What better time than Spring is there to focus on strategizing ways to utilize our resources better to protect our planet? As the trees blossom and new life emerges, our inspiration to ensure our future grows.
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness and allocate support for environmental protection. It is a day when people globally come together to show their commitment to protecting our planet.
But how did Earth Day begin? In 1970, US Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin was becoming more concerned about the deteriorating environment in the US. Before 1970, no laws kept factories and businesses from dumping toxic waste into waterways or emitting black smoke containing chemicals into the air.
Due to little educational outreach on environmental protection at the time, Americans were polluting the environment rapidly, causing oil spills and creating toxic dumps, ultimately leading to wildlife extinction and increasing health issues in humans and animals.
To get the word out to the American people, Senator Nelson organized teach-ins on college campuses about air and water pollution. From there, the country became more organized in tackling pollution issues.
On April 22nd, 1970, the first Earth Day, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate against 150 years of industrial impact. This day was pivotal for the environmental movement and helped create many important laws that protect our planet today.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Environmental Education Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act were all formed or put into practice in the early 1970s.
In April of 1990, Earth Day went global. People worldwide joined forces to raise awareness of what we can do together on Earth Day to make a difference.
Co-founder Monica Dallyn and her son Lincoln
- Bring native bees and other pollinators to your garden: Bees are essential to our ecosystem, and planting flowers that attract them can help support their populations. You can also build a bee house to shelter these essential pollinators.
- Organize a group to collect the plastic and trash in your neighborhood or local park: Plastic pollution is a severe problem that can harm wildlife and ecosystems. You can help by organizing a clean-up event in your community or participating in one. Our co-founder Monica takes her young son to a local park to teach him the importance of protecting the earth.
- Change the products you use in your household: Many household products contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment. By switching to eco-friendly products, you can help reduce your impact on the planet.
- Plant a tree: Trees provide many benefits to our planet, including oxygen production, carbon dioxide absorption, and habitat for wildlife. Planting a tree is a great way to help combat climate change.
- Conserve water: Water is a precious resource, and we must use it wisely. You can conserve water by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and watering your lawn and plants in the morning or evening when it's cooler.
- Don't use pesticides or chemicals in your garden: Pesticides and chemicals can harm the environment and wildlife. Using natural alternatives or practicing organic gardening can help protect our planet.
- Research and read books about planet protection: Learning about the environment can help inspire action. Many excellent books and articles about environmental issues and ways to protect our planet exist.
- Volunteer to support a local garden: Local gardens and parks need volunteers to help maintain them. Volunteering your time can help keep these critical spaces clean and healthy.
- Donate to environmental organizations: Many organizations work to protect the environment and support sustainability. Donating to these organizations can help support their work.
My Magic Carpet washable 5' x 7' Shag rug
At My Magic Carpet washable rug, we are committed to protecting our planet. You don't have to discard our rugs, which will end up in a landfill after a pet accident or spill. Just throw them in the washer; they're as good as new!
We encourage everyone to take action on Earth Day and beyond. Our shag rug is certified vegan, and we donate our rugs to assist animal shelters in making someone's future pet comfortable. We believe small actions can make a big difference in protecting our planet.