plastic bags.

      Start composting.

      Reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Make a conscious effort to make these activities a part of everyday life! Earth Day is a friendly reminder that sustainability is a practical and healthy lifestyle.