You might have heard of Earth Day, but do you know what its all about? In this blog, we delve into the origins of this amazing day and explore the ways you can show support. 

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is celebrated all around the globe on April 22nd every year - first established back in 1970. Earth Day honours the achievements of the environmental movement whilst campaigning for the ongoing need to protect the planet.

How did Earth Day begin?

Earth Day began in 1970 after United States senator, Gaylord Nelson, organised a national demonstration to raise awareness for environmental issues. This kickstarted rallies across the country - evoking the US government to create the Environmental Protection Agency by the end of the year. 55 years on, Earth Day is now celebrated by over 190 countries.

How to celebrate this Earth Day

There's no set way to celebrate Earth Day - but we're happy to give you some ideas. You could plant a tree, do some litter picking, or simply just take a moment to appreciate nature! 

This year's Earth Day theme is Our Power, Our Planet: encouraging you to make smart energy choices and demand rapid renewable energy development from your local organisations. 

Why we love Earth Day

Here at Good Things, we love Earth Day! In fact, our love for the planet is how Good Things first began:

Our founder, Lucy Willoughby, saw the damage plastic pollution has on the environment whilst working on a sea turtle conservation project in Costa Rica. The lifestyles we lead are harming the Earth, with 91% of plastic waste not being recycled: causing it to pollute our land and seas. 

This experienced gave Lucy an idea... what if there was one place, bringing together fun and unusual gifts which support charities and social enterprises, are kind to the environment and fair for the people who make them? 

Organisations that support the Earth 

We're honoured to champion organisations that sustainably create gifts to support our planet. 

Inflatable Amnesty have been salvaging and repurposing broken inflatables since 2010. They've recycled over 700 tonnes of broken paddling pools, airbeds and other inflatables: hand sewing them into fabulously unique bags.

Green Toys make all of their toys from 100% recycled bottles - preventing plastic from going to landfill, saving energy and lessening their toy's carbon footprints.

Felt So Good make beautiful biodegradable felt creations. They employ over 250 people in Nepal, paying fair wages and providing flexible and secure work in rural areas. 

1 Tree Cards plant a tree for each card they sell: helping to restore forests in Nepal, Madagascar, Indonesia and Haiti. Each card also includes bee-friendly seeds inside. 

You might also like:

• Reusable goods: from bags to bottles, to reusable gift wrap, we've got you sorted.
  

• Recycled goods: explore gorgeous gifts, toys, games, stationery, cards and wrapping paper made from recycled materials that may otherwise have gone to waste

• Plastic-free gifts: Explore cotton toys, plastic-free play sets, beautiful fabric-bound notebooks, wooden games and loads more

At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.

Check out more Little Ways to Love the Planet or sign up to have Good Things popped into your inbox every week.