The least we can do is give back
Hmmm. Can you feel it?
The birds sing their songs, the trees unfold their green fingers, the overcoats are packed away in the back of the closet, the sun's rays mark its presence on your skin.
Spring has found its way to Denmark.
Isn't it amazing that we live on an earth that gives us all this?
Speaking of earth, today is Earth Day. April 22 is every year the day when we celebrate the Earth and focus on the environment and climate. Like many other companies with sustainability on the agenda, we of course believe that every day should be Earth Day.
Why? Because we owe everything to the Earth, and should do just a little bit every day to make it a better place and take care of it.
With roots in Thy, we are close to nature. We feel its strength as well as vulnerability up close. It reminds us that life on Earth is fragile and that it is our noblest task to look after it and give back every time we take. "In accord with nature" may sound like some worse hippie-vaas, but in reality this is how we must live if we want to continue to be able to enjoy all the facets of spring - as well as the other seasons.
Let's take care of the Earth together. Let's give something back to it together. We honestly think it deserves that.
What is Earth Day?
Like so many other anniversaries, Earth Day originated in the United States. The day arose when a large part of the American population took to the streets on April 22, 1970 to protest against environmental pollution and for greater climate and environmental awareness. The protest was a response to increasing awareness of US environmental pollution and the major oil spill that occurred in California in 1969. The spill was the last straw needed to mobilize the people. After this, April 22 was marked and recognized as Earth Day, and is now celebrated all over the world to raise awareness of the climate.
What can you do?
It all starts with you and what you do in your everyday life. The world cannot become a better place if you do not also do something for it. On the occasion of Earth Day, we give you six things you can do to take better care of the earth. You can do it today, tomorrow, next week, or every day for the rest of your life. Remember: A little is also right.
- Buy better and with care
The clothing industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. Therefore, your clothing shopping habits are a good place to start. The best thing you can do is not buy anything at all, but we know that is not always realistic. But instead of going out and buying new, take a trip to a good thrift shop instead - most slightly larger towns have one of the really good ones, where you can always find gold. If you do not find anything good from recycling, and are really in need, then instead look into the background of the various companies and whether they are doing anything for better clothing production. It takes time, but it pays off in the end. Rather pay a little more for a piece of clothing where you are assured of proper quality and which has been produced under responsible conditions for both people and the climate.
- Let your garden be wild
In Denmark, we tend to keep the garden freshly cut and sharp all the time. Instead, try to let a piece of the garden go its own way. This will make a big difference to the life and biodiversity in your garden. You can also buy one of the many wild flower mixes and sow them in an area.
If you have a larger area that you would like to make wild, or are part of a company that would like to be greener, then you can drop by Vild med Vilje and get a lot of inspiration or become part of their movement.
- Wash less
A lot of clothes can easily withstand being used more than just once before they need to be washed. Instead of washing every time you have used it, you can instead air the clothes or spot wash them. When you finally wash, you should turn down the degrees as much as possible and avoid using fabric softeners. To avoid excessive release of microplastics, you can also wash the clothes in a washing bag, such as the one from Guppy Friend . It ensures that large parts of the discharged microplastic are caught, so that it does not end up in the water.
- Collect trash
If you are out walking, you can take a pair of gloves and a bag with you in your pocket. By always having it with you, you can collect the rubbish you find in nature on your walk and make sure it ends up in the right place: the rubbish bin. Finally, remember to sort if possible.
- Eat greener
For years we have been told to eat less meat and more vegetables. The dietary advice now also reflects this. It is also a serious matter, and can make a big difference to the planet if only everyone cuts back a little on their meat consumption. Therefore, try your hand at several meat-free days. You will be surprised how many delicious dishes there are that do not contain meat.
- Educate yourself – don't turn a blind eye
A great many people choose to turn a blind eye when it comes to the climate. That's the worst thing you can do. Instead, it is important that you educate yourself and become more knowledgeable about the whole subject – even if it can be scary reading at times. Search the web, listen to a podcast, read a book. By educating yourself, you become more aware of the consequences of your actions in everyday life, and before long you will automatically live greener due to your new knowledge. Remember that it doesn't have to be your whole everyday life that you turn upside down. Just a few changes can mean a lot in the big picture.
At ELSK, we constantly try to do our best to look after the Earth as well as possible - both in the office and in our clothing production. We are far from perfect and are constantly trying to improve. That is why we are also a member of 1% for the Planet and support various environmental organizations.
Caring for and preserving the Earth is a task we must undertake together. Not just today, but every day. Do something with us, your girlfriend, family and friends. Just a little.