Since its conception 53 years ago, Earthday was meant to be used as a rallying point for environmentalists and conservationists alike. It started with a dream held by former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, he used this day to gather people to show the government that the earth deserved protection, and there were people willing to fight for it. By the end of the year the government had created the Environmental Protection Agency to help mother earth have a voice in Washington. Since then it has become a global holiday celebrated by many other countries around the world. It was a unifying point for people from different religions, backgrounds, and beliefs since we all share the responsibility of caring for our home planet.
Despite the honest beginnings of Earthday, companies and big brands have found a way to corrupt this sacred day. Starting in early April businesses start putting out their “eco-friendly” Earthday campaigns. The media is covered in a green lens, promoting new sustainable and ethical practices that very rarely hold any truth and wash away by the first of May. It has become increasingly hard to decipher all of the Earthday jargon to see what's true and what’s not. Although as a consumer there are a few key tips and tricks that will help you sort through the mess to find products that are truly sustainable.
Be aware of buzzwords
Marketing is a psychological game and it’s only getting more difficult to spot. It’s hard not to believe the light green and neutral tones paired with phrases like “eco-friendly”, “natural” or “sustainable” although oftentimes brands can get away with this with little to no proof at all. Awareness of what they say and do to catch your eye will be a good first step into not falling for the greenwashing trap.
Do your research
The best way to know about the products you're buying is to research the brands you support. When labels say that their products were ethically produced look into the sourcing of the brand’s clothing and their manufacturing practices. It’s easy to add fluff although a great resource for seeing past this is the Good On You website. This website will give you ratings in three separate categories of how this brand’s actions affect the planet, people, and animals as well as explanations for why they received that rating. Doing your own research is always recommended but if you don't know where to start Good On You can help save your conscious on Earthday.
Know what materials to avoid
Labels can be confusing. Rows of numbers and unfamiliar words can seem daunting and overwhelming when trying to pick out new clothes. A good way to start making the labels seem a little less scary is to discover each material's benefits and downfalls. Synthetic materials will almost always have negative effects on the earth but depending on where and how natural fibers are sourced they can oftentimes not be much better. Eco-Stylist is another great resource that is easily digestible for beginners.
Overall buying new clothes in the age of immense greenwashing can be scary. You want to know that your money is going to the right people but it’s hard. It’s important to remember to be patient with yourself and others as we all try to navigate how to be a conscious consumer and continue to fight and protect our precious planet. So however you choose to celebrate this year just remember these tips and tricks to help sort through any Earthday greenwashing.
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